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Follow Provider’s Medication Orders After Weight Loss Surgery

Having weight loss surgery is about more than just losing weight. Bariatric surgery significantly reduces the risk of chronic diseases by promoting sustained weight loss, improving metabolic function, and reducing systemic inflammation.

According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), weight loss surgery can reduce the risk of:

• Arthritis
• Asthma
  
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Osteoarthritis
• Reflux
• Sleep apnea
• Stress incontinence
• Type 2 diabetes
• Urinary stress
• Venous stasis

Surgery can greatly help people modify their diet, improve their exercise tolerance, and boost their metabolism. These results in weight loss can help improve or even get rid of some or all of these conditions. Additionally, weight loss reduces the risk of at least 13 types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, endometrial, esophageal, gastric, kidney, liver, ovarian, pancreatic, and thyroid cancer, among others.

Weight loss surgery improves type 2 diabetes in about 90 percent of patients by helping to lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. This decreases the risk of diabetes-related health complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy. Additionally, it reduces the dosage and types of medications needed to manage diabetes.

Patients who take medication for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other chronic conditions before having weight loss surgery should continue to follow the medical plan they created with their primary care provider and surgeon. As weight fluctuates, medication dosages may be adjusted to ensure therapeutic levels. Absorption of certain medications can change, impacting how effective they are, so this will be monitored, as well. For example, extended-release medications are often less effective due to shortened transit times and reduced absorption. Switching to liquid, crushable, or sublingual formulations may be recommended, and certain medications may need to be stopped or replaced.

From sleep apnea to heart disease, many of the chronic conditions that are improved through weight loss surgery will be monitored closely for weeks and months following the procedure. And, using medications as directed by your provider will ensure your recovery from surgery in the safest and healthiest way possible.

For more information about how weight loss surgery can help improve chronic conditions, talk with your doctor or visit Premier Weight Loss Solutions.

Source: Bhavani Pokala, MD; American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery