Improving Health Conditions After Bariatric Surgery: When and How?

Last updated: 2 May 2024

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Discover the timeline and methods for improving various health conditions following gastric surgery for obesity. Backed by medical research and insights from doctors caring for over 2,500 surgical patients, this guide outlines when and how different congenital diseases can be alleviated post-surgery.

1. Diabetes Type 2

Improved by 80-90%.
The quickest observation is that certain patients can discontinue their diabetic medication as early as day 1 post-surgery. This applies to individuals who have had diabetes for less than 5 years and maintain a cumulative blood sugar level (HbA1c) of less than 8.

For those with diabetes spanning over 5 years or facing challenges in blood sugar management, the process of reducing diabetes medication may unfold gradually, possibly extending over 6-12 months before discontinuation.

2. High blood pressure

Improved by 52-92%
In most cases, significant weight loss should be achieved before considering adjustments to blood pressure medication. Consultation with a healthcare professional is crucial before any changes, typically recommended 3-6 months post-surgery.
Medication adjustments should be initiated under the guidance of a healthcare provider, particularly when weight loss reaches a two-digit figure.
Only a small percentage has stopped medication immediately after surgery.

Despite these improvements, it's still recommended to monitor blood pressure daily, aiming for readings below 140/90 for normal blood pressure levels.

3. Sleep apnea or loud snoring

Improved by 74-98%
By the majority, snoring will improve within 3 weeks after surgery.
Improved conditions post-surgery may manifest as sound sleep throughout the night without interruptions or waking up feeling suffocated. Upon waking in the morning, you may feel refreshed and alert, with reduced daytime drowsiness.

Patients who relied on a CPAP ventilator before surgery often discover they can stop using it about 2 months after the procedure.

4. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Irregular menstruation sees a 100% improvement.
Menstrual cycles usually normalize (every 21-35 days) within 6 months.
Symptoms of hirsutism in women improve by 79%.
Some individuals may experience unusually heavy menstrual bleeding post-surgery, despite minimal bleeding before. It is recommended to consult a gynecologist.
Conceiving becomes significantly easier for women after surgery. It's recommended to use contraception initially and plan pregnancy one year post-surgery.

5. Joint pain, knee pain, leg pain, back pain, and bruises

Symptoms improve by 60-80%.
Improvement or resolution typically occurs within 3-6 months.
You can stop pain medications altogether or simply take paracetamol if needed.