Bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) is a boon for overweight individuals. Been around for more than 15 years, the safety of this procedure is well established. It has been helping overweight people lose weight and improve their longevity, reduce risk of diabetes , blood pressure, cholesterol problems and risk of heart disease and cancers.
But bariatric surgery is just the start of the journey as you would know. Unless taken care of well with proper diet and exercise, weight gain can occur over a period of time. Depending on the procedure, you are bound to have nutritional problems and gastrointestinal problems. Some of these deficiencies may not have any symptoms at the start but can later cause major health problems. There can be reduced nutritional intake of micronutrients and macronutrients without your knowledge. Blood sugars may bounce back after few months to years after the procedure and so can cholesterol levels. Poor Vitamin D and calcium can cause bone problems. Fluctuation in blood sugars with occasional low sugars can happen.
So all is not well after bariatric surgery unless you have a good regular follow up with your endocrinologist and dietician. It is recommended that you undergo a pre-bariatric check and counselling and at least an annual post bariatric metabolic evaluation
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