Significant weight loss is possible with bariatric surgery, but there may be some unpleasant side effects as well. When the body doesn’t create enough saliva, one typical adverse effect is dry mouth. Knowing why dry mouth occurs after bariatric surgery can help. It will help you to treat it effectively. This can make you more comfortable during your recovery. This article will examine these factors and possible causes. Most importantly, it will look at possible solutions.
Table of Contents
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgeries are procedures designed to help with weight loss by making changes to the digestive system. The purpose of these surgeries is to adjust the size of the stomach or reroute part of the digestive tract. This leads to a limited food intake or nutrient absorption.
The different types of bariatric surgery include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding. Each surgery has a different mechanism for how it will lead to weight loss.
Bariatric surgery is typically recommended for people who have a body mass index (BMI) over 40, or for those with a BMI over 35 who also have other health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Symptoms of Dry Mouth After Bariatric Surgery
Dry mouth is a common symptom after bariatric surgery. Although the symptoms of dry mouth might vary, frequent thirst, a dry or painful throat, and a persistent feeling of dryness in the mouth are common. Some people may also experience rough tongues, cracked lips, trouble speaking, or swallowing. In addition to making it difficult to taste food, severe dry mouth can lead to mouth sores or foul breath.
Additionally, many patients report other digestive issues post-surgery. Some may experience constipation after bariatric surgery, while others deal with gas after bariatric surgery or diarrhea after bariatric surgery. These bowel-related symptoms often overlap with dry mouth due to dietary changes and limited hydration.
Causes of Dry Mouth After Bariatric Surgery
Dry mouth after bariatric surgery can be caused by a variety of factors that affect your body’s hydration. One of the main causes is dietary changes. After surgery, your food and water intake are often limited, which can reduce your hydration levels. When you’re not drinking as much, your body produces less saliva, leading to a dry mouth.
Additionally, certain types of bariatric surgery can affect how your body absorbs nutrients and fluids. Surgeries like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy can alter the digestive tract in a way that impacts nutrient absorption, including the absorption of water, which may contribute to dry mouth.
Post-surgery, incorporating bariatric vitamins, such as bariatric vitamins chewable or a liquid bariatric vitamin, can assist in maintaining hydration and nutrition. Supplements like bariatric calcium chews and a bariatric multivitamin with iron also help prevent deficiencies that might exacerbate symptoms.
Another factor is the medications commonly prescribed after surgery, such as those for pain management or to prevent nausea. These medications can sometimes reduce saliva production, making dry mouth more likely.
Managing Dry Mouth Post-Surgery
If you are suffering from dry mouth after surgery, don’t fret. There are a few simple solutions to this uncomfortable problem. First, be sure to stay hydrated. Try to have small sips every few minutes instead of downing a large glass a couple times per day. After the physical changes that happen during surgery, you will likely not have room in your stomach for large servings of water at one time.
You may also need artificial saliva or sugar-free lozenges. They can stimulate saliva and provide temporary relief.
Lastly, be sure to include hydrating foods in your diet, like watermelon, cucumber, and other foods with high water content. Try to limit dry, salty, or sugary foods so you can avoid further drying of your mouth.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re suffering from dry mouth, be sure to manage the symptoms using the strategies outlined above. If the remedies aren’t working for you, and dry mouth persists, contact your physician.
Dry mouth that impacts your eating or swallowing can be particularly concerning as this can impact your nutrition. Bring this to the attention of your doctor so they can provide you with treatment options.
Additionally, chronic dry mouth increases your risk of developing oral infections like thrush or gum disease. If you notice any signs of infection, it’s important to seek medical attention.
While dry mouth after bariatric surgery can be an uncomfortable side effect, understanding its causes and knowing how to manage it can greatly improve your comfort during recovery. Staying hydrated, incorporating hydrating foods into your diet, and using saliva stimulants can provide relief. However, if dry mouth persists or affects your ability to eat or swallow, it’s important to seek professional help. Your healthcare provider can offer tailored solutions to help manage symptoms and prevent complications like oral infections.
Conclusion
Dry mouth is a common side effect of bariatric surgery caused by hydration and dietary changes, medication use, and altered nutrient absorption. Key remedies include staying hydrated with small, frequent sips, eating hydrating foods like watermelon, and using saliva stimulants. Persistent symptoms affecting eating or swallowing should be addressed with a healthcare provider to avoid complications.”Bari Life” provides specialized bariatric vitamins and resources to support hydration, nutrition, and recovery post-surgery.
What are your tips and tricks to post-bariatric success?