How Gut Bacteria Can Affect Results of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is no laughing matter. It can have seriously positive or tremendously terrible consequences on a person, depending on several different factors. Used for those who suffer from extreme obesity, bariatric surgery side effects are wide-ranging and are usually specified by the habits and actions of the patient. However, recent research is showing how the prevalence of gut bacteria (or gut flora) can actually affect the results of this highly controversial weight loss procedure.

What is Gut Bacteria?

It doesn’t sound like something you want in your body, but you do. Gut bacteria, which exists in the trillions within your stomach and intestines, is essential for the proper digestion of food.
In fact, the average digestive tract of a modern human being naturally contains so many of these microbes that some bariatric surgery procedures might ultimately disrupt the fine balance between good gut bacteria and bad gut bacteria. However, the same can be said about gut bacteria and its ability to alter the effects of the surgery.

How Does Bariatric Surgery Affect Gut Bacteria and Vice Versa?

After several clinical trials, it was shown that gut bacteria could affect the outcomes for those who underwent bariatric surgery. Studies have actually illustrated how a clear transformation is often made within the gut after the procedure, and these side effects can be seen as early on as a couple of weeks. Those with an altered number of good gut bacteria are often left to deal with rapid weight gain or loss, indigestion, intestinal issues, metabolic syndrome, and much worse. Now though, research is showing that most benefits stemming from a bariatric procedure are a direct results of this change. Still, too much of an alteration can make regular digestion and healthy living a thing of the past.

What Can Be Done to Ensure a Proper Gut Bacteria Balance?

Your doctor should be able to go over all the finer details of having a bariatric procedure, including instructions on how to keep gut bacteria in balance. While research is still being performed to find out the exact connection between gut bacteria and bariatric surgery, clear links can be seen with even an uneducated eye. As a general rule, never have weight loss surgery unless your healthcare provider or a bariatric surgeon gives you the “okay” and always monitor eating habits afterwards to be on the safest and most progressive side of weight loss.