How to be prepared for bariatric surgery ?
Sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and gastric band are the major bariatric surgeries proposed for weight-loss purposes.
Bariatric surgeries are quite important and invasive; thus the need for being ready as well as following a couple of advice and recommendations before entering the operating room.
In this blog article, you will discover the different procedures to follow prior to your bariatric surgery.
The importance of preoperative consultations
The preoperative consultation with the surgeon is a paramount step prior to your bariatric surgery.
During it, the surgeon will evaluate your needs, give you all the necessary information about the different alternatives of bariatric surgery, and explain the procedure as well as its postoperative effects.
The goal of the preoperative consultation is to determine which bariatric technique is the right for you. You will also have the chance to discuss the chosen procedure and its eventual results.
It is very important to share all information that might be of help to your surgeon as the reasons why you are unable to lose weight conventionally (through sports, dieting, etc.), your willingness to get pregnant after the surgery (if you are a woman), your expectations from the surgery, and other pertinent information.
Your surgeon will help you decide on the most appropriate procedure for you and give you advice and recommendations to follow after your bariatric surgery.
