While Roux en Y gastric bypass is a successful procedure for achieving weight loss, it’s important to recognize that there can be complications after the stomach is re-sized. Patients may experience the following side effects during the first few months after their procedure:

• Nausea or vomiting: While your body is adjusting to it’s post-surgical state, it’s possible to feel nauseous if you eat or drink too fast, chew too quickly or overeat. The best way to avoid the problem is to eat slowly, chew thoroughly and keep a food diary to determine what foods might be adversely affecting your system. You should also report excessive vomiting or nausea to your physician before you become dehydrated.
• Dumping syndrome: When foods move quickly from the stomach to your small intestine, it’s common to experience nausea, cramping, bloating and diarrhea. Dumping syndrome may also cause you to feel weak and fatigued–or cause you to sweat profusely and your heart to race. Sweets are often the culprit for a dumping episode, so avoid sugars and discuss diet alterations with your surgeon.
• Food sensitivities: While you may be able to eat virtually anything prior to your surgery, that will probably not be the case after gastric bypass. Red meat, refined sugar, dairy products, junk food and especially fibrous foods may bother your stomach–or cause dumping syndrome. Some patients are able to re-introduce these foods over time, while others have to more radically change their eating patterns. A dietitian can help you determine what your body is rejecting, and may be able to suggest substitutions.
• Constipation: Since you’re consuming less after your surgery, you may become constipated. Dehydration can aggravate constipation, so make sure you’re drinking small amounts of low-calorie fluids (i.e. water) both during and between meals.

Remember, the reason you underwent gastric bypass surgery was to transform your body, life and eating habits. While it may take awhile to adjust to new eating habits and follow your physician’s recommended diet, gastric bypass can help you live longer by reducing (or avoiding) obesity-related health problems. When you schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Barker and his caring staff, they’ll walk you through the risks and benefits of surgical procedures–while supporting you each step of the way. Call 1-888-OneDrBarker today.