1. Know What to Expect
The more you understand about the risks involved, the more you can do to prevent complications. Your doctor should take time to explain what is considered normal and what constitutes a complication, so you can look for medical help if needed. After bariatric surgery, your diet will be altered forever: you won't be able to eat large meals and will have to avoid an excess of sugars and fats. Overeating will lead to problems, including vomiting, cramps or stomach pains. It's also important to understand that extreme weight loss following surgery may lead to loose skin and require plastic surgery in order to fix the problem. Even if your weight loss surgery is covered by insurance, removing excess skin will be considered elective surgery and will not be covered.
2. Organize Your Recovery Time
Even if there are no complications from the bariatric surgery, you will still experience weakness and discomfort for several weeks following the surgery. Ideally, you should limit any physical activity to a minimum, especially if it involves lifting or pushing heavy objects. If you live alone, try arranging to have somebody walk your dog or run errands for you for a few days following the surgery. Buy any prescribed medication in advance and make sure you have plenty of comfortable clothing available to lounge around the house.
3. Talk to a Therapist
Bariatric surgery will fix the physical aspects of obesity but will not provide any answers to the why and how you got there in the first place. If there are emotional or mental issues behind the weight, consider working with a therapist to make sure they are resolved. People who are addicted to food may have a hard time after surgery. Since eating in excess is not longer possible due to the reduced size of the stomach, it's possible you will turn to other items, such as alcohol, for comfort.
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