What Happens if You Don’t Follow Post-Surgery Guidelines?

Bariatric surgery, also called weight loss surgery, can be a life-changing procedure as it helps with weight loss and offers an opportunity to adopt healthier habits. Adhering to post-surgery guidelines plays a central role in recovery and the long-term success of the procedure. Failing to adhere to these recommendations could result in complications, reduced effectiveness of the surgery, and setbacks in achieving health goals. Here is more information on potential issues that may arise when post-surgery guidelines are ignored:

Increased Risk of Complications 

Post-surgery guidelines are often designed to minimize complications during recovery. For weight loss surgery patients, these complications may include infections, leaks at the surgical site, blood clots, and nutritional deficiencies. Skipping prescribed medications or neglecting wound care can increase the risk of infection. Neglecting dietary recommendations, such as transitioning to softer foods during the initial stages, may stress the stomach and cause irritation or even injury at the surgical site. 

Physical activity plays a part in reducing risks such as blood clots. Ignoring recommendations for light movement or prescribed exercises during recovery could lead to circulatory problems. Failing to follow up with scheduled medical appointments might allow minor complications to go undetected and escalate into more severe conditions. 

Delays in Healing 

Healing after bariatric surgery requires discipline and adherence to the specific timeline provided by healthcare professionals. Straying from this timeline could slow down the body’s natural healing process. Introducing solid foods too quickly places strain on the digestive system and stalls healing. Drinking carbonated beverages, often restricted post-surgery, may stretch or cause discomfort in a healing stomach pouch. 

Another frequent oversight is neglecting hydration. Staying adequately hydrated is part of the recovery process, as dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and additional stress on the digestive system. Adhering strictly to hydration guidelines post-surgery supports overall recovery. 

Reduced Procedure Effectiveness 

The long-term success of weight loss surgery significantly hinges on adopting healthier lifestyle habits. Skipping prescribed dietary changes or exercise regimens post-surgery diminishes the procedure’s effectiveness. Consuming calorie-dense foods or meals that lack proper nutrients negates weight loss efforts and delays achieving target health outcomes. 

Bariatric surgery adjusts the stomach’s capacity, and overeating beyond the smaller portion sizes recommended may cause weight regain or discomfort, such as dumping syndrome. This condition occurs when foods move too quickly from the stomach to the intestines, causing distressing symptoms like nausea, cramps, diarrhea, or dizziness.

Another aspect involves adherence to nutritional supplement recommendations. Bariatric procedures often lead to reduced absorption of nutrients. Skipping supplements such as calcium or multivitamins may cause deficiencies over time, potentially leading to fatigue, bone weakness, or hair loss. 

Learn More About Weight Loss Surgery

Bariatric surgery outcomes depend on more than the procedure itself. Ignoring post-surgical guidelines increases the likelihood of complications, delays recovery, and diminishes the effectiveness of the surgery. Following the advice on dietary adjustments, hydration, physical activity, and aftercare is pivotal to a smooth recovery and long-term success. For anyone recovering from bariatric surgery, adhering to these recommendations will offer the best chance of maintaining health and achieving the desired outcomes the procedure was intended to support.