TL;DR:
- Bariatric surgery requires preparation including a comprehensive health check, a meeting with a mental health professional, dietary guidance and possibly pre-surgery weight loss.
- Cost ranges from $10,000-$25,000, often covered by insurance if certain criteria are met.
- Operations include Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass, Adjustable Gastric Band, and Duodenal Switch; gastric sleeve is considered safest.
- Post-surgery recovery can be 2-6 weeks, with hospital stays between one to three days. Pain management, incision care, a four-stage diet, and warning sign observation are essential.
- Maintenance includes avoiding high-fat and high-sugar meals, dietary changes, taking lifelong supplements, reduced alcohol consumption, increasing activity, maintaining mental health, and regular medical check-ups.
- Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, gas, nutrient deficiencies or weight regain. Emotional changes are common. Worthwhile for most, given the overall health improvements.
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Bariatric surgery can be a life-changing journey, but it’s normal to have questions and concerns. With over 20 years in the field, I, Dr. Kent Sasse, aim to demystify the process for you. At Nevada Surgical, we break down what you need to know before, during, and after the procedure. Our mission is to guide you safely and comfortably on your path to better health. Let’s take the first step together—read on!
What Should You Know Before Undergoing Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery can be life-changing. But, you must prepare well to succeed. Here’s how to get ready and understand the journey.
Preparing for Bariatric Surgery
To prepare, you must complete several steps. These check whether your body and mind are ready. Surgery may not work well if you skip these steps.
You’ll need a thorough health check. This includes blood tests and possibly heart and sleep studies to check for apnea, common in those with obesity. Treat any sleep apnea before surgery. Your team will measure your height, weight, and BMI. If your BMI is over 40, or over 35 with certain health problems like diabetes, you might qualify. If not, other options may be suggested.
Meeting with a mental health expert is also part of the process. They look into your mood, stress, and eating habits to ensure you’re ready to build new lifestyle choices.
A dietitian will guide you on meal planning. You start by eating protein first, taking small bites, and avoiding certain drinks. This is all to help build habits early on.
Before surgery, you might need to lose some weight. This can shrink your liver, making surgery safer. If you smoke, stopping is crucial as it slows healing and raises risks. Your team will support stopping smoking, weeks before surgery.
Insurance coverage can affect your journey. The surgery ranges from $10,000 to $25,000 without help, but most health plans cover it if you meet their criteria.
Why Some Should Avoid Surgery
Bariatric surgery is safe but not for everyone. Certain conditions like low BMI or severe untreated health or mental health issues may prevent eligibility. Vitamins will also be necessary for life. If you forget or skip them, it can harm you.
Some think of surgery as a quick fix, but it requires lasting change in diet and activity. Good support at home is crucial too. Pills may seem simpler than surgery, but they often don’t work long-term. Surgery offers a more lasting solution.
Benefits of Thorough Preparation
Preparation for surgery leads to better outcomes. You lower risks and start building good habits. You learn how to manage a healthy weight and gain life-long skills. The diet may feel hard, but this is a test to ensure success after surgery.
Feeling nervous is normal. It shows that you care and want to succeed. Ask questions and get all the facts from your team.
Feeling Unsure About Surgery
Feeling unsure is normal. Remember, every step you take is progress. Ask yourself if living with extra weight and its issues is the life you want in 10 years.
Surgery goes beyond weight loss. It lowers blood pressure, blood sugar, and joint pain. You might move and sleep better and could decrease medication soon after.
The process starts with solid preparation. This is the bridge from who you are to who you will become. Trust the steps; you are ready for change.
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What Happens During Bariatric Surgery?
What are the different types of bariatric surgery? Here is a simple breakdown to help you decide.
Gastric Sleeve
The gastric sleeve, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, involves removing most of your stomach. What’s left is a small, tube-shaped pouch. This limits food intake and reduces hunger hormones.
Gastric Bypass
Also called Roux-en-Y, gastric bypass involves creating a small stomach pouch attached directly to your small intestine. This allows fewer calories to be absorbed and is effective for those with diabetes or acid reflux.
Adjustable Gastric Band
This uses a band to slow how food exits your stomach. It’s adjustable through a small port under your skin. Though less common now due to better options, it helps people eat less without changing hunger hormones significantly.
Duodenal Switch
This combines a sleeve with bowel rerouting. This severely limits the absorption of fats and sugars, offering the highest weight loss but requiring lifelong vitamin use.
Choosing the Safest Surgery
Gastric sleeve is generally the safest for many because it involves fewer steps and no bowel rerouting. Laparoscopic procedures are common, offering reduced recovery time compared to open surgery.
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What Should You Expect Immediately After Surgery?
Recovery Timeline
You may feel normal in 2 to 6 weeks. Pain decreases over time, and by week six, you might regain full energy.
Hospital Stay
A typical stay is one to three days. You’ll need to show signs of recovery before going home.
Managing Pain
Pain medicine is provided, but the sooner you reduce it, the better. Use techniques like walking and breathing exercises for relief.
Incision Care
Keep incisions clean and dry; watch for infection signs.
Eating Stages
You must follow four food stages from clear liquids to soft solids. This ensures healing and comfort.
Water and Protein
Stay hydrated and consume at least 60 grams of protein daily to heal and maintain muscle.
Watch for Warning Signs
Signs like high fever, severe pain, or vomiting must be addressed quickly.
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What Long-Term Changes Are Required After Bariatric Surgery?
What You Can Never Do Again
Avoid large meals, high-fat, and high-sugar foods. Drinking with meals can also hurt your progress.
Difficult Lifestyle Changes
Changing daily habits will be the hardest part. But the benefits outweigh the challenges.
Dietary Changes
Focus on protein, chew slowly, and avoid foods that cause discomfort or “dumping syndrome.”
Essential Vitamins
Lifelong supplements are crucial to avoid deficiencies.
Medication and Alcohol
Medication absorption might change; alcohol should be limited as it can quickly affect you and become an addictive substitute for food.
Social Impact and Mental Health
Social eating shifts after surgery, as does the need to face emotions directly. Seek emotional support when needed.
Stay Active
Daily movement helps maintain weight loss and overall health.
Regular Medical Follow-up
Visits with your healthcare team are essential to track progress and catch problems early.
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What Are the Risks, Costs, and Considerations of Bariatric Surgery?
Cost
In the U.S., surgery costs $15,000 to $25,000. Insurance often covers if criteria are met.
Short-term Side Effects
Expect nausea, vomiting, and gas initially; they’ll pass with time and diet adjustments.
Long-term Risks
Rarely, you might face nutrient deficiencies or weight regain, but regular check-ins mitigate these.
Emotional Changes
Rapid weight loss can change your mood. Support groups or therapy help manage these shifts.
Cultural Considerations
Clinics increasingly offer multilingual care. Discuss religious practices like Ramadan with your team.
Worth the Journey
Most find it worthwhile, improving health and reducing reliance on medications. Surgery offers a reset; use caution but consider the long-term benefits.
##Conclusion
Bariatric surgery can transform lives when well-informed decisions are made. Before surgery, you must complete medical evaluations, lifestyle changes, and financial planning. During surgery, there are various options, each with its pros and cons. Right after, expect a short hospital stay and dietary adjustments. Long-term, you’ll need to adopt new eating habits and maintain regular follow-ups. There are risks and costs, but understanding these prepares you for a safe journey. Trust in your choice and the expertise guiding you. This path leads to better health and well-being.