You will see you doctor for follow-ups after undergoing bariatric surgery. Your weight loss surgeon will provide you with regularly scheduled appointments to check on your progress and ensure that you aren’t experiencing any complications.

It is satisfying as you lose excess pounds that you have always wanted to lose but there are also side effects that you may have to deal with. These side effects are quite similar to when you have flu-you will feel cold, achy and tired. Some experience hair thinning or worse, hair loss. You might also experience mood swings. Because you are losing excess pounds, there could be loose skin.

When appropriate, patients are usually advised to take regular walking exercise for faster recovery. Your physician will determine when more strenuous activities can be performed.

You are probably wondering about the weight you can lose-since this was the purpose of weight loss surgery from the beginning. Within the first year, many patients lose two-thirds of their body weight. By the end of the second post-op year, most patients have dropped a total of 70-80% of their excess body weight. Keep in mind that a small percentage of gastric bypass surgery patients do not lose any significant weight. The reason for that is that some patients refuse to give up their high calorie foods. If you are not willing to make the necessary lifestyle changes, then this is not the surgery for you.

After the surgery, you may be able to go back to work within two to three weeks. Deciding to undergo gastric bypass surgery is a major decision that can significantly change a person’s life. But before deciding, people should be well-prepared for the possible risks and sacrifices that must be made in order to obtain a healthier body. This type of surgery is advised for those that have not been successful in losing weight using traditional or natural methods.