Food Intolerance

• Patients may vomit after eating foods that are difficult for them to digest after the surgery. These foods include pizza, steak, peanut butter, chicken, roast beef, cauliflower and pasta. Some of the food intolerance issues pass in the first few weeks or months; others may persist.
  
  

"Dumping" Syndrome

• "Dumping" syndrome causes diarrhea, nausea, weakness, fainting and stomach cramps. It occurs when the patient eats too much sugary or greasy foods and the small intestine tries to get rid of them very quickly.
  
  

Constipation

• Because the digestive system is altered by the surgery, bowel movements will also change--constipation is a common result, particularly for women. Laxatives may be required, as well as the consumption of more fruits, an increase in exercise and the drinking of plenty of water.
  
  

Dehydration

• Because vomiting and nausea are common during the first three months after bariatric surgery, patients can become dehydrated easily. Additionally, keeping down large amounts of fluids can also be a challenge. This combination of problems can easily lead to dehydration.
  
  

Excess Skin

• With the sudden weight loss associated with bariatric surgery, the skin does not have a chance to "snap back" into place, resulting is a large amount of excess skin, especially under the arms, around the breasts, and near the abdomen. The excess skin can lead to rashes, as well as embarrassment for the patient; plastic surgery is often advised to remove the skin.