It is a well-established fact that you can lose a significant amount of weight post-surgery if you want to. Not only will you be able to fit into your pre-surgical clothes again, but you may also be able to fit into some smaller sizes too. If you are wondering whether or not you will lose weight after parathyroid surgery, then the answer is yes, you will lose weight. However, you should bear in mind that not all weight loss is created equal. While you might lose a significant amount of weight right away, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you will keep it off for good. Here are some tips on what you should know and what you need to do to ensure that your weight loss is both safe and sustainable.
Know What To Expect
One of the first things you will want to do following your surgery is to get your weight back to where it was pre-surgery. That might be a lot of work, so while you are waiting for your body to heal, you might want to try going on a diet or eating less calories than you normally do. It is also a good idea to discuss post-op diet and exercise with your surgeon so that you can get the most out of your surgery and avoid any complications. Knowing what to expect is essential so that you can prepare yourselves mentally and physically for the changes that are going to take place. It might be difficult to believe, but you will feel a lot better once you have lost the weight and are able to look into the mirror without feeling disheartened about your appearance.
Understand Risks And Complications
Another important thing to understand is the risks and complications that come with this type of surgery. Although it is very common for people to experience significant weight loss following parathyroid surgery, it is not always easy keeping the weight off. A lot of people gain the weight back, at least in part, due to the complications that come with the surgery. One of the most common complications is diabetes. Around 10% of parathyroid surgery patients experience de-novo (a form of) diabetes following the surgery. The good news is that this is easily managed with diet and/or pills. The bad news is that it still happens, and it can be really dangerous if not managed correctly. Another complication that tends to arise following parathyroid surgery is osteoporosis. Just over 5% of patients experience bone thinning following the surgery, which puts them at risk of fractures. Again, this is easily treated with medication, but it is still something to be wary of. There are also a number of other complications that can arise, including irritable bowel syndrome, heart disease, and more. It is best to be aware of these risks before you undergo the surgery so that you can have a better idea of what to expect. While weight loss is generally a positive thing, it comes with a lot of risks and complications that you should be aware of before you make any hasty decisions.
Seek Professional Help
It is a good idea to seek the help of a professional to assist you in keeping the weight off. A dietician could be a great help in getting you back on track and establishing some healthy eating habits. The same goes for a fitness trainer or an exercise physiologist. Having someone to assist you on your journey to better health and ward off the complications that come with weight loss can be very beneficial. It is always nice to have someone to turn to for support and guidance, especially in a new and unfamiliar situation. You might feel overwhelmed by the changes that have occurred and unsure of what to do next. Having someone to help can be really invaluable and may even save your life in the long run.
Make Sure Your Surgeon Is Up To Date
Your surgeon should always be informed about any supplements or medications that you are taking, as well as any prior surgeries that you have had. Having all of this information readily available is important in facilitating better communication going forward. It is also a good idea to get a hold of your surgeon’s personal e-mail address so that you can contact them directly with any questions or concerns that you might have following the surgery. If you do not feel comfortable reaching out via e-mail, then you can always give them a call. In any event, being up to date with your surgeon is critical, as they will be the person performing the surgery and ultimately responsible for your health outcomes.
Follow Any Post-Surgery Instructions
Your surgeon should supply you with a comprehensive list of instructions following your surgery. This will include things such as what kind of food to avoid and how to take care of yourself. They should also tell you when it is appropriate to start exercising and which exercises will be beneficial to your recovery. It is important to follow these instructions to the letter, as skipping even one meal or exercise session can have disastrous consequences. Getting the most out of your surgery and avoiding any complications requires careful monitoring and adherence to post-operative instructions. This is especially crucial in the first few weeks following your surgery, as your body is still trying to readjust to its new state and you are at a higher risk of complications simply from doing normal things like eating food and moving around.
Losing weight is a lot of work, but it is also a lot of relief. Not only will you be able to wear the clothes that you have longed to wear due to your poor eating habits and/or size, but you may even be able to fit into some smaller sizes too. While weight loss is generally a positive thing, it comes with a lot of risks and complications that you should be aware of before you make any hasty decisions. It is always a better idea to seek the help of a professional to assist you in keeping the weight off. Follow any instructions that your surgeon gives you and you will be well on your way to feeling better and looking better than ever before.