If you have had stomach reduction surgery (gastric sleeve, gastric bypass), you have probably lost dozens of kilograms in the first months, but that does not mean you already have a harmonious body image. The enormous excess skin weighs heavily, the breasts sag, and the skin is less elastic after being stretched for a long time – all of this can cause serious psychological and body-image problems. The only way to remove these folds of skin and fat is post-bariatric surgery.
When can post-bariatric correction start?
After 12 months. Once you have lost as much weight as needed, there is a period of weight stabilization and correction of the nutritional deficiencies that inevitably follow bariatric surgery.
Which areas most need surgery after massive weight loss?
The abdomen, thighs, buttocks, breasts, face and arms are the areas that become deformed. During the consultation, the doctor assesses the whole body and decides which areas should be operated on.
In practice, such a surgical correction can combine the following procedures in various ways: abdominoplasty, brachioplasty, thigh lift, breast lift and breast augmentation. Corrections done in a single stage are rarer; staged operations are more common, for an easier recovery and to reduce the risks of such an extensive procedure.
Preparing for the operation
You need to stop smoking a month before and not smoke for two months after the operation. Smoking slows healing and can cause complications. Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbs that can cause bleeding. Birth control pills must be stopped 4-6 weeks before the operation, as they increase the risk of blood clots. The operation is not done during your menstrual period.
How does recovery go?
The hospital stay is about 3 days, depending on the areas operated on. The recovery time depends on the size of the operation. For 3-5 days you will take painkillers and antibiotics. You will wear an elastic corset for at least 4-6 weeks to help the skin settle. The stitches dissolve (if absorbable stitches are used) or are removed 14 days after the operation. You will need 14 days of sick leave. Physical effort should be avoided for the first 2 months, after which you will gradually resume it. The scars will fade over the next year – at most two years after the operation.
What results can you expect?
Once the critical postoperative period is over and the inflammation is gone, you will "take possession" of your new, slim body – you will need to get used to your new body image. Your self-esteem will grow and the hard days will be forgotten. The great benefits of post-bariatric surgery are satisfaction with the result, social reintegration, and the return of sexuality and an active lifestyle. These operations are certainly a special event in these patients' lives and can bring about a great positive change. In the end, the goal of all these efforts is to restore self-confidence, so that the patient feels good again and enjoys living beautifully and healthily!
