What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgeries that are performed to eliminate the obesity problem, enable the patients to lose weight, and help them keep the ideal weight are called bariatric surgeries. These surgeries are the most effective method in the permanent treatment of obesity. They enable that the patient loses 40 - 100 kilos and is prevented from gaining weight again. Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, joint problems, and nearly 40 more diseases, which are frequently seen in overweight people, can be eliminated weight-loss surgeries.

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a surgical method performed when patients with obesity problems cannot get enough results despite following a diet, exercising, and taking medication. In bariatric surgeries, as the name suggests, approximately 80% of the stomach is surgically removed. After the surgery, the hormones that control hunger and blood sugar in the stomach and intestinal systems change largely. As the stomach shrinks, less food and calories will be taken, so the person naturally begins to lose weight and gets rid of obesity. However, it should not be forgotten that there are some terms and conditions for bariatric surgeries and some rules to be followed after surgery.

Bariatric surgeries are as effective as gastric bypass, which is an older surgical option, in terms of weight loss and in the partial or complete treatment of metabolic disorders such as diabetes. Recovery of metabolic disorders after bariatric surgeries occurs independently of the weight loss process. After bariatric surgeries, before starting to lose weight, high blood sugar levels caused by diabetes may descend to normal levels if drugs and insulin are completely or partially stopped being taken.

Diet in The Post-Operative Period of Bariatric Surgeries (Gastric Sleeve - Gastric Bypass)

After bariatric surgeries, patients should follow a diet under the guidance of a dietitian. In order to avoid nutritional deficiency after bariatric surgery, it is recommended to consume nutritious foods containing high amounts of vitamins and minerals. It is very important for patients to stick to their diets in terms of both their health and successful weight loss.

After bariatric surgery, the consumption of solid foods is reduced. For the first year, a low-carbohydrate and high-protein diet consisting of 3 or 4 stages is given to the patient by a dietitian. The amount of solid foods that can be consumed is restricted with bariatric surgeries. The diet gradually switches from liquid to solid foods. There are also some things the patient should pay attention to while consuming liquid foods. In particular, consuming liquid foods such as high-calorie, high-fat and creamy drinks prevents the patient from losing weight. If the patients take excessive calories in fluid consumption, the weight loss process may stop and, further, there may even be a risk of gaining weight.

After Bariatric Surgeries, Patients,

• Should have more meals and prefer smaller portions.
• Should chew the foods very well.
• Should exercise and do sports regularly.
• Should not consume water and other drinks 10-15 minutes before and 20-30 minutes after meals.
• Should not consume liquids and solid foods together at meals.
• Should pay attention to water consumption, and drink 1 liter of water each day before gradually increasing it to 1.5-2 liters.
• Should not skip the routine checks.
• Should follow a high-protein diet.
• Should take vitamin and mineral supplements recommended by endocrinologists, diabetologists, and nutritionists.