Bariatric surgery, including procedures such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, is designed to reduce the size of the stomach and modify the digestive process, leading to significant weight loss. Bariatric surgery represents a profound opportunity for individuals struggling with obesity to achieve significant weight loss and improve their overall health and quality of life. However, the success of bariatric surgery relies not only on the surgical procedure itself but also on comprehensive pre-operative preparation, post-operative recovery, and long-term care.
Reviewed by Evans Mwaniki, PT
Introduction
Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure that offers hope and a fresh start to individuals struggling with severe obesity. While the surgery itself marks a significant milestone in the journey towards improved health, the road to long-term success extends far beyond the operating room. Post-bariatric surgery, therapeutic exercise physio emerges as a crucial component of comprehensive care, playing a pivotal role in optimizing outcomes and promoting sustainable wellness.
Pre-Operative Preparation
Assessing Mobility and Functionality: Before undergoing bariatric surgery, individuals may have limited mobility and functional impairments due to excess weight and obesity-related conditions. Physiotherapists assess baseline mobility, strength, and flexibility to identify areas of concern and develop personalized exercise programs to optimize pre-operative function. By improving mobility and strength pre-operatively, patients are better equipped to navigate the challenges of surgery and recovery.
Preparing for Surgery
Pre-operative exercise programs focus on preparing patients physically and mentally for surgery. Therapeutic exercises, such as breathing exercises, gentle stretching, and low-impact cardiovascular activities, help improve respiratory function, enhance cardiovascular fitness, and reduce anxiety. By engaging in pre-operative exercise, patients may also experience faster recovery times and improved surgical outcomes.
Understanding Post-Bariatric Surgery Rehabilitation
Bariatric surgery leads to significant changes in body composition and function, necessitating comprehensive rehabilitation to address physical and psychological aspects of recovery. Physiotherapy post-bariatric surgery focuses on restoring mobility, improving strength and flexibility, managing pain, and supporting patients in adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors conducive to sustained weight loss.
The Role of Therapeutic Exercises
Restoring Mobility and Functionality
Excess weight places immense strain on the musculoskeletal system, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Therapeutic exercises prescribed by physiotherapists target specific muscle groups and movement patterns to restore flexibility, range of motion, and functional capacity. Through a combination of stretching, range of motion exercises, and mobility drills, patients gradually regain their ability to perform activities of daily living with greater ease and confidence.
Strengthening Core Stability
Bariatric surgery can lead to changes in posture and core stability due to alterations in body composition and weight distribution. Therapeutic exercises focusing on core strengthening, such as pelvic tilts, abdominal bracing, and stability ball exercises, help stabilize the trunk, improve posture, and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. A strong core also enhances balance and coordination, facilitating safe and effective movement patterns in daily life.
Improving Cardiovascular Health
Regular physical activity is essential for cardiovascular health and overall well-being, particularly following bariatric surgery. Therapeutic exercises prescribed by physiotherapists, such as aerobic activities, cycling, swimming, and walking, help improve cardiovascular fitness, promote weight loss, and reduce the risk of obesity-related comorbidities. By incorporating cardiovascular exercise into their rehabilitation program, patients enhance their cardiovascular endurance and stamina, paving the way for long-term health benefits.
Managing Pain and Discomfort
Bariatric surgery, like any major surgical procedure, can be accompanied by post-operative pain and discomfort. Therapeutic exercises, combined with modalities such as heat and cold therapy, manual therapy techniques, and relaxation exercises, help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing. By addressing muscle imbalances, tension, and stiffness, physiotherapists empower patients to manage pain effectively and participate fully in their rehabilitation program.
Promoting Long-Term Weight Management
Sustainable weight loss and maintenance require a multifaceted approach that includes regular physical activity, healthy eating habits, and behavior modification. Therapeutic exercises play a key role in promoting long-term weight management by increasing energy expenditure, preserving lean muscle mass, and improving metabolic health. By incorporating resistance training, interval training, and functional exercises into their routine, patients enhance their calorie expenditure, metabolic rate, and overall fitness level, supporting their weight loss goals over time.
Conclusion
Therapeutic exercises in physiotherapy are indispensable tools in the post-bariatric surgery rehabilitation process, facilitating recovery, promoting mobility, and empowering patients to achieve long-term success. By addressing mobility impairments, strengthening core stability, improving cardiovascular health, managing pain, and supporting weight management efforts, these exercises contribute to a holistic approach to rehabilitation and wellness.
By working closely with our skilled physiotherapists and diligently adhering to their prescribed exercises, patients can optimize their recovery, regain functionality, and reclaim their lives free from the constraints of adhesions.
Nairobi Fitness Consulting will help develop a deeper understanding on what is going on in your body after your laparoscopic bariatric surgery to help inform you, and your family, authoritatively on a therapeutic exercise prescription for health improvement and also help initiating a health program or making enhancements to your existing program.
Are ready to take the first step towards a healthier and happier you? Email us at [email protected] or call us via +254-725-251930 if you have questions or comments.
Should you feel the need for more help with this, feel free to BOOK AN APPOINTMENT with us at Nairobi Fitness Consulting for curated and guided prescription and start living your best life.
