Prevention and management of complications after bariatric surgery

Patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass require support from health care professionals so that they can recognize complications and make appropriate postsurgical lifestyle adjustments. After surgery, patients must follow a postoperative dietary progression that begins with liquids for 3 weeks and continues with pureed and then soft solids before concluding at 10 weeks with a transition to very small amounts of regular food. Possible complications after surgery include anastomotic leak, internal hernia, ulcer, dumping syndrome, and gallstone formation. As well as watching for such complications after surgery, patients must make adjustments regarding constipation management, medication use, alcohol consumption, nutritional supplementation, contraception, and lifestyle behaviors. Failure to follow dietary guidelines and a lack of exercise can be reasons for regaining weight or not losing enough weight after surgery. With a change in lifestyle and successful weight loss after surgery, patients can reduce obesity-related comorbidities and increase their overall energy and confidence.