Weight loss surgery is one of the most effective solutions to help you kickstart your journey to a healthy lifestyle. You probably have many questions and concerns if you are just hearing about it. The following are the most common questions to ask about bariatric surgery.
Am I a Good Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
One of the first questions to ask is the eligibility criteria. Generally, you must be 16–70 years old to be a good candidate for surgery. You should also be recognized as morbidly obese, meaning your BMI (Body Mass Index) should be 40 or more. However, there are a few exceptions to these rules, so check with your doctor to confirm.
What Are the Available Bariatric Surgery Options?
If you are eligible for the surgery, you can now consult to find the best option for you. There are four types available.
Gastric bypass. This involves partitioning the stomach into two parts to reduce its size and redirect how food flows.
Gastric sleeve. Here, the stomach is separated and removed, reducing its size and making you feel full faster.
Gastric band/lap band. Surgery involves using a rubber ring with an inflatable balloon in your stomach to reduce the capacity.
Duodenal switch. It is a modification of the gastric sleeve where the surgeons place a valve to release food into the intestines.
How Much Weight Should I Expect To Lose?
The outcome of the procedure usually varies based on the patient. However, in most cases, you will likely lose 30–40% of your excess weight after bariatric surgery in NY. The amount of weight loss depends on the procedure and the individual.
Are There Any Risks?
Again, the risks to expect vary according to the procedure. Some of the most common include kidney stones, acid reflux, back pain, and ulcers. However, these are temporary and go away with time and proper medication. You have to exercise and watch your nutrition post-surgery; otherwise, there is a risk of not losing the weight you intend or regaining the weight you have lost.
How Long Does It Take To Heal After Bariatric Surgery?
You can leave the hospital days after surgery, and in 4–6 weeks, you should be back on your feet doing everyday tasks. You can start light exercising, gradually increasing the intensity, and remember to make dietary changes. However, for concerns like whether you are ready for pregnancy, remember to consult with your doctor first.
There are many questions to ask a bariatric surgeon, and you need an expert opinion before starting the journey. Contact our experienced surgeons at Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program to guide you before, during, and after surgery for a successful procedure.
You have likely heard that chewing gum is one way to help lose weight because it keeps your mouth occupied, reducing your calorie intake. You can’t help but wonder, can you chew gum after bariatric surgery? Read on to find out.
What Happens When You Chew Gum After Weight Loss Surgery?
Chewing gum, especially after a bariatric procedure, is not recommended. Here’s why:
It Contains High Sugar Levels
Reducing the amount of calories is a plus for weight loss, but gum is not a healthy choice. Most products contain too much sugar, sometimes more than 2g in a single stick. Eating more gum a day means consuming more sugar, which is the last thing you want to do when trying to lose weight.
It Causes Bloating
To avoid consuming a lot of sugar through chewing gum, you may opt for calorie-free alternatives, but those, too, are not recommended. When you keep chewing and not eating, chances are high that you take in a lot of air in the process.
The air goes into the digestive system, which is terrible if you have recently had bariatric surgery. For one, the pressure in the stomach increases, which interferes with the recovery process. Secondly, gas builds up, causing pain.
It Irritates the Digestive System
You already know that your digestive tract undergoes several changes post-surgery, and chewing doesn’t help the body adjust. It causes enzyme secretion, which stimulates the bowels and, in turn, causes side effects like diarrhea.
The goal of bariatric surgery is to reduce your craving for food and lower your appetite. However, you notice that chewing on an empty stomach only worsens it because it stimulates your appetite, making you hungry, meaning more food intake.
It May Cause Blockage
This may not be a serious concern for many because not everyone intentionally swallows up gum, but if that happens, then it becomes a problem. As a patient who has recently had alterations to their digestive system, doctors recommend that you properly chew your food. Since gum doesn’t digest like other food particles, swallowing it can block your bowels and, in severe cases, mean a trip back to the doctor to remove it.
Talk To Your Doctor About What You Eat After Gastric Sleeve Procedure
You can chew gum weeks after gastric sleeve, as long as it is sugar-free, but you have to be cautious because of the potential risks. Surgeons advise that you not do it, and as a patient, you would rather not risk it. Chewing gum is not worth it if you want your bariatric surgery in New York to be successful. Contact us at Lenox Hill Hospital for advice about bariatric surgery recovery.
