Home Health Care After Bariatric Surgery
Surgery for weight loss, also called bariatric surgery, includes sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, which causes early satiety. This means that you will become fuller sooner because small portions of food are enough to keep you satiated, or full. There are numerous benefits to bariatric surgery, including more energy, lowered risk for heart disease, better blood pressure, and a decreased risk for diabetes. If you are unable to perform your bariatric care independently after your weight loss surgery, a home health caregiver can assist you with the following interventions while you are recovering.
Personal Hygiene Assistance
Having someone home with you after your weight loss surgery can provide you with both physical assistance and moral support. Because bariatric surgery is an abdominal procedure, you may need help to go to the bathroom. Your home health caregiver can offer you "stand by" assistance support, where they just stand in close proximity to you and assist you if needed, or give you actual physical support.
If you have drainage tubes in your abdomen following your weight loss surgery, the bariatric care provider will make sure that they are not disturbed or dislodged when you use the bathroom. The caregiver will also provide you with the tools you need to stay clean after using the bathroom such as personal wipes and water bottles that spray a gentle flow of water to the perineal area after urination and bowel movements. Perineal water bottle cleanses are especially helpful if you are too weak or unsteady to wipe yourself with toilet tissue.
Wound And Drain Care
It is essential that your surgical wound stays clean after your weight loss surgery. The home caregiver can clean and maintain the wound per your doctor's orders and monitor the site for symptoms of infection. These may include increased redness, drainage, bleeding, and inflammation. If the caregiver notices any abnormal changes in your wound, they can notify your doctor, family, or support person from the bariatric care community.
In addition to your surgical wound, the bariatric care provider will maintain the drains that have been placed inside your abdomen to help drain excess fluid. While your bariatric surgeon may remove the drains prior to your hospital discharge, there may be instances where they need to remain in place for longer periods of time.
If you are anticipating weight loss surgery, consider the benefits of a bariatric care home healthcare provider. When you receive both physical and emotional support following your procedure, you may be more likely to enjoy a speedy recovery.
For more information on bariatric care, contact a professional near you.