Tag: Weight Loss Surgery

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. Contact us today to get started on your journey.

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. Ensuring proper nutrition and vitamin intake after gastric sleeve surgery is essential for long-term health and successful recovery. 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.

Read more: Can You Take Gummy Vitamins After Bariatric Surgery?

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.

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.