The Effect of Peppermint Flavored Mouthwash Applied to Patients in the First 30 Days After Bariatric Surgery on Nausea-Vomiting, Anxiety and Biochemical Parameters

Treatment of obesity consists of diet/lifestyle modification and bariatric surgery consisting of several procedures. One of the most common complications in the early period after bariatric surgery is nausea and vomiting due to the reduction of gastric capacity. According to the guidelines of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), acid-base disorders, electrolyte abnormalities (especially calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium and phosphorus deficiency), insufficiency of fat-soluble vitamins (ADEK), folic acid, iron, thiamine after bariatric surgery. and B12 deficiency etc. On the other hand, anxiety after bariatric surgery is also an important problem.

It is possible to reduce nausea and vomiting by stimulating the vagal nerve. Gargling, laughing, singing loudly, etc. The movements stimulate the vagus nerve by activating the muscles behind the larynx, and the vagus nerve prevents nausea and vomiting by simulating the gastrointestinal tract. With the activation of the diaphragm; The vagus nerve is stimulated, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated and cortisol production decreases, reducing stress and anxiety. The peppermint plant, which is widely used in our country, is also used as a relief in cases such as nausea, stomachache, and colds. It is expected that the nurse, who is a member of the multidisciplinary team, will be able to properly define the surgical risks and comorbidities associated with the clinical status of obesity in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery and to apply the necessary interventions.