How Fast Can I Return to Work After Bariatric Surgery?
What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery is performed to cause weight loss intentionally. Its primary purpose is to treat obesity and accomplish long-term changes in eating behaviors, appetite, and metabolism. Bariatric procedures include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, duodenal switch (DS), vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), biliopancreatic diversion (BPD)/ duodenal switch (DS), and gastric banding, among others.
The prevalence of obesity in the U.S. population ages 20 years and older was 35.7%. As a result of an increase in weight-loss surgeries performed, the number of obese individuals continues to climb. The most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that the number of overweight/obese individuals increased from 69.1% in 1999–2000 to 72.5% in 2009–10, with a corresponding increase in those who reported being obese.
The long-term benefits of bariatric surgery:
Bariatric surgery is a last resort for individuals with uncontrolled obesity. A primary benefit of bariatric surgery is an increase in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and reductions in the cost burden to society resulting from poor general health and comorbidities associated with obesity. It has been shown that patients undergoing bariatric surgery exhibit clinically significant improvements in HRQOL, including pain, physical function, and psychosocial aspects. Moreover, these benefits are independent of weight loss or BMI.
The recovery process after surgery:
All patients should know that they should anticipate a gradual return to normal activities and exercise levels. To maintain a healthy lifestyle following surgery, participants may be required to attend monthly support group sessions for six months after surgery and one year if having the gastric band. In addition, there are up to 15 doctor’s visits in the first two years after surgery, including follow-up by the surgeon, medical doctor, and psychologist/dietician. Patients also need to take vitamins for life.
When can I expect to return to work after bariatric surgery?
There is no cookie-cutter recovery process. Each person will heal at a different pace, depending on their body’s response to surgery and other factors they may encounter during the healing process. The average length of duration that people experience healing after weight loss surgery is 6-8 weeks. However, it can take as long as 12 weeks to return to work. The factors which play a role in the length of recovery time include what type of surgery was performed (e.g., gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy), the extent of surgical damage to surrounding tissue, and the activity levels before surgery.
What are some tips to help me get back on track with my post-surgery diet, exercise routine, and lifestyle habits – Including work?
1. Eat Healthily:
Reduce your consumption of saturated fats, carbohydrates, and processed sugars. Instead, replace them with whole grains, vegetables, and fruits (fresh or frozen). A registered dietician can help patients create a personalized weight loss surgery diet plan that will consider their pre-surgical weight loss goals and any new health conditions they may have developed after their procedure.
2. Exercise Regularly:
An exercise regimen is not relegated to the weeks and months following surgery; rather, it must become a long-term routine that will continue throughout patients’ lives to sustain their weight loss results (and, perhaps more importantly, avoid weight regain). Patients should aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week.
3. Seek Support and Resources:
Patients may need to reach out for support from family, friends, or the bariatric team itself to maintain their motivation throughout recovery (and beyond). Online community groups for patients’ post-bariatric surgery in west Texas and all over are a good channel of information. Remember that every patient’s journey is different, so it will be important to set realistic goals for yourself – and reach them!
4. Stay Positive:
Patients will encounter challenges, setbacks, and other hurdles when they feel ready to jump back into their old habits – patients must recognize these obstacles as a normal part of the recovery process rather than as failure or defeat. However, by staying positive and facing these challenges with strength and resilience, patients will be able to approach the road back to normal activities and exercise levels with a fresh mindset, which will serve them well in living an active and healthy lifestyle over the long term.
5. Modify your work environment:
Delegate some responsibilities at work, such as delegating paperwork to colleagues during the first weeks of your recovery. Reschedule meetings with co-workers and clients around the time when you are most productive (e.g., early morning vs. late afternoon). Create a plan for gradually increasing your activity level over the first few months after surgery instead of trying to pick up where you left off pre-surgery.
Summary:
Although returning to work may seem far away, take time now to identify strategies that will help you transition through the recovery process. It is also recommended that all patients make a note of the goals and achievements they hope to achieve during their journey so far, in addition to beyond surgery. This will allow for a realistic evaluation of progress over time. In addition, by anticipating areas where you might need some support or help from others, you will be able to plan accordingly during your recovery process.
