What to expect in a Weight Loss Surgery

From mentally preparing yourself to taking the final step, Bariatric surgery isn’t a spur-of-the moment decision. There are various factors that have to be measured and kept in check to achieve the ultimate aim, i.e., weight loss. Here is a glimpse into the various stages of Bariatric surgery, for you to take an informed decision.

Pre Stage – Before Bariatric Surgery

It is advised that people should follow the lifestyle and diet pattern as advised by your Bariatric surgeon. Most Bariatric programs have a pre-operative Bariatric diet. One needs to properly understand the same and follow the rules to achieve weight loss goals.

Secondly, it is the duty of the patient to share complete health history with his/her Bariatric surgeon, in order for the surgeon to pre-empt any surgical complications and help patients take an informed decision. A patient needs to discuss how to manage any other co-morbid health conditions, such as diabetes, cardio-vascular conditions etc., with the weight-loss surgery team.

Post Stage – After Bariatric Surgery

Health and Nutrition Intake - The weeks following Bariatric surgery, the bariatric surgeon along with his/her team will chalk out a plan for their patients to follow. This mainly includes instructions for nutrition intake and physical activity. Additionally, in order for the body to consume proper nutrition, a patient is advised to take supplements like Multi-vitamins, proteins, iron, calcium etc.

Medications – Obesity as a disease brings many other diseases along with it. Most people suffering with obesity, also suffer with disease conditions like Diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol etc. After undergoing bariatric surgery, not only do the patients successfully lose weight but also see an improved status in these health conditions improve. It is possible that the patients may be able to stop some medications with their doctor’s advice.

Walk, Jogging or Meditation - Physical activity is very important for sustained weight loss management. It is necessary for a patient to build and strengthen on physical forms of exercise. For example, a patient is advised to start walking within the same day of the surgery. After bariatric surgery, exercises such as weights, sit-ups, etc should wait until and unless advised by the doctor.

Smoking and Alcohol Consumption -Majority of those opting for weight loss surgeries have phenomenal will power – eating small portions, exercising regularly & have given up smoking/alcohol years back. Consumption of alcohol per se is not a major concern after adequate weight loss but regular & significant intake with consumption of high calorie snacks can indeed cause weight regain & maybe other health problems. For the first year after surgery or till weight stabilises alcohol should be completely stopped for excellent results. Additionally, many bariatric surgery programs will recommend quitting smoking or consuming tobacco in order to have a lower risk of complications with weight-loss surgery.

Bariatric surgery is an important milestone in the journey towards good health, however, it should be looked as a new beginning rather than just means to an end. A successful weight loss surgery, coupled with changed lifestyle habits can ensure long-term health results.