Have you or someone you know undergone a gastric sleeve procedure? If so, you need to understand the road to recovery in the first few weeks comes with a few challenges, including one common one: halitosis or bad breath. Luckily, this side effect doesn’t last that long. So, what causes bad breath after bariatric surgery?
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
When undergoing a gastric sleeve, a large part of the stomach is removed, and in turn, there is less space for the food to go through the digestive tract. It must travel quite slowly and sometimes gets stuck in the process, leading to acid buildup in the stomach. The more the acid flows back and up into the mouth, the more it causes bad breath.
There is good news about this, however. It is treatable and is only a minor side effect that goes away after some time. There are prescription drugs you can take to reduce the condition, and luckily, the more you recover, the more your body gets used to the new stomach and finds natural ways to avoid acid reflux.
Ketosis
The state of ketosis in your body, which happens when the body opts to burn fat instead of glucose, changes after bariatric surgery. This is one of the wins of the procedure because it helps you drastically lose weight. However, in the process, the body releases ketones containing acetone as a by-product, an element known to have a fruity smell that can be considered foul.
Dehydration
Many patients suffer from bad breath after gastric sleeve surgery due to dehydration. You may forget to drink water because of your diet changes; you feel full faster and only intake small amounts of water. When this happens, it is challenging to rinse away bacteria, leaving the odor in your mouth.
Fortunately, a few tips help reduce the chances of bad breath after your surgery.
Maintain drinking the recommended eight glasses of water throughout the day in spaced-out amounts.
Avoid eating acidic meals and fizzy drinks, and have antacid tablets around.
Brush and floss your teeth after every meal, and clean your tongue.
Chew sugar-free gum throughout the day to help produce saliva to fight off bacteria in your mouth.
When you have a trusted team of NYC bariatric surgery experts from Lenox Hill Hospital on your side, you never have to worry about side effects of the procedure, like bad breath. You have experts to guide you through surgery preparation, the surgery, and recovery.
The risk of certain side effects is one of the reasons why there is an emphasis on getting enough support after bariatric surgery. Paying attention to illnesses caused by dietary changes you make is vital. In this case, the focus is on one such condition, anemia. Read on to learn how iron deficiency and gastric bypass are connected.
Causes of Iron Deficiency After Gastric Bypass
Anemia is caused after bariatric surgery due to the digestive system’s physical changes, particularly the bypassing of the duodenum. Here is where iron is absorbed by the body, so bypassing it means that the system will have issues dissolving this crucial mineral. Since iron-rich foods like meat and grains may not provide the required iron levels like they usually do, you must seek alternatives as well as incorporate other iron-rich foods.
How Do You Detect Gastric Bypass Iron Deficiency?
Iron is a crucial mineral that helps keep your hair, nails, and skin healthy. Besides that, it is also vital for the formation of hemoglobin, the content in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. The common symptoms of anemia include:
Fatigue and general body weakness
Frequent running out of breath
Chest pains
Cold hands and feet
Migraines
Dizziness
Increased heart rate
Hair loss
Nail breakage
Paleness
How Is Iron Deficiency After Surgery Treated?
When you notice the symptoms discussed above and see a specialist, they can diagnose it by checking the hemoglobin levels in your red cells. Additionally, if blood is in your stool, a colonoscopy and other imaging tests will help detect the source of the blood. You may need an urgent blood transfusion to regain blood-rich cells if confirmed to be severe.
In the meantime, you should make some dietary changes, incorporating iron-rich foods into your diet. Mineral supplements will also help you take a prescription from your doctor.
Can You Prevent Iron Deficiency After Gastric Bypass?
Before yourgastric bypass surgery in NYC, the doctors will explain the side effects. If you have any mineral deficiency disorders, you will need immediate treatment before the procedure because if not, the condition will only worsen after surgery. During recovery, you should also consider monitoring your iron levels alongside other nutrients. Your doctor will take readings six months after the surgery and at least once annually later on.
