What to Know About Long-Term Care after Gastric Bypass Surgery

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Gastric bypass surgery, also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery, is a type of bariatric (weight-loss) surgery in which a tiny pouch is created from a patient's current stomach. Many possible benefits of the operation include the improvement (or even reversal) of health issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

However, gastric bypass surgery is not a "cure" or a quick fix for obesity. To sustain their weight loss, patients must commit to a balanced diet and exercise plan for the rest of their lives.

The main advantage of gastric bypass surgery is significant weight loss, which leads to a reduction in obesity-related health concerns. While gastric bypass surgery is generally regarded as safe, additional surgical operations may be required if certain post-operative problems occur.

It has also been discovered that gastric bypass surgery reduces the chance of dying from diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Patients also report increased energy, pleasure with body image/appearance, and quality of life.

Over the course of two years, nearly 80% of patients who undergo laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery lose more than 70% of their extra body weight. Patients must follow a number of lifestyle practices in order to maintain their weight loss after surgery.

1. Eat and Drink Right 

Patients will be discharged from the hospital on a liquid diet supplemented with protein drinks. They normally stay on the full liquid diet for two weeks, or until their first post-operative follow-up session. They will next graduate to a soft diet and, eventually, a diet including consistent meals.. It is critical that patients stay hydrated during this time, drinking approximately 60 ounces of water per day.

2. Exercise on a Regular Basis 

Exercising on a regular basis (five to seven days per week) following surgery is critical for burning fat, maintaining muscular strength, regulating appetite, and reducing stress. Many people benefit from engaging with a fitness coach or physical therapist to find fun, long-term physical hobbies, such as hiking, swimming, or dancing.

3. Join a Support Group 

Many bariatric surgery programs provide post-operative support groups to help patients cope with the effects of surgery.

Joining a group (in person or online) can help patients stick to their new lifestyle practices which may seem rigorous at first, but eventually become second nature. Support groups can also give emotional support, as well as extended contact and access to healthcare specialists in the event that questions or concerns emerge.

4. Visit Your Healthcare Provider Regularly 

Even after surgery, it is critical for patients to follow-up with their bariatric surgeon and primary care physician as directed (usually every three months, six months, and then annually).

These visits are intended to:

- Examine for any potential long-term surgical consequences.

- Blood tests to monitor dietary deficits (taken at least every six months).

- Monitor chronic health issues and make necessary drug adjustments.

- Maintain a record of a patient's weight loss progress (weight loss may continue for up to two years after surgery).

Women in childbearing years should also contact their primary care physician or gynecologist to discuss birth control choices. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises women not to become pregnant for the first 12 to 18 months after bariatric surgery.

The Bottom Line 

For many patients, gastric bypass surgery is a springboard to the life they've wanted and deserved for years. However, while surgery is a reliable way to achieve significant weight loss, it is simply the first step. Patients must continue to be proactive and devoted to their follow-up care and daily behaviors.