Before and after gastric bypass: what to expect from this weight reduction surgery?

Do you know what happens before and after gastric bypass? In this article we tell you about it.

The gastric bypass is the safest bariatric surgery, and the second most widely known after the gastric sleeve.

It is efficient not only to lose weight, but also to solve problems caused by obesity, such as diabetes or arterial hypertension. 

Although it is a very simple and efficient procedure to lose weight, the surgery implies an important change in your life.

Therefore, you should know what it is like before and after gastric bypass surgery, so you can prepare yourself for this procedure, take into account everything it entails and know what to expect.

How many kilos can be lost with gastric bypass?

With the Gastric Bypass it is possible to lose between 50 or 60 kilos, that is, between 70% or 80% of the weight.

Weight loss will be progressive after surgery, that is, you will see a gradual change as time goes by. Generally, this weight loss is more marked in the 6 to 12 months after the operation.

Assuming that you follow the instructions of your bariatric surgeon and that you stick to the diet you are assigned, you should have no problem achieving noticeable weight loss.

How many kilos are lost in the first month of gastric bypass?

The first month after surgery, you will probably lose between 8 and 16 kilos, that is, approximately 20% of the excess weight.

Then, for each quarter, you will lose 20% of excess weight. After three months you will have lost 40% and after six months you will have lost 60%. In other words, you will lose 8 to 16 kilos every 3 months.

Within a year you will have lost 80% percent of the weight, maybe even 85%, so the operation guarantees very good results.

What should you do before a gastric bypass?

Before gastric bypass you must make important decisions, prepare yourself medically and mentally and adjust your diet.

Let's take a look at some of the main things you will need to do before a gastric bypass:

1. You should be evaluated by a bariatric surgeon, and if possible, by a nutritionist and a psychologist.

The first thing is the evaluation with a bariatric surgeon, as it is crucial to know if the operation is for you according to your medical history, your weight and your health conditions.

The bariatric surgeon will be your guide throughout the process, will inform you about what to expect from this type of surgery, will tell you what diet you should have before the operation, and will clarify everything that has to do with the bypass, from its risks to its advantages.

After the review with the surgeon, it is very likely that the surgeon will refer or advise you to be evaluated by a nutritionist and a psychologist, so that you are prepared both mentally and organically for the gastric bypass.

2. You will have to assume a preoperative diet.

Although dieting before surgery is not essential, it will help to prevent possible complications. before and after gastric bypass. In addition, you will be able to balance your weight a little.

Your preoperative diet should adhere to these best practices:

• Eat 7 times a day every 2 hours in this order: Breakfast, lunch (1), lunch (2), snack, snack (1), snack (2) and dinner. Mind you, in moderate quantities and without exaggeration.
• Consume plenty of fluids at lunch and snacks: herbal teas, natural fruit juices, water, etc.
• Eat lots of fruits and salads.
• Consume approximately 800 calories per day.
• Do not drink alcohol because it will irritate you.
• Do not consume carbonated beverages due to their high sugar level.
• Avoid caffeine and theine.

The diet should last about two to four weeks and will help your body to be more prepared for the operation.

3. You will have to undergo a series of preoperative studies that are essential for gastric bypass surgery

Just before the operation, you will undergo a series of clinical examinations including endoscopy, ultrasound, electrocardiogram and other tests to determine the hemoglobin level, as well as studies to rule out or confirm type 1 or 2 diabetes.

The time these preoperative studies take will depend, above all, on your body mass index; the higher your body mass index, the longer the studies will take to complete.

This is an estimate of the duration of preoperative studies with respect to different body mass indexes:

• Body mass index less than 35: 7 days
• Body mass index 35-40: 10 days
• Body mass index of 40-50: 14 days
• Body mass index greater than 50: 20 days or more.

What should be the diet after gastric bypass?

The diet after gastric bypass will vary depending on the time that has passed after the procedure. First you will have to consume only liquids and gradually eat semi-solid foods, first pureed and then solid foods. 

The most important thing is to be aware of what you can eat and what you can not. Let's talk about it in detail.

What to eat and what not to eat?

• First day after surgeryYou will only be able to drink liquids. It can be broth, juice without sugar, skimmed milk, gelatins, etc. You cannot drink other liquids.
• After one weekYou can eat pureed or mashed foods. It should not have solid chunks, but like a soft paste. Some of these foods can be soft scrambled eggs, soft boiled fruits or vegetables, etc. Eat very slowly and mix with water or other liquids.
• After several weeksStart with soft foods, ground beef, chicken, cottage cheese, cooked, skinless vegetables, rice, cooked cereal, shredded fish, etc.
• At 8 weeksYou can start eating solid foods. Avoid very hard meats, breads, fizzy drinks, fried food, dried fruits, raw vegetables, etc.

Tips for eating without feeling bad after gastric bypass surgery

Remember that gastric bypass is a delicate procedure, so you will have to be careful when eating if you want to avoid discomfort:

• Eat and drink slowlyDon't rush, at the beginning you will need about 30 minutes to eat. Wait another 30 minutes to drink liquids.
• Eat in small quantitiesYou can eat 6 small meals a day, but they should be small portions so as not to strain your stomach so much.
• Chew very well what you eatDo not swallow your food without chewing it well, as your stomach will be in a delicate state.
• Decreases fats and sugarsAfter gastric bypass, your body will be less prepared to process fats and sugars, and they will probably not agree with it at the beginning. Therefore, it is a good idea to avoid their consumption completely.
• Prioritize protein-rich foodsProtein: protein will be sorely lacking in your body after gastric bypass, so try to eat plenty of foods that contain a lot of protein to ensure that your body is getting the nutrients it needs.

What can't be done after gastric bypass?

• You will not be able to do physical exercise during the first 4 weeks. Physical exercise is gradual, walking will help you, but it must be done with a specialist's indication.
• You should not move abruptly, at least in the first few weeks.
• You cannot eat processed foods or solids during the first week.
• You cannot wear tight clothing during wound recovery in the first week.

5 tips for optimal recovery after gastric bypass surgery

1. Strictly adhere to the diet assigned to you by your bariatric surgeon or nutritionist. 
2. Avoid fats or sugar.  
3. Do not retain gases.
4. Don't get frustrated, postoperative fatigue and discomfort are temporary, although recovery takes time, as long as you comply with your doctor's instructions, it should not be too long before you notice an improvement.
5. Drink very slowly, try to drink through a straw and crush your pills before swallowing them.
6. Do not stop going to your consultations, the postoperative checkup is as important as the surgery itself.

Finally, remember that to ensure that everything goes very well, you must not only understand what to do and what not to do, but you must also understand what to do and what not to do. before and after gastric bypassYou must choose well the specialist who will perform the bypass.

And in this regard, it is not only important to know how much does gastric bypass cost or what the recovery process will be like, but the type of assistance you will receive from the bariatric surgeon who will perform the bypass.