Gastric bypass and low iron tend to go together based on the nature of bariatric surgery. Therefore, you need the services of qualified doctors at Lenox Hill Hospital, NYC, to help you get through the recovery with optimum iron levels.
Ulcers are painful sores in the lining of the stomach that lead to bleeding and sometimes perforation. Ulcers after gastric bypass surgery are rare, but it helps to know the causes, types, treatment, and prevention before you undergo the procedure.
What Causes Ulcers After Bypass Surgery?
The actual cause of gastric bypass ulcers is quite elusive, but surgeons state that it may be due to increased production of acids after the procedure. There are also speculations that it is caused by gastric irritations from food, drinks, and drugs like ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin, aspirin, naproxen, and other NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs).
Additionally, h-pylori bacteria in the gut could increase the chances of developing ulcers. Smoking patients are also at risk of developing ulcer symptoms when blood is restricted from flowing into the stomach.
Types of Ulcers After Bypass Surgery
The common symptoms of an ulcer after gastric bypass include loss of appetite, abdominal pain, gas, nausea, vomiting, and blood in the stool. The rerouting of the intestines can cause two main types of ulcers in a patient: duodenum or jejunum ulcers. Duodenum ulcers are rare and are caused by erosion of the coating on the remaining stomach; these can be treated endoscopically. On the other hand, jejunum (marginal) ulcer forms due to erosion on the jejunal part a few centimeters into the anastomosis; this rarely occurs in the actual gastric pouch.
Treatment and Prevention of Ulcers Caused By Gastric Bypass
Luckily, most ulcers after surgeries heal naturally, leaving you without any complications. However, there are still instances where they become chronic and require urgent surgical or non-surgical treatment. For example, there are prescribed medications that effectively prevent acid production in the stomach.
Alternatively, in severe cases with perforations and wounds in the system, surgeons must operate. Before it gets to that, there are preventative measures that surgeons take. For instance, they can reduce the pouch size to lower acid levels or opt for absorbable sutures to prevent ulcerations.
You also have a role to play to avoid post-surgery ulcers. It helps to make lifestyle changes like eating healthy, drinking water, exercising, reducing stress levels, and avoiding fizzy drinks, alcohol, and smoking.
Rely on Your Doctor’s Recommendation
Gastric bypass and stomach ulcers are connected unless you strictly follow instructions from your doctor. Prevention is the safest route, and you can do that by being proactive, living a healthy lifestyle, and going for checkups often. If you detect any symptoms discussed above after gastric bypass in Manhattan, immediately consult us at Lenox Hill Hospital to address the underlying issue and avoid more severe complications.
Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure that comes with changes in your lifestyle, especially your diet. Due to appetite changes post-surgery, vitamin deficiencies are common, which may lead you to wonder whether gummy vitamins after bariatric surgery are a good idea.
What Makes Gummy Vitamins Appealing for Bariatric Patients?
Bariatric surgery involves alterations in your digestive organs, ensuring you feel fuller faster by reducing your appetite and food intake. On the downside, this may put you at risk of vitamin deficiencies. Some medicines are also known to interfere with the absorption of vital elements, which makes gummy vitamins quite appealing to patients.
For starters, what are gummy vitamins? These special chewy candies contain vitamins B and C, folic acid, and other water-soluble nutrients. They come in various shapes, colors, sizes, and flavors and are easy to consume, especially for people who have a hard time swallowing pills. Generally, they are safe to eat but are not recommended for people with celiac disease and bariatric surgery patients.
Why Gummy Vitamins Are a Bad Idea After Bariatric Surgery?
Your body needs vitamins after weight loss surgery, especially after a bariatric procedure when your appetite is reduced and you consume fewer calories. Although gummy vitamins for bariatric patients sound enticing, experts strongly advise against them. Here’s why.
High sugar content
One of the main reasons why you should avoid gummies is because they have high sugar levels. This means that the calories are too high, which is the last thing you want after surgery because of the counterproductive effects on your body.
Absorption issues
Another concern with vitamin gummies is that they are not easily absorbed into the body. Now imagine how hard it will be to benefit from them if you are a bariatric patient whose digestive system is now altered.
Low nutrient content
Gummies lack fortification with the nutrients you need as a bariatric patient. Many lack iron, calcium, iodine, chromium, and selenium, which are crucial for patients to maintain their health after surgery. These chewables also contain unnecessary preservatives and sugars the body doesn’t need.
Dental issues
Dentists worldwide advocate against excessive sugar and sweets because of the dangers they pose to your dental health. Gummy vitamins are not recommended, considering how they cling to your teeth and increase the chances of cavities. So, apart from your digestive health, vitamin gummies are also bad for your teeth.
Speak to a Professional
New York bariatric surgery professionals from Lenox Hill Hospital will tell you the dos and don’ts after bariatric surgery. You need all the nutrients you can get after the procedure, and there are better vitamin alternatives than gummies that will help you get back on track to lead a normal, healthy life.
Many patients experience a weight loss stall after gastric sleeve surgery, even when following their program carefully. These stalls are not unusual; they reflect the body’s adjustment to rapid weight reduction. Initially, the body burns calories quickly due to a sudden drop in intake. Over time, metabolism adapts, slowing the rate of fat loss.
Hormonal shifts, especially changes in ghrelin and leptin, also play a role in appetite and satiety. In addition, lifestyle drift, such as grazing on snacks, portion creep, or not tracking intake, can contribute to a stall. Emotional fatigue and stress further reinforce plateaus, making it critical to recognize that this stage is normal and temporary.
Recognizing the Signs of a Plateau
Not every fluctuation means you’ve hit a plateau after gastric sleeve surgery. Weight can vary daily due to hydration, sodium, and hormonal cycles. A plateau occurs when there’s no progress in weight or inches over two to four weeks.
Patients often report a 3-month stall after a gastric sleeve or a 2-month stall after a gastric sleeve, which can be discouraging. Others may face a 4-month stall after gastric sleeve, or even a 6-month stall after gastric sleeve, as the body adjusts to long-term changes. An 8-month stall after gastric sleeve may sound alarming, but it still falls within the spectrum of expected recovery and adaptation.
Tracking weight trends, body measurements, and non-scale victories, such as improved stamina or clothing fit, helps determine whether it’s a true weight stall after the gastric sleeve or simply a short-term fluctuation.
The importance of follow-up after gastric sleeve care surgery cannot be overstated. Consistent appointments allow your medical team to monitor nutrient levels, adjust meal plans, and identify any factors causing a weight loss stall.
Practical Strategies to Break Through a Plateau
Prioritize Protein at Every Meal
Protein is the cornerstone of bariatric nutrition. Patients struggling with a gastric sleeve weight loss stall often find improvement by increasing protein intake. Aim for lean sources like poultry, fish, eggs, and plant-based proteins. This preserves muscle mass, stabilizes blood sugar, and supports satiety.
Adding resistance training helps increase metabolism and burn calories even at rest. Many patients notice their stall after the gastric sleeve begins to break once strength training becomes part of their routine. Even light weightlifting or bodyweight exercises can make a measurable impact.
Dehydration can mimic hunger, leading to excess snacking. Water supports fat metabolism and prevents false hunger cues. Sugary drinks, juices, or calorie-dense coffee beverages can contribute to stalls. Choosing water or calorie-free options can help address a weight loss stall after the gastric sleeve quickly.
Reassess Meal Frequency and Portion Sizes
A common culprit of a stall after a gastric sleeve is unintentional portion creep. Small snacks throughout the day can add up, slowing progress. Structuring meals with measured portions helps recalibrate intake and keep the body on track.
Following the tips to feel better during gastric sleeve surgery recovery helps create a smoother healing journey. Gradual movement, mindful eating, and careful incision care minimize discomfort and prevent complications. A strong recovery foundation improves energy and consistency, which are vital for long-term success and avoiding a prolonged weight loss stall.
Keep a Journal to Identify Hidden Calories
Tracking meals, snacks, and beverages exposes patterns that may be overlooked. A journal can reveal behaviors, like late-night snacking, that contribute to a weight stall after a gastric sleeve. Consistent documentation empowers patients to make precise adjustments.
Beyond Diet and Exercise: Addressing the Bigger Picture
While nutrition and fitness remain central, other factors influence plateaus:
Sleep Quality – Inadequate sleep increases cortisol, a hormone linked to fat retention.
Stress Management – Chronic stress can fuel emotional eating, reinforcing a plateau after the gastric sleeve.
Mental Health – Frustration, anxiety, or depression during a stall are common. Seeking counseling or support groups helps sustain motivation.
Acknowledging these factors ensures that progress continues holistically, not just physically.
Rediscovering the joy of swimming post bariatric surgery introduces a fun, low-impact way to increase calorie burn and build muscle. Once cleared by your care team, swimming enhances fitness without straining joints and can help break through a stubborn weight loss plateau after gastric sleeve surgery.
How to Break a Stall After Gastric Sleeve With Professional Guidance
Sometimes, breaking through requires medical expertise. Nutritionists can identify deficiencies, while lab testing may uncover metabolic or hormonal imbalances. For persistent stalls, like a 6-month stall after a gastric sleeve or longer, providers may consider revisional surgery as a last resort. However, this option is rarely the first step; most patients overcome stalls with adjustments in diet, activity, and behavior.
Patients asking how to break a stall after a gastric sleeve often benefit from a structured evaluation, targeted counseling, and accountability with bariatric professionals.
A gastric sleeve weight loss stall can feel discouraging, but it does not mean failure. Whether facing a 2-month stall after a gastric sleeve or an 8-month stall after a gastric sleeve, the key is recognizing that these pauses are part of the process. Progress may slow, but sustainable habits ensure long-term success.
For ongoing support and professional strategies to overcome a plateau after gastric sleeve, Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program, a leading provider of care for gastric sleeve in NYC, offers personalized guidance and long-term care. Their multidisciplinary approach helps patients identify the root causes of stalls, adjust nutrition and activity plans, and re-engage with goals in a sustainable way. In addition to expert support, we offer a full spectrum of bariatric surgery in NY, including lap band surgery, SIPS surgery, and more. Patients can move beyond stagnation, overcome setbacks, and build a foundation for lasting weight loss success. Contact us today to take the next step.
Embarking on a journey toward a healthier self often involves bariatric surgery. A common query that surfaces is how long after bariatric surgery you can swim. This article aims to shed light on this topic, offering insights into the safe resumption of swimming activities post-surgery. Understanding the right time to re-engage with water activities is crucial for your recovery and well-being. Swimming, a therapeutic and rejuvenating exercise, can significantly enhance your post-surgery healing process. However, it’s essential to approach this activity with caution and under medical guidance to ensure your safety and maximize the benefits.
The Road to Recovery: Understanding the Timeline
After undergoing procedures like gastric sleeve or bypass, patients often wonder, can I swim after gastric sleeve? The answer lies in the healing process. It’s crucial to allow your body ample time to recover. Typically, doctors advise waiting two to four weeks before taking a dip. This period ensures that the risk of infection is minimized and the body is adequately healed.
Swimming After Gastric Sleeve: A Safe Bet?
Swimming post-surgery isn’t just safe—it’s beneficial. As a low-impact exercise, swimming after gastric sleeve surgery aids in weight loss, improves muscle tone, and enhances overall flexibility and strength. However, it’s vital to start slow and follow medical advice.
Making a Splash: How Soon Can You Swim After Bariatric Surgery?
The answer to this question is straightforward. Wait for your doctor’s green light, typically a few weeks post-surgery. This waiting period is essential for your safety and well-being.
Embracing Swimming After Bariatric Surgery
For many, swimming is more than exercise—it’s a joy. Swimming after bariatric surgery is a way to celebrate your new lifestyle. It’s not just about losing weight. It’s about gaining a new perspective on life.
Your New Beginning
You’ve gained insights into how long after bariatric surgery you can swim. Now, it’s time to embark on a transformative journey. The experts at Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program, are ready to guide you if you have any questions regarding bariatric surgery in NY. Whether you’re contemplating the life-changing decision of bariatric surgery or seeking tailored advice on post-surgery activities like swimming, their expertise shines as a guiding light. Embrace a new chapter in your life with confidence and joy. Reach out to us today and take a bold step toward a future brimming with health and vitality.
With more of the U.S. population showing signs of weight increase, obesity is a growing concern. There are several complications related to the condition—most being fatal. In cases where exercise and diet are not enough to help, experts suggest bariatric weight loss surgeries. Here is what you need to know to choose between the two standard weight loss procedures: duodenal switch surgery vs. gastric bypass.
The Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass has been around since the 50s and has proven to be one of the most effective ways to battle obesity. It is also called the Roux-en-Y and has a simple objective: To make the patient’s stomach smaller. The surgeon alters the intestines’ anatomy, changing the path of the food to reduce the digestive process by two-thirds. This way, the stomach gets smaller, making you feel full faster and lowering the calorie count.
This procedure is known scientifically as the BPD-DS (biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch). The difference between gastric bypass and duodenal switch is that this procedure starts with the gastric sleeve, followed by adjusting the intestines. During the gastric sleeve surgery, the stomach is permanently reduced to about 15%, making it more tube-like.
After resizing the stomach, the intestines are rearranged and rerouted, avoiding contact with the digestive juices. The goal is to reduce how many calories are absorbed in the body. Ultimately, the duodenal switch incorporates two procedures in one—malabsorptive and restrictive—leading to massive weight loss.
Duodenal Switch Vs Gastric Bypass: Which To Choose
Several factors come into play when deciding which technique to opt for. You need to choose an effective yet safe procedure. While the professionals will help you choose the perfect procedure, you should also know the pros and cons of each. Gastric bypass surgery is the most common, ideal for patients with a BMI of 40-50, and takes only 2 hours.
In contrast, the duodenal switch surgery works for patients whose BMI is over 50, is more invasive, and takes about 4 hours. When helping decide, doctors present the risks and advantages involved in both procedures. They account for your health, your expected weight loss level, and the probability of complications.
Surgery is effective in matters of massive weight loss. It helps reduce mobility issues, back and joint pains, sleep apnea, and several other obesity-related complications. Consider gastric bypass surgery in NYC if considering a go-to procedure with numerous benefits. Our professionals at Lenox Hill Hospital will guide you from the consultation to recovery and beyond. Contact us today to get started on your journey.
Pasta is a favorite food for most people around the world. However, if you recently had gastric sleeve surgery, this food preference may have to change, given its high-calorie level that is unsuitable for your health. Does this mean you must avoid the meal altogether? Read on to understand when you can eat pasta after gastric sleeve.
When Can I Have Pasta After Gastric Sleeve?
Immediately after gastric sleeve surgery, you will be under a 4-phase diet, and you should follow each to ensure the success of your surgery and limit post-operative complications.
In the first and second phases, limit your diet to liquids and pureed foods; hence, no pasta. You will start introducing soft foods like eggs, Greek yogurt, and some fruits and non-starchy vegetables in phase three, but still, avoid pasta as your body is still adjusting to the dietary and lifestyle changes.
So, when can you eat pasta after gastric sleeve? The twelfth week marks the start of the last phase toward attaining your weight loss goal and will differ in length among individuals. You will start adding most of the foods into your diet, including all fruits and lean meat, and then… Pasta!
While your system is healed by the time you are introducing pasta after gastric sleeve, this process should be gradual to give your body ample time to adjust. Start with a small portion and check your body’s reaction, then gradually increase the amount to as much as your stomach can hold without surpassing the recommendations ideal for meeting your weight loss goals.
A Healthy Way To Introduce Pasta After Bariatric Surgery
Despite its high carb content, pasta can be a healthy food choice, depending on how you add it to your diet. To minimize postsurgical complications, keep your blood sugars stable, and get all the nutrients that your body needs, go for whole grain pasta rather than refined pasta and pair your meal with lean proteins and vegetables. Lastly, watch your portions and avoid overeating lest you mess with your weight loss goals.
When eating pasta after gastric sleeve, introduce the food in the final phase and be careful with how you do it. For more information about medically approved ways to reduce weight, contact Lenox Hill Hospital for gastric sleeve surgery in NYC today.
