Post-surgery

We now have ten to forty years of results to draw on, depending on the surgical technique used, and this allows us to see the real benefits and the potential complications.

1. Benefits observed after surgery:

• Gradual disappearance of obesity, significant long-lasting weight loss
• Reduction in comorbidities (weight-related illnesses)
• Improved quality of life
• Significant aesthetic improvement, which can be further enhanced by cosmetic surgery two to three years after the operation

2. Food intake after surgery

• First few weeks: blended or blitzed food. You’ll be given health and dietetic advice on your discharge from the Clinic to avoid any digestive problems and deficiencies
• Subsequently: normal food with regular dietetic monitoring

The success of the operation depends on you

• Only eat small quantities and eat slowly, chewing the food well
• Stop eating as soon as you no longer feel hungry
• Don’t drink with meals. Maintain your liquid intake at other times of the day.
• Have four to six varied, balanced meals per day. Sit down to eat, in quiet surroundings
• Don’t lie down after eating
• Drink only sugar-free liquids. Avoid very greasy or very sugary foods
• Keep up your protein intake
• Avoid fizzy drinks and effervescent medication
• Take regular physical exercise
• Take the treatments prescribed for you and attend follow-up consultations at the MOM treatment centre

3. Possible complications

• Problems linked to the technique itself, e.g. leak from a suture, hernia, slipping of the gastric band
• Nutritional deficiencies: any shortage of vitamins, minerals and trace elements can be avoided by taking vitamin tablets and eating a varied, balanced diet
• Psychological difficulties as a result of the change in body image and relationship difficulties with other people

Note: The risk of death does exist but is well below 1% (compared to 2% after a coronary stent, for example).

4. Post-operative follow-up:

The challenge, after the operation, is to avoid relapse and becoming obese again. Post-operative follow-up is therefore essential to assess your weight loss, check that you’re in good health, detect and treat any psychological problems that arise, adapt the treatments if your body isn’t coping well and check that your body is adapting to the new nutritional constraints.

1 month after the operation:

You’ll have a consultation with the surgeon to check on your recovery. Together you’ll discuss your everyday life since the operation and you’ll be able to ask any questions.

2 months after the operation:

• You’ll have a consultation with the endocrinologist who will help you introduce a suitable, balanced diet. 
• You’ll then have a consultation with the endocrinologist every three months for two years and then every six months.
• You can also see the dietitian at MOM as often as you wish.
• The psychiatrist will also see you to discuss your situation. You can then have regular consultations if necessary.

6 month after the operation:

• You’ll have another consultation with the surgeon.

1 year after the operation:

• You’ll come back to see the surgeon for a full post-operative assessment. This assessment will then be repeated every year.

2 to 3 years after the operation:

• If you wish, you can undergo plastic surgery to overcome any aesthetic problems resulting from your weight loss.

Need more information?

Montpellier Obésité:

• Website: www.montpellier-obésité.asso-web.com 
• montpellierobesite@gmail.com