In postoperative care, which should be monitored to detect complications after bariatric surgery?

Monitoring oxygen saturation after bariatric surgery is crucial to detect potential complications related to anesthesia and respiratory function. Postoperative patients can experience issues such as airway obstruction or pulmonary complications due to the manipulation of the diaphragm during surgery, obesity-related respiratory issues, or other factors that can compromise breathing. By keeping a close eye on oxygen saturation levels, healthcare providers can identify hypoxemia early, allowing for prompt intervention to prevent further complications such as respiratory failure.

While monitoring other factors like hair growth, muscle strength, and weight gain can provide valuable insights into a patient's overall recovery and health status, they are not immediate indicators of critical postoperative complications that may arise following bariatric procedures. Oxygen levels, however, are a direct measure of respiratory performance and can signal urgent medical conditions that need addressing.