The Three L's After Weight Loss Surgery

Lethargy after gastric sleeve surgery

Lethargy, a lack of energy and an increase in fatigue is a normal response to weight loss surgery. There are a number of reasons why a post-bariatric surgery patient may feel run down and sluggish in the wake of their procedure, and the most common cause is the lack of hydration. Our bodies are made up of 73% water and given that weight loss surgery involves drastically reducing the capacity of the stomach, this means that there is a reduction in the intake of water. Cells subsequently experience dehydration, which, in turn, leads to feelings of fatigue.

Another reason why post-op patients may be prone to lower levels of energy is the drastic drop in calorie consumption. It is highly likely that in the months following your surgery, you will be adjusting to a significantly lower calorie intake than you’re used to, which will consequently have a big impact on your stamina. It too is worth considering, particularly for women, that following on from surgery, your body may well be experiencing a loss of vital nutrients and minerals, such as iron and vitamins. This is a very common cause of lethargy, and if you do experience ongoing tiredness, it’s important to ensure that you’re taking monthly vitamins regularly. If tiredness persists, you need to make an appointment to see your doctor. In some cases, patients may need a specific iron infusion prior to the operation; which is something that can be discussed with your surgeon before booking in for your surgery.

Sex and libido after gastric sleeve

While losing excess pounds is the key benefit of bariatric surgery, patients who undergo the procedure may also enjoy a long-term increase in their libido (sex drive). Obesity is known for causing erectile dysfunction or shortness of breath during intercourse, both of which contribute to poor sexual performance. Obesity can also impact fertility in women due to hormonal imbalance that it creates while also causing PCOS. Therefore, both bariatric surgery and a subsequent sustained weight loss can lead to improvements in sexual function.

One advantage of weight loss surgery is that it can help correct testosterone levels in both men and women, which will often lead to higher levels of energy and a greater sex drive. A recent study published in February 2019 in the journal JAMA Surgery, also indicated that one-half of participants who underwent weight loss surgery saw better sexual function, including a boosted libido and more frequent sex, for at least five years following on from the surgery.

Loose skin after gastric sleeve

One of the most common problems that bariatric surgery patients can face in the wake of their procedure is that of loose and saggy skin. Older patients are at higher risk for getting loose skin after weight loss because their skin is less elastic and less able to recover from the change in size. Also the amount of weight you lose will impact the quality of your skin after surgery. Weight training and a regular exercise regime may help prevent or minimise excess skin, and in more severe cases, if loose skin becomes a medical issue due to infection or if the patient is uncomfortable about the look of the skin. You may need a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your options.