Obesity is a major concern in Australia, with reports suggesting a sharp rise in the number of obese people. Sedentary lifestyles, lack of physical activity, and poor eating habits are primarily to blame for the morbid obesity problem that’s affecting millions of Australians. To remedy the condition, many individuals undergo weight-loss surgery or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery . While bariatric surgery is considered a failsafe method to lose weight, many are not aware that the need for a patient to improve their quality of life extends beyond surgery. The success of bariatric procedures, including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is largely influenced by how you lead your life post surgery. Continuing the discussion, the blog post discusses various aspects of life post RNY gastric bypass. Take a look.

Controlled Diet

Post RNY gastric bypass surgery, you have to change your eating habits. Your bariatric surgeon and dietitian will prepare a diet chart that you need to follow to ensure the weight loss surgery is a success. You need to be on a liquid/pureed diet for the first four weeks post surgery and consume soft consistency foods such as scrambled eggs, sugar-free yogurt, hot cereal, cottage cheese, and mashed potatoes, along with sugar-free and caffeine-free non-carbonated fluids, such as flavored drinks and high-protein liquid supplements. Your tolerance will slowly improve and your dietitian will gradually put you on soft diet and regular foods. Make sure even after returning to regular meals, your diet should only include foods that are rich in minerals, protein, and vitamins, thereby ensuring there’s nothing that can cause any discomfort.

Regular Exercise

Once home, you will have to embark on a physical fitness program to make sure you recover well after the surgery. Your bariatric surgeon or physical fitness trainer will prepare an exercise regimen that may include walking, swimming, weight lifting, yoga, kickboxing, and several other activities, all of which are important for you. Strictly following the fitness regimen and eating right will help you regain your fitness and strength soon, and improve your energy levels necessary to perform daily chores.

Restricted Activities

Since you are still recovering from RYGB surgery, try to avoid strenuous activities as they may put pressure on your body, especially the abdomen. The staples and steri-strips need time to heal. Putting unnecessary pressure can break them, resulting in discomfort and in worst cases, infection. Your fitness trainer will also prepare the exercise regimen keeping in mind the complications of the case. Give up any activity the moment you feel discomfort, but not walking for it is a must at this stage of your recovery.

Incision Care

Even when you are discharged from the hospital, steri-strips or staples remain in the incision, which need proper care. Avoid taking a tub bath or use a pool, Jacuzzi till incision is completely healed. It is recommended that Roux en y gastric bypass patients wash their abdomen with mild soap and water when taking a shower. This is because being submerged in water for prolonged time can result in redness, swelling, soreness, pain, or foul-smelling discharge at incision site, or an unusual pain in abdomen, legs or chest.

Follow-up Visits

Regular follow-up visits are crucial in the first year post RYGB surgery to ensure your physical and mental well-being, along with positive metabolism and nutritional status. The first scheduled visit with your bariatric surgeon should be within 11-14 days. Subsequently you may have to visit the surgeon after every three months thereafter in the first year, after which the follow-up visits may become a yearly affair.

Final Words

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery redefines the way obese individuals consume food. The success of Roux en y gastric bypass largely depends on your commitment towards a healthy lifestyle. You need to follow-up with your dietitian and bariatric surgeon to successfully adjust to life after RYGB surgery. If you are in Perth or anywhere else in Australia, and struggling with morbid obesity, Perth Surgical and Bariatrics has got you covered. We are a reputable bariatric clinic dedicated to assisting patient looking to fight obesity and lose weight. To learn more about RNY gastric bypass and other weight loss surgeries, schedule an appointment. You can also call us at 08 6558 1901.