Stomach reduction surgery is often performed on those who are seriously obese and need to lose a significant amount of weight. There are a number of bariatric surgeries to help aid in weight loss, but the two most common are gastric bypass and lap band surgeries. Both of these procedures aid in weight loss by restricting food intake. Gastric bypass surgery is an extreme procedure that involves cutting the top pouch of the stomach and re-routing the small intestines to the small pouch. The lap band is less invasive and involves placing a band around the top of the stomach in order to limit food intake. Both have positive aspects to them, but also have potentially negative effects.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are a common negative effect after having stomach reduction surgery. These negative effects normally occur two to three months after surgery, while the newly-sized stomach is getting used to a new diet. Often, nausea and vomiting occur because of eating too quickly, eating large bites, and not chewing food properly. Eating a large amount of food at once, fills the stomach too quickly and will cause one to vomit. Until the stomach has adjusted, be aware of signs that show fullness such as pressure, chest discomfort, and pain. When these signs are present, it's time to stop eating. Eating slowly will also send a signal to the stomach that it's full; certain foods will cause upset stomach. Once you determine what foods cause nausea and vomiting, avoid them and try eating at a different time.
Food Intolerance
Foods that were frequently eaten prior to bariatric surgery may no longer be tolerated and have to slowly be introduced again when the stomach becomes adjusted to solid foods. For the first few weeks after surgery, avoid pastas and breads. Pasta and breads can form a blockage to the pouch outlet. Foods like meats and pizza should be avoided for two to three weeks after surgery, as these foods can make you sick. Certain vegetables, like cauliflower and broccoli, cause bad gas pains after stomach reduction surgery and should be avoided for the first couple of months after surgery.
Patients can often avoid these discomforts by beginning with a diet of liquids, especially the first two weeks after surgery. Once solid foods are introduced, eat slow and recognize what foods cause discomfort and avoid them. Also, avoid foods that are high in sugar.
Dehydration
Stomach reduction can cause dehydration in a number of ways. Vomiting occurs after surgery until the stomach adjusts, especially when foods are introduced. During this time, dehydration can occur. Also, not getting enough fluids after surgery can cause one to become dehydrated. During the first few months after surgery, it is important to drink at least two liters of fluid daily. Dehydration and vomiting can cause the body to lose essential vitamins and electrolytes. Sometimes severe dehydration occurs, and when this happens IV fluids are given as well as vitamins to restore what was lost.
Dumping
Dumping is a syndrome that often occurs after bariatric surgery. Dumping occurs when contents of the stomach rapidly empty into the small intestines. Dumping syndrome happens when too much sugar, greasy, or fried foods are consumed. Symptoms of dumping syndrome are nausea, diarrhea, sweating, and stomach cramping. It is not considered a serious health problem after surgery, but it will cause a person to feel awful and normally will need to lay down until it passes.
Constipation
Constipation is a common negative effect after stomach reduction surgery. Constipation occurs because food is digested slowly causing smaller and fewer bowel movement. In order to take care of constipation, increase fluid intake. Eat foods high in fiber, vegetables, and fruits. Develop a routine exercise program. If none of these methods help relieve constipation, then a laxative is recommended and should be taken according to doctor's orders.
Excessive Skin
Bariatric surgery will cause many people to lose weight rapidly because of less food intake. Pounds begin to melt off and while this is exciting for the patient, a negative effect of rapid weight loss is extra skin. Areas that are most affected by excessive skin is the arms, abdomen, thighs, and breasts. People often become self conscious of their excess skin; moreover, excessive hanging skin can also cause rash, discomfort, and limitations. Exercise will tone up some of the skin, but a majority of patients will look into cosmetic surgery as a potential remedy.
