Gastric bypass is among the most effective weight loss options in the short and long term. Before going through the procedure, knowing how long it will take you to heal from it and the complications around healing will help you plan your schedule. Most gastric bypass surgery patients report fatigue, and while this is common, it is not normal, hence the need for medical attention. Here’s why you experience fatigue after a gastric bypass surgery.
Dehydration
Dehydration is a common occurrence after gastric bypass surgery, as the new pouch features limited capacity for food and fluids. Bariatric patients are also at risk of vomiting and diarrhea, which can worsen dehydration, causing extreme fatigue after gastric bypass surgery, hence the need to wait for some minutes after eating before taking any fluids.
Not Eating Well
Your protein consumption will directly impact your energy levels, explaining why you should take up to 80 grams daily. To meet your body’s protein needs, take supplements and protein shakes and increase your food sources as you progress on your healing journey.
Mineral or Vitamin Deficiency
Feeling faint after gastric bypass may also indicate a deficiency in essential minerals and vitamins in your body. The gastric bypass procedure works through the malabsorption of calories, affecting the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. This explains why you are feeling tired after gastric bypass.
To deal with fatigue and its related symptoms, your doctor will recommend supplements such as B12, Vitamin D, and iron.
Low Blood Pressure
Following the gastric bypass surgery, your body will require a different dose of hypertension medications to control your condition. If your doctor has yet to adjust this, talk to them, as some of these meds can cause fatigue.
Mental Health Is Compromised
A depressive episode after bariatric surgery is normal, with some patients feeling overwhelmed by the lifestyle changes ahead of them. If experiencing signs of depression, take advantage of the support services in your clinic, and if on antidepressants, continue taking them.
What To Do To Ease Fatigue After Gastric Bypass Surgery
If you are feeling tired after gastric bypass surgery, consider the following steps to improve your energy levels:
- Drink more water
- Go for a walk
- Turn on the lights and music to soothe yourself
- Go for a checkup if you have underlying health conditions
Bottomline
Feeling fatigued is a common occurrence following gastric bypass surgery and the result of underlying issues like dehydration or mineral deficiency, but these issues should only be temporary. If you are considering a gastric bypass in Tijuana, Mexico, look to Dr. Jalil Illan for professional advice.
