BATRIATRIC SURGERY & THE NECESSITY OF LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP

Surgeries treating obesity like gastric bypass , or gastric bypass promise impressive results of important weight loss and improved self-esteem. Since bariatric surgery has heavy sequela on the patient’s physique and psyche, it is important to arrange specialized consultations for a long-term and regular follow-up after surgery.

THE IMPORTANCE OF RIGOROUS MEDICAL FOLLOW-UP:

Bariatric surgery is the ideal solution for important weight loss and the prevention of several diseases related to obesity. However, it is all-important that the patient commit to regular medical follow-up to make sure that there are no complications after the procedure. Indeed, it is estimated that unmonitored patients throughout the years following bariatric surgery are likely to develop serious sequela.
A regular medical follow-up will, therefore, ensure that the patient is responding well to the procedure. In addition, the patient will be well surrounded, advised, and receiving precise instructions to avoid possible complications. If the surgeon notices any side effects posing a risk to the patient’s health (weight gain, nutritional deficiency, digestion problems, etc.), s/he may propose adequate solutions to remediate the problem.

THE IMPACT OF MEDICAL FOLLOW-UP:

Obesity is a chronic disease, and the risks of losing and gaining weight are elevated, thus the importance of regular medical follow-up. Monitoring will help the patient maintain good habits, stabilize their ideal weight, and adopt a healthy and positive lifestyle after surgery. Specialists will also make sure that such problems as nutritional deficiencies do not occur as they can cause serious complications to the patient’s body and nervous system. Such nutritional deficiencies can either be a lack of magnesium, or a deficiency in vitamins like B1, B9, and B12 for instance. Regardless, our nutritionists will set a detailed food programme that the patient is ought to follow to the letter. There are numerous advantages to weight loss and medical follow-up after bariatric surgery:

• The patient will reconnect with a better version of their well-being
• The patient will avoid diabetes and sleep apnoea
• The patient will be able to include physical activities into their routine

Overall, with necessary precautions taken into account, the patient can rejoice their new body and their new balanced life on the long-term run.

PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE PATIENT

During the preliminary consultation, the surgeon has to make sure that the patient’s expectations are realistic, and that they have enough determination to face the surgery’s sequela. Indeed, post-bariatric years can be psychologically draining: strict diet, food selection, regular physical activity, reduction of food quantity, elimination of fatty and sugary food, and the breaking of certain habits like drinking in between meals or snacking. Some of the latter habits, having lived with the patient for most of their life, cannot be simply broken.
Some patients will feel frustrated for not being able to lose as much weight as they wish. That is why consultations with a psychologist are important for the patient to retrieve a serene and balanced psyche.