Tag: Weight Loss Surgery

Expectations After Weight Loss Surgery

Written by jefftormey on July 15, 2024. Posted in Weight Loss Surgery. No Comments on Expectations After Weight Loss Surgery

Have you struggled with weight loss programs and are considering undergoing surgery? You must have so many concerns about the procedure and, most importantly, don’t know what to expect. This guide will take you through the most important questions when it comes to what to expect after weight loss surgery.

How much weight will you lose?

The main goal when undergoing the surgery is to lose as much weight as possible. There are various surgeries, so the result usually depends on the procedure. This explains why it is crucial to choose the right bariatric surgery. Your current weight will also determine the results. However, gastric sleeve surgery is very popular. So, when it comes down to what to expect after gastric sleeve, you will likely lose as much as 40% of your extra weight. On the other hand, you may lose up to 60% of it after a gastric bypass.

What does recovery look like?

This is a very common question because you want to know how long it will take to get back on your feet after the surgery. It will depend on the individual and the type of procedure. Take the bypass surgery, for instance, which is laparoscopic. Since the surgeon makes small incisions, it means that you will recover in a short time and maybe stay in the hospital for only 2–3 days. Therefore, 3–5 weeks should be enough for you to make a full recovery and resume your daily activities.

What are the benefits of the surgery?

In most cases, the health benefits of weight loss surgery happen in no time. If you have preexisting conditions like diabetes, you will soon see physical improvements. Your blood pressure will also stabilize, and you will see changes in conditions like sleep apnea and arthritis. There will also be excellent changes in the long run as you keep your weight in check.

What changes will you make after surgery?

In matters of what to expect after gastric bypass or gastric sleeve, there will be some changes in your lifestyle. This will be very important to help keep off the extra weight and keep you in shape. You will adjust your nutrition, switching to smaller portions of healthy meals as you avoid junk, starch, carbonated drinks, alcohol, and other high-calorie foods. Daily exercise will also be your lifestyle because you must stay active to improve your metabolism and overall health.

Heed to Professional Advice After Weight Loss Surgery

You don’t have to worry about undergoing weight loss surgery in New York. With the right team, like the professionals at Lenox Hill Hospital, you are in safe hands and are sure to make a full recovery and enjoy a successful procedure.

Overweight Woman Eating Salad In A Kitchen

Tips to Consider When Eating Out After Weight Loss Surgery

Written by jefftormey on May 13, 2024. Posted in Weight Loss Surgery. No Comments on Tips to Consider When Eating Out After Weight Loss Surgery

Undergoing bariatric surgery means making a few alterations in your lifestyle to help keep your weight in check and avoid complications, but what about going out to eat? After the surgery, will you never enjoy spending time with friends and family at a restaurant? That’s not the case. The following are some handy tips to consider to stay comfortable when eating out after bariatric surgery.

Research and Check the Menu Online

Before going to any restaurant, the first thing to do is ensure the meal options meet the post-surgery requirements. You want to ensure they serve healthy meals, especially those rich in proteins and vegetables, and that use healthy fats for cooking. To be safe, you can take the time to choose the place yourself, ensuring that their options are nutritious.

Get Creative With Your Order

If you feel that the options do not necessarily align with your body’s changes, you can always customize your orders. Luckily, most restaurants are kind enough to accommodate you when you make special requests. When eating out after gastric sleeve, you can ask for dressing or sauces on the sides or only take salads. So be sure to communicate your needs with the servers.

Remember Mindful Eating and Portion Control

You must be on guard after surgery to avoid eating certain things like gum and excessive sugar and to avoid oversized portions. Mindful eating helps you adhere to this because you can listen to your body’s cues telling you that you are full. Take the time to savor your bites, and take pauses in between. To be safe, you can even order appetizers or get a take-away container to save half the portion for later.

Stay Hydrated

One more tip when eating out after a gastric sleeve surgery is to stay hydrated. The risk of confusing thirst as hunger may make you indulge more. You can drink water 30 minutes before eating, and if you must take something between meals, make sure you sip slowly and avoid drinking too much. Lastly, it is best to avoid alcohol when eating because it means more calorie intake, and it may also interfere with your mindful eating habits.

Seek advice From the Best in the Industry

Eating out after any weight loss surgery means thorough research and planning. Unlike preparing a meal at home, you must check the menu and make special requests if necessary. Be mindful of the tips above to avoid complications, and if you have any concerns, be sure to consult with our surgeons for bariatric surgery in NYC at Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program.

Why You Get Dizzy After Bariatric Surgery

Written by jefftormey on April 3, 2024. Posted in Weight Loss Blog. No Comments on Why You Get Dizzy After Bariatric Surgery

Your doctor will inform you about certain temporary changes in your body after bariatric surgery. It takes some time to adjust to the alterations in your digestive system, explaining why you will likely experience dizziness after bariatric surgery. Take a look at the reasons behind this and ways to manage it.

Dehydration

Patients are advised to increase their daily water intake and make other dietary changes. Otherwise, blood flow to the brain and blood pressure may drop, making you feel lightheaded. The more fluids you take in, the more your sugar levels stabilize. For best results, consider drinking 48–64 ounces daily.

Blood Pressure Drops

Low blood pressure is quite common in patients post-surgery, especially when they stand or sit up too quickly. Also called positional vertigo, it occurs when not enough blood flows through the organs. To prevent this, ensure that you ingest more fluids and go for regular blood pressure checks.

Read More : Is Bariatric Surgery Effective for Treating High Blood Pressure?

Blood Sugar Drops

One more cause of dizziness after weight loss surgery is reduced absorption of glucose. Considering that the procedure alters digestion and limits food intake, including sugar, insufficient glucose is expected. This is a leading cause of feeling dizzy, and to combat this, it is advisable to eat small portions of food consistently throughout the day.

Vitamin Deficiency

Due to changes in the digestive system, it is normal for the body to have issues digesting vital nutrients. Vitamin and iron deficiencies occur in most patients, and the aftermath is problems like shortness of breath, fatigue, and lightheadedness. You should eat more protein-rich meals and consult with your doctor on the best supplements to take.

Side Effects of Medication

There are various medications prescribed to patients after weight-loss surgery to help with healing. However, some have a fair share of side effects depending on the individual’s body. You might experience headaches, increased heart rate, fatigue, and dizziness.

Anastomosis

Although slim, there is a chance that a patient may experience leaks along the staple lines after surgery. This complication leads to severe abdominal pain, increased heart rate, fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness. If you are in excruciating pain, it is crucial to seek urgent medical attention because you may be suffering from anastomosis.

Seek Professional Medical Attention

Feeling lightheaded after gastric sleeve or any other weight-loss surgery happens to most patients. This is a temporary way for the body to adjust to the changes in your digestive system. However, if the symptoms persist, it is best to consult our experts for bariatric surgery in New York from Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Weight Loss Surgery

Written by jefftormey on March 8, 2024. Posted in Weight Loss Surgery. No Comments on Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Weight Loss Surgery

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.

Talk To Your Doctor Before Bariatric Surgery

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.

Gastric Bypass vs Duodenal Switch: Choosing the Correct Weight Loss Surgery Procedure

Written by jefftormey on January 10, 2024. Posted in Weight Loss Blog. No Comments on Gastric Bypass vs Duodenal Switch: Choosing the Correct Weight Loss Surgery Procedure

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.

The Duodenal Switch

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.

Seek the Help of a Professional

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.

Vitamins Needed After Weight Loss Surgery

Written by jefftormey on October 16, 2023. Posted in Weight Loss Blog. No Comments on Vitamins Needed After Weight Loss Surgery

Bariatric surgery will impact your digestive system, affecting your food intake. The surgery reduces the size of an individual’s stomach, making them consume less food. The surgery also alters the small intestines, affecting the absorption of nutrients. This means that a bariatric patient may not absorb enough vitamins, hence the need to take vitamin supplements for the rest of their life for good health. What are the best vitamins to take after bariatric surgery? Read on to find out.

What Vitamins Should I Take After Gastric Sleeve

After your bariatric surgery, you are prone to a deficiency of critical vitamins if you do intake them through supplements. Therefore, your bariatrician will prescribe some of the vitamins you need, but you can also purchase them over the counter from the supermarket or pharmacy. These vitamins include:

A-Z Multivitamins

Start by taking your multivitamins as soon as you can after surgery. Your doctor will prescribe a soluble formula for the first month after discharge and tablets later. In the first month, consider complete multivitamins and avoid vitamin skin patches and gummy options. Ensure you take the supplements with food or after meals to minimize nausea.

If taking over-the-counter multivitamins, take them in the morning and at bedtime. Remember, these supplements are different, and some surgeries will demand more multivitamins compared to others. Therefore, consult your bariatrician to establish if your vitamin routine meets your needs.

Vitamin D Combined Formula

If you are wondering what vitamins I should take after bariatric surgery, consider the vitamin D combined formula. Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the body and keeps the muscles and teeth healthy. Generally, you will need up to 3,000 international units of vitamin D3 daily. To take this vitamin, add it to your multivitamin and check if it meets your needs.

Vitamin B12

Bariatricians also recommend vitamin B12 in the vitamins bariatric patients should take list. This vitamin maintains the nervous system and helps generate the red blood cells. Changes in your small intestine and stomach after bariatric surgery will affect your vitamin B12 intake, risking deficiency.

You can take these supplements orally or through injection. If taking orally, consider 500 mg every day, and if by monthly injection, follow your healthcare professional prescription. Remember to review your intake annually with the help of your bariatric team through an annual blood draw.

Simplify Your Vitamin Supplement Routine

Taking your vitamin supplements regularly will increase your endurance, and retaining the schedule will increase success. For more information on New York City bariatric surgery, along with what vitamins should a bariatric patient take, contact Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital today.

Exercises for Optimal Health After Weight Loss Surgery

Written by jefftormey on August 2, 2023. Posted in Weight Loss Blog.

Bariatric surgery can be a life-changing decision for individuals seeking to achieve significant weight loss and improve their overall health. However, the journey toward sustainable health doesn’t end with surgery alone. Regular exercise after bariatric surgery is crucial for maintaining the positive outcomes of the procedure. Exercise not only aids in weight management but also brings many benefits to help you lead a healthier and more fulfilling life. Here are exercises you can perform after weight loss surgery.

Preserving Lean Muscle Mass

One of the critical goals after weight loss surgery is to shed excess body fat while preserving lean muscle mass. Engaging in a combination of aerobic exercises and strength training helps achieve this balance. Cardiovascular activities like brisk walking, cycling, and swimming enhance heart health, burn calories, and improve overall fitness.

Strength training exercises, such as resistance bands, free weights, and bodyweight exercises, aid in building and maintaining muscle mass. This dual approach is essential for boosting metabolism, as lean muscle burns more calories at rest.

Promoting Stability and Flexibility

Significant weight loss can sometimes result in changes in body balance and posture. The exercises after bariatric surgery that focus on stability and flexibility can mitigate these effects. Yoga and Pilates are excellent options that help improve core strength, balance, and flexibility. These exercises contribute to better posture and reduce the risk of injuries by promoting body awareness and control. As you regain confidence in your body’s movements, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy an active lifestyle.

Improving Skin Elasticity

After bariatric surgery and substantial weight loss, your skin might need time to adapt to your new body shape. While exercise after weight loss surgery cannot eliminate excess skin, it can help improve skin elasticity to some extent. Strength training exercises stimulate collagen production, improving skin’s elasticity and tone. Combined with proper hydration and skincare, regular exercise can optimize skin health and appearance.

Managing Coexisting Conditions

Weight loss surgery often positively affects various coexisting health conditions, such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. After bariatric surgery, exercise is a powerful tool to manage these conditions effectively. Aerobic exercises aid in lowering blood pressure by improving cardiovascular health and enhancing blood flow. In addition, regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, making it easier to manage blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new bariatric surgery exercise regimen.

Choosing the Right Exercises

When incorporating exercise into your routine after bariatric surgery, it’s essential to choose activities that align with your fitness level and preferences. Start gradually and listen to your body. Low-impact activities like swimming or stationary cycling are gentle on joints, making them ideal for those with joint concerns. As your fitness improves, you can slowly increase the intensity of your workouts.

Here’s To the Healthy New You

Embarking on the journey of weight loss surgery is a remarkable step toward a healthier life. To ensure the success and sustainability of your transformation, Lenox Hill Hospital can help you incorporate the right exercises after weight loss surgery into your routine. Contact us today and schedule a consultation with our representatives to learn more about weight loss surgery in New York.