The level of aftercare you get after weight loss surgery is critically important. For gastric procedures to work fully, and for you to reach and stick to your goals, you need ongoing help, monitoring, check-ins, advice and motivation. Our aftercare programs are there to guide you on nutrition, give you a hand with your feelings and make sure you’re doing okay health-wise. They cover everything you need after gastric sleeve, band, or bypass surgery.
We help individuals adapt to altered dietary needs and habits. We discuss exercise, emotional challenges and lifestyle adjustments too. All these things need care and fine-tuned planning.
Ultimately, aftercare acts as a comprehensive safety net, fostering an approach to recovery. The long-term success of weight loss surgery hinges on the ongoing commitment to aftercare, empowering individuals to embrace a healthier lifestyle, both physically and mentally.
Gastric Band, Gastric Bypass & Gastric Sleeve Before & Aftercare
Gastric procedures, though diverse, should always be regarded as major medical interventions, necessitating care both before and after surgery. Essential guidance from medical professionals before and after gastric surgery is crucial for a successful weight loss journey.
The safety and well-being of patients hinge on sustained relationships with healthcare professionals, overseeing the entire process from the initial consultation to embracing a new, post-op lifestyle. We recognise these procedures as significant medical events and the need for comprehensive support throughout. We ensure patients receive appropriate attention, advice and monitoring for enduring success from pre-surgery preparations to sustained postoperative guidance. Our ‘Before & After’ care is paramount when it comes to the effectiveness of gastric procedures.
Understanding Pre-Surgery Needs
Before undergoing gastric surgery, patients need to undertake a range of preoperative steps to ensure a safe and successful weight loss journey. The process typically involves comprehensive medical assessments including physical examinations and tests to evaluate the patient’s suitability for their chosen procedure. Psychosocial evaluations assess mental readiness, addressing potential emotional challenges and ensuring the patient is psychologically equipped for the transformative changes ahead. Lifestyle counselling is important too. Individuals need to understand the dietary and exercise changes necessary for optimal outcomes.
As the procedure comes closer, informed decision-making is encouraged through discussions about the risks, benefits and realistic expectations associated with the surgery. Establishing a strong foundation through these pre-gastric surgery steps enhances the safety of the procedure. It also, importantly, sets the stage for effective postoperative care and long-term success in achieving and maintaining weight loss goals.
Understanding Post-Surgery Needs
Following gastric sleeve, bypass or band surgery, patients must undergo essential postoperative steps to support recovery and the long-term success of the procedure. Medical monitoring is paramount. Gastric band, bypass and gastric sleeve recovery times will vary but they all involve regular check-ups to assess the patient’s physical well-being, track weight loss progress and prevent any potential complications.
Nutritional guidance becomes a focal point. In the short term, patients may need guidance through the transition from liquid to solid foods. In the long term, they may need support managing any ongoing nutritional deficiencies. Psychological support is integral too. Patients can need help to navigate changes in body image, self-esteem and lifestyle. All this means ongoing communication with healthcare professionals is vital after any procedure. They can combine medical, nutritional and psychological support to promote sustained weight loss, improve health and deliver a positive postoperative experience.
The Aftercare Team
A strong aftercare team is essential for the success of any gastric procedure and can guide you through things you can do and things you can’t do after gastric sleeve, band or bypass surgery. The Obesity Solutions team is available for continuous support with no time limit. Our patients can contact us with questions or concerns at any time and we will always answer – even years after you’ve had the procedure.
This is in addition to formal consultation appointments planned at regular prearranged dates. During these call consultations, we will check how you are doing, monitor recovery and weight loss and provide advice on your progress. Every patient is important to us. Therefore, our whole team is fully committed to aftercare.
Recovery After Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass & Gastric Band Procedures
Recovery after gastric procedures is a comprehensive process that involves physical healing, nutritional adaptation and lifestyle adjustments. It can sound daunting, but relax. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Physical Healing
In the initial days following surgery, patients typically experience some discomfort. A hospital stay is common to monitor immediate recovery. As the body heals, individuals gradually transition from a liquid to a soft food diet under the guidance of healthcare professionals. Any surgical incisions require proper care to prevent infection. Postoperative pain is managed with medication too. With supervision, patients can slowly resume regular activities with a focus on light exercise and movement.
Gastric Bypass, Gastric Band & Gastric Sleeve Post-op Diet
One of the key aspects of weight loss treatments is adapting to a new dietary regime after any procedure. Initially, immediately following a procedure, patients are likely to be only able to consume liquids and progress to pureed and soft foods before reintroducing solid meals.
Following long-term nutritional guidance is crucial to remaining healthy and keeping weight off. Regular diet reviews and nutritional assessments are essential to address any deficiencies that may arise over time. We know many patients need support with their long-term diet after gastric sleeve, band or bypass surgery.
Psychological Adjustment
The psychological aspect of recovery is also important. We ask weight loss patients to undergo lifestyle changes and these will involve emotional and mental adjustments. Ongoing education and counselling can play a pivotal role in helping individuals navigate these challenges, fostering a positive mindset and emotional well-being. Establishing an appropriate strong support system provides encouragement and understanding throughout the transformative journey.
Long-Term Gastric Procedure Follow-Up
Recovery extends beyond the immediate postoperative period. Ongoing medical check-ups, nutritional assessments and ongoing psychological support all contribute to the overall well-being of individuals who have undergone gastric procedures. These measures ensure that any emerging issues are addressed promptly and individuals can maintain weight loss and make healthy choices for the rest of their lives
Exercise and Physical Recovery After Weight Loss Surgery
Exercise and physical recovery after weight loss surgery are both crucial components in achieving optimal health and maintaining patients at their desired weight. Postoperative exercise routines must, however, be tailored to individual requirements. They are likely to start with low-impact activities before gradually moving forward in manageable steps to more intensive workouts. It is important to undergo this progression carefully. Early exercise ought to focus on slow, gentle movements that promote circulation, reduce the risk of complications, and aid in the healing process.
As recovery progresses, it becomes possible to incorporate strength training and aerobic exercises into the patients’ post-op routine. This can enhance muscle tone, boost metabolism and support sustained weight loss. Regular physical activity not only aids in shedding excess weight, of course. It contributes to improved cardiovascular health, increased energy levels and enhanced overall well-being. It gives the patients’ mood a lift too; aiding psychological and emotional recovery.
Embracing a balanced and personalised exercise regime is a great way to harness the full benefits of weight loss surgery. Not sure where to start? Relax, we can help you as part of our aftercare services.
Emotional Life After Gastric Sleeve, Band or Bypass Surgery
Emotional well-being after gastric sleeve, band or bypass surgery is, ultimately, as important as physical recovery. Patients often experience a range of emotions, from excitement to anxiety, throughout their weight loss journey. It is important for patients to feel able to discuss these feelings with others. Friends and family are important, but we know sometimes you might need the assistance of a medical professional to navigate your way through.
We can help you embrace change with patience and self-compassion. It is important to acknowledge the emotional impact of the body and lifestyle transformations that come with weight loss surgical procedures. Regularly connecting with healthcare professionals can help you address emotional concerns at any point. We love to talk, so never worry about contacting us for a chat.
Preventative Care and Monitoring by App
We know the value of ongoing preventative care and monitoring after weight loss procedures. This is why we have developed a personalised app for our patients; EOS Medical. This guidance app helps our patients focus on their personalised care before, during and after treatment. It puts pre-op support and aftercare at your fingertips.
If you want to understand our aftercare services, including our app, feel free to contact us. We can arrange a consultation in the UK, Ireland or The Netherlands.
