Life After Surgery

Going Back to Work
Your ability to resume pre-surgery levels of activity will vary according to your physical condition, the nature of the activity and the type of weight loss surgery you had. Many patients return to full pre-surgery levels of activity within six weeks of their procedure. Patients who have had a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure may be able to return to these activities within two to three weeks.

Birth Control & Pregnancy
It is strongly advised that women of childbearing age use the most effective forms of birth control during the first 12 to 18 months after weight loss surgery. The added demands pregnancy places on your body and the potential for fetal damage make this a most important requirement. Should you become pregnant, fluid can be removed from the band to reduce restriction during your pregnancy.

Support Groups
The widespread use of support groups has provided weight loss surgery patients an excellent opportunity to discuss their various personal and professional issues. Most learn, for example, that weight loss surgery will not immediately resolve existing emotional issues or heal the years of damage that morbid obesity might have inflicted on their emotional well-being. Harper Bariatric Medicine Institute’s bariatric surgeons have support groups in place to assist you with short-term and long-term questions and needs. Ongoing post-surgical support helps produce the greatest level of success.