| It is important that you are aware of the common symptoms after bariatric surgery because your peace of mind is as important as your physical comfort.
The symptoms described below are normal during at least the first three months.
However if they become too problematic, do not hesitate to contact us.
1. Pain: During the first weeks after the operation, you might feel pain in the upper part of the abdomen, particularly from where the drainage tubes were removed. These are bruises
caused by the trocars during the operation. The pain is not abnormal. It is treated with Diclofenac and Paracetamol prescribed on departure.
Swelling combined with fever on the other hand is abnormal, it could mean an abdominal wall abscess and needs our attention and proper care.
Heavy pain after meals most of the time relates to the dumping syndrome, especially after a bypass (see dumping syndrome).
2. Nausea : A lot of patients complain about it at the beginning. It is the result of the new anatomical situation. Moreover, at the beginning it will contribute to the success of the operation by diminishing your appetite.
This is treated with Domperidone (Motilium*) or Ranitidine (Zantac*), on prescription.
3. Vomiting: It is an unpleasant symptom that occurs frequently after obesity surgery. Most often it results from the fact that you have not adapted yet to de the reduced size of your stomach. Eat slower.
However, it is abnormal if you cannot eat anything, not even liquid food, and you HAVE TO contact us without delay.
4. Fainting: This is a sensation of being ill and weak that leads to the loss of consciousness.
The most frequent causes are either hypotension, or a hypoglycaemic attack. Make sure that when you take antihypersensitives, that the dosage is adapted to the loss of weight. If you are treated for diabetes, contact your endocrinologist because an adjustment of your medication may be necessary.
5. A weak and cold sensation: Your operation reduces your intake of calories and the production of warmth by your body. You are cold. You have to resist the urge to absorb more calories because your objective remains to consume your reserves.
Do not mistake a cold sensation for a fever. Do not hesitate to take your temperature. If it exceeds 37.5°, please contact us.
6. Constipation/diarrhoea:
After a gastric bypass, a lot of patients are constipated. This is due to a decrease in the quantity of food ingested. It is often necessary to take a gentle laxative. Particularly avoid lactulose (Duphalac) and other products with an osmotic action provoking dumping.
After a switch, diarrhoea is common. Loose and pale stools are not alarming as long as it does not occur too frequently (4 to 5 stools per day are acceptable). Diarrhoea is mostly caused by an inadequate diet, too high in fat and/or sugar content . If the diet is right, sometimes an antibiotic that modifies the intestinal flora is necessary (by prescription).
7. Dumping syndrome: The dumping syndrome is the most common side effect of a bypass. It consists of
- abdominal pain, generally associated with cramps (like colic), possibly followed by flatulence and/or diarrhoea
- a weak sensation (fainting) possibly accompanied by perspiration (cold sweat) and tachycardia (fast heartbeat)
- intense bouts of fatigue.
This happens after ingesting food, mostly when it contains too much sugar (see the heading "bypass"). Remember to observe under which conditions this unpleasant effect occurs in order to prevent exposing yourself to it again.
In itself dumping is one of the mechanisms that reduces the excess of food and is normal.
When it happens, lie down and be patient, the symptoms will disappear spontaneously. | 
