Exploring Common Bariatric Lifestyle Issues: Sleep, Stress, Energy, Bone & Joint*

Bariatric surgery, a life-changing treatment for individuals battling severe obesity, has gained immense popularity for its potential to improve overall health and quality of life. However, this transformative journey comes with its own set of challenges.

Bariatric surgery patients commonly face lifestyle challenges associated with nutrient deficiencies, hormone fluctuations, and dietary changes, all of which are inherent weight loss surgery outcomes.

In this blog, we explore these issues—sleep problems, stress, energy fluctuations, and bone and joint discomfort to understand their origins better and discuss strategies for effective management.

Bariatric Sleep Problems: The Nighttime Struggle

More than 80% of bariatric patients experience sleep problems before surgery, and up to 50% continue to have poor sleep quality after surgery.^1,2

Bariatric surgery can cause several physiological changes, including hormone fluctuations and rapid weight loss. These changes can disrupt the body's internal clock, leading to sleep problems.

Hormones that regulate sleep patterns may be affected, causing difficulty falling asleep and maintaining quality sleep. Additionally, the discomfort during the initial recovery phase and adapting to a new eating routine can contribute to sleep disturbances.

Several things can be done to improve sleep quality after bariatric surgery. These include:

• Establishing a consistent sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends.
• Creating a conducive sleep environment: Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.
• Get regular exercise: Exercise can help you sleep better at night.
• See a doctor if you have sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is a severe condition that can disrupt sleep and increase your risk of health problems.

Bariatric Fusion Sleep Support* is a dietary supplement that may help support sleep quality before and after bariatric surgery. It delivers melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep, and three well-studied botanicals: ashwagandha extract, Roman chamomile oil, and lemon balm extract. This thoughtfully crafted blend promotes a calming effect and facilitates a healthy perioperative recovery for restful sleep.^3,4,5,6*

Navigating Stress After Bariatric Surgery

Stress levels are rising globally, with a staggering 27% of people unable to function effectively due to its impact.⁷ In turn, heightened stress hormones can cause weight gain, hindering your weight loss journey.⁸

The journey through bariatric surgery is not just a physical transformation; it's also an emotional experience. Patients may experience stress while managing new dietary requirements, adjusting to changes in body image, setting realistic weight loss goals, and navigating social situations. These emotional challenges can contribute to heightened stress levels.

Several things can be done to manage stress after bariatric surgery. These include:

• Engaging in stress-reduction techniques: Practice mindfulness, meditation, counseling, and join support groups.
• Taking steps to improve sleep quality: Establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a conducive sleep environment.
• Getting regular exercise: Exercise can help to reduce stress and improve overall health.
• Eating a healthy diet: Healthy eating habits can help improve mood and energy levels, reducing stress.

Bariatric Fusion Stress Support* is the first bariatric formula meticulously crafted to support a healthy and balanced cortisol response for managing stress and occasion anxiety. It contains magnesium and ashwagandha extract, which have been shown to have calming and relaxing effects.^9,10*

Energy: Understanding the Ebb and Flow

Fatigue is a common complaint among bariatric patients, with up to 38% reporting a lack of energy.¹¹

Bariatric surgery can alter the body's metabolism and energy expenditure due to decreased food intake with smaller portion sizes and hormonal shifts. While weight loss usually results in increased energy levels, some patients can experience periods of fatigue as their bodies adapt to the new metabolic state. Nutrient deficiencies, which can occur after weight loss surgery, may also contribute to decreased energy levels.

There are a number of things that can be done to improve energy levels after bariatric surgery. These include:

• Follow dietary guidelines: Eat smaller portions and frequent meals and snacks that are high in protein and fiber.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially water.
• Engage in regular physical activity: Exercise can help to improve energy levels and overall health.
• Consistently take a bariatric multivitamin: Bariatric vitamin and mineral supplements that follow the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) guidelines can help support your nutritional needs.*

Bariatric Fusion Energy Support* is the first bariatric formula designed to support healthy energy levels after bariatric surgery. It contains 100% or more of the daily value for B vitamins, along with natural caffeine from botanicals in a single capsule daily. B vitamins are essential for energy production, and botanicals such as coffeeberry and green tea extracts have been shown to support cellular, physical, and mental energy levels.^12,13*

Bones and Joints: Navigating Discomfort

While weight loss as a result of bariatric surgery can have positive effects on bones and joints, research indicates that 10-15% of patients experience musculoskeletal problems before surgery, rising to 16-18% post-bariatric surgery.¹⁴

Rapid weight loss associated with bariatric surgery can lead to reduced muscle and bone density, which may result in bone and joint complaints. Weakened bones and joints can cause discomfort or exacerbate pre-existing conditions.

Several things can be done to improve energy levels after bariatric surgery. These include:

• Adequate nutrition: High protein intake is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and bone health.
• Weight-bearing exercises: Walking, running, hiking, biking, stair climbing, and yoga. Also include resistance training like squats, lunges, push-ups, rows, and deadlifts.
• Balanced diet: Essential nutrients from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats can improve bone and joint health.

Bariatric Fusion Bone & Joint Support* is the first noncollagen bariatric supplement designed to support bone and joint health after bariatric surgery. It delivers glucosamine and chondroitin, which are components of cartilage. These ingredients synergistically promote bone and joint health by supporting healthy joint comfort and function.¹⁵*

If you are looking for a supplement with collagen, try Bariatric Fusion Multi Collagen Protein Powder.

Summary

The bariatric surgery journey is an empowering process that holds the promise of improved health and well-being. Each individual's experience is unique, and potential lifestyle challenges may arise post-surgery. You can proactively manage these challenges by recognizing the underlying factors contributing to sleep problems, stress, energy fluctuations, and bone and joint discomfort.

If you are experiencing any of the lifestyle challenges mentioned above, follow up with your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can help you develop a plan to manage these challenges, including dietary supplements, and achieving weight loss goals.

Remember, you're not alone on this journey. Medical professionals, support groups, and resources are available to guide you toward a happy and healthy lifestyle.

References

1. Salwen-Deremer JK et al. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2020; 16(7):940-947.
2. Lodewijks Y et al. Obes Surg. 2023; 33(1):279-283.
3. Nutr Neurosci. 2022; 25(8):1704-1730
4. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022; 15(10):1284
5. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016; 2016:1564257
6. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2017; 13(3):502-506
7. American Psychological Association. Stress in America 2022. October 2022. Accessed June 2023, https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2022/ concerned-future-inflation
8. Incollingo Rodriguez AC et al. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2015; 62:301-18.
9. Pardo MR et al. Nutrition. 2021; 89:111294.
10. Akhgarjand C et al. Phytother Res. 2022; 36(11):4115-4124.
11. Gribsholt SB et al. JAMA Surg. 2016; 151(6):504-11.
12. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2015; 13(1):71-88.
13. Molecules; 27(12):3909.
14. 6th IFSO Global Registry Report. 2021.
15. Wang Z et al. Comput Math Methods Med. 2022; 2022:5285244.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This blog is for information and education purposes only. This information is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your bariatric surgeon or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions in regard to a medical condition. A qualified healthcare professional can best assist you in deciding whether a dietary supplement is suitable based on your individual needs.