Specific needs of the Bariatric Patient

Greetings! I am working with my plastic surgeon to address the needs specific to the Bariatric Patient.  Part of his practice is dedicated to life after weigt loss and body contouring and reconstruction.  It is the goal of the practice to put together a newletter to bring knowlege to and meet the needs of the specified population.  Do you have any specific topics that you think may be of particular interest or benefit to the bariatric patient?  Please reply with any topics or questions that may still plague you on a regular, or not so regular, basis.  What are some of the things that may set us apart from other  patients?  What sorts of special information should the medical personnel take into account when working with the bariatric patient. Any and all responses would be greatly appreciated.  This is a new endeavor.  Sort of a grass-roots effort to reach out to the bariatric patient from the "other side" by the medical folks. All the best, SPea

Lactose intolerance. I had no idea this might happen after my WLS.  I thought I'd been told everything by my surgeon and done a ton of research but missed this.  I believe it's important preops know it may occur and that it probably will go away after the first year.

Have you asked this on the plastic surgery board? I bet they would have lots of suggestions.

 

Sher

My plastics were done long, long ago, but I've worked with hundreds of patients over the years. The things I see are nutritional, naturally. Some of our local plastic surgeons who are courting the WLS have found that they want "better than just ok" levels of protein, albumin and iron (and ferritin andhgb & hct). Many are starting to pre-load their patients on protein in supplement AND iron AND vit C 8 weeks before and at least 8 weeks after their plastics to make sure they have every chance of healing well.