Is bariatric surgery performed in the summer?

Estimated time to read: 6 minutes 8 seconds

Is bariatric surgery performed in the summer?

For most people, summer is full of vacation plans, beach pleasures and opportunities to rest. As a result, our excess weight is more visible in the summer than in the winter. After all, it was easy to hide under thick sweaters and loose clothing in the winter. Unfortunately, this may not be possible in the summer. That is why summer can also be a good time to make important health decisions.

When it comes to a serious health intervention such as bariatric surgery, we encounter some inaccurate information about how seasonal factors affect this process. In particular, there is a common belief that “obesity surgery cannot be performed in the summer”. In this article, we will examine this misconception and the pros and cons of summertime bariatric surgery.

Common Misconceptions about Obesity Surgery in Summer

Many people believe that having bariatric surgery during the summer months may increase the risk of infection or complicate the healing process. However, modern medical practices and standards of care have minimized these risks. Let’s take a look at the facts behind these common misconceptions:

• Risk of infection: It is a common misconception that hot weather increases the risk of infection. However, sterile hospital and operating room environments and advanced surgical techniques minimize this risk in all seasons. In addition, proper post-operative care, adherence to hygiene rules during the recovery period, resting in a room at an appropriate temperature, and regular medical check-ups significantly reduce the risk of infection. It is also very important to avoid movements that put pressure on the operated area after the surgery. Otherwise, we may encounter some problems regardless of the season.
• Recovery process: It is believed that recovery may be more difficult during the summer months. However, resting in a cool, air-conditioned environment, allowing the wound to breathe, and staying hydrated will aid in the healing process. Wearing light clothing in the summer will also increase comfort. Therefore, in an air-conditioned environment, we can have a much more comfortable healing process in summer compared to winter by acting according to our doctor’s instructions.

Advantages of Obesity Surgery in Summer

There are also some important advantages to having bariatric surgery in the summer months:

• Sunlight and Vitamin D: Getting more sunlight during the summer months helps to increase vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is important for bone health and the overall healing process.
• Vacation and the Recovery Process: Summer is a vacation time for many people. It may be easier to take time off from work or school during this time. During vacations, we can go through the recovery process more comfortably, and we can reach out to family and friends for support more easily.
• Lighter Clothing: Wearing light and loose clothing during the summer months allows the wounds to breathe during the post-operative period, which speeds up the healing process and is another benefit of the summer months.

Things to Consider Before and After Surgery

If you’re thinking about having bariatric surgery during the summer months, here are some important things to consider:

• Hydration: The body’s need for water increases during hot weather. Drinking enough water before and after surgery will help your body function properly and aid in the healing process.
• Cool Environments: It is important to be in a cool and comfortable environment during the healing process. Air-conditioned rooms or shaded areas will help protect our bodies from extreme heat.
• Regular Medical Checkups: In the post-operative period, we should take care not to interrupt our doctor’s check-ups. During these check-ups, our doctor or health care team will examine us and make sure that our recovery process is progressing properly.

It is useful to emphasize some important points in accordance with the questions we often receive from our patients about obesity surgery:

• Diet after bariatric surgery: A healthy diet after surgery is important for the healing process and long-term success. You can create a healthy eating plan by taking advantage of fresh fruits and vegetables during the summer months. We warned you above about the importance of drinking water, but please remember that you should never drink water during meals. You should also avoid high-calorie and processed foods during and after this time.
• Exercise after bariatric surgery: Light walking and low-impact exercises after surgery will help your recovery process. Walking outdoors during the summer months is both physically and mentally beneficial.
• Risks of Bariatric Surgery: All surgery has risks, but there is no clear scientific evidence that these risks increase during the summer months. You can make informed decisions by discussing these risks in detail with your doctor before and after surgery.

To access our detailed article on what not to do after surgery click here.

In conclusion, contrary to the common misconception that it is not appropriate to have bariatric surgery during the summer months, this season actually offers many advantages. Factors such as sunlight and vitamin D, a more comfortable healing process during vacation periods, and the comfort provided by light clothing can make the summer months suitable for surgery. Do not forget that if you have surgery in the winter months, there are difficulties that you will need to be aware of. The important thing is not the season, but how well you follow your doctor’s instructions during the healing process. Your health should be your first priority in every season. You know the best time for you, and with the technology we have today, there is no need to limit yourself to the seasons when making this decision.