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Considerations After Surgery
• Hair loss: Any weight loss can cause hair loss. Once weight stabilizes,
hair regain will occur.
• Loose skin: Body contour can change with weight loss. Bariatric
surgery teams can refer patients to plastic surgeons for expertise in
body contour changes following bariatric surgery.
• Constipation: Common after bariatric surgery. Recommend 64 oz
water daily, physical activity, f iber and dietary intake variety including
f ruits, vegetables, and grains. Can also be treated with medications.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy should be avoided for at least 1 year after
bariatric surgery. This period allows for weight stabilization with
identif ication and treatment of malnutrition. Many patients can
undergo safe pregnancies following bariatric surgery with the
support of their bariatric surgery team.
• Weight regain:
▶ Bariatric surgery was initially intended to be a once-in-a-lifetime
procedure.
▶ Health insurance coverage of bariatric procedures often reflects
the expectation.
▶ The prevalence of weight regain may be less than 10% in patients
with duodenal switch andup to 30% in patients with sleeve
gastrectomy.
▶ In patients who maintain nutrition and physical activity changes,
the prevalence of weight regain is less than 10%.
▶ Revision rates are increasing for bariatric surgery and are now as
high as 25% in some areas.
▶ Most common indications for bariatric surgery revision:
› Complication of initial bariatric surgery
› GERD
› Weight regain
