Vidhi Dave
Bariatric Dietician & Content Writer
How Soon After Bariatric Surgery Can I Drive?
Diet and exercise on their own generally are not sufficient to properly cure those who are extremely or excessively obese. The term “bariatric surgery” refers to an operation that is carried out on patients in order to assist them in losing weight. Evidence suggests that bariatric surgery may reduce mortality rates for patients with severe obesity, particularly when combined with post-operative adjustments to the patient’s diet and lifestyle, such as those recommended by the surgeon.
Individuals suffering from extreme obesity and accompanying health concerns may benefit from weight loss surgery.
Someone whose BMI is 25 is normal. Diet will help to maintain their weight or to lose 3-4 kg weight.
Someone whose BMI is in between 25-29.9. For him/her. Diet and extras i.e exercise, medications, herbalife, etc will help to lose weight. It helps to lose 10-12 kg.
But someone whose BMI is more than 30. He/ She falls is considered as obese. For them bariatric surgery is the only line of treatment.
Principles underlying the practice of bariatric surgery
Fundamental idea behind bariatric surgery is to limit the amount of food that a patient is able to consume while also reducing the amount of food that is absorbed by the stomach and intestines.
The process of digestion starts in the mouth, where food is digested and combined with saliva and other enzyme-containing secretions. This starts the digestive process. Next, the food makes its way to the stomach, where it is broken down further and combined with digestive juices in preparation for absorption of nutrients and calories. When food reaches the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, it is combined with bile and pancreatic juice, which causes the digestive process to speed up.
The digestion process is altered or disrupted during bariatric surgery, and as a result, food is not broken down and absorbed in the typical manner. Patients are able to lose weight and reduce their risk for health problems or disorders that are associated with obesity if they reduce the amount of calories and nutrients that they ingest.
Bariatric surgery is a Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopy is a sort of minimally invasive surgery that eliminates the need for the surgeon to create significant incisions in the patient’s skin in order to view the interior of the patient’s abdomen (tummy) and pelvis during the surgical process. This technique is also referred to as keyhole surgery or minimally invasive surgery.
To lose weight, a laparoscopic procedure called bariatric surgery is used. Surgery is performed laparoscopically which involves no major cuts. A tube that contains a light source and a camera is inserted into the patient’s abdomen or pelvis and transmits images to a television monitor.
It’s possible that the length of time it takes to heal after laparoscopic surgery will change depending on the specifics of the treatment, the patient’s health, and the circumstances. Laparoscopic surgery is often considered to be less invasive than open surgery, which is one of the reasons why it often results in a shorter recovery period.
Patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery are likely to be discharged from the hospital sooner than patients who receive open surgery in many different kinds of scenarios. Patients are typically allowed to go home within the first 48 hours after surgery.
If the surgical procedure is performed first thing in the morning, the patient should be able to walk 20 to 30 rounds. On the next day the patient can comfortably climb stairs. Patients can resume their daily activities. No bed rest is required post surgery as it is invasive. Getting back into activity as soon as possible is the single most efficient technique to cut down on recuperation time. Circulation can be improved with something as simple as walking short distances or as involved as changing postures while sleeping. A healthy blood flow expedites the healing process and reduces the risk of developing blood clots.
So the answer to “How soon after weight loss surgery can you drive?” is…
Immediately that means post surgery after 48 hours of observation the patient can drive back home after their discharge !!
It is crucial, however, to take into consideration your specific process of recuperation, any drugs you are currently taking, as well as any legal or insurance restrictions that may be applicable.
Follow the instructions given to you by your surgeon at all times, put safety first, and never try to rush through the process. Driving is a luxury that comes with obligations, and it is of the utmost importance to both your own safety and the safety of others while you are on the road to ensure that you are prepared.
Aastha Bariatrics specializes in metabolic and bariatric surgeries. Here at Aastha Bariatrics, we educate our patients thoroughly on all aspects of bariatric surgery, from the potential risks and rewards to the post-op care they can expect. Throughout their journey with bariatric surgery, we promise to be their most caring, understanding, accessible, instructional, and encouraging supporters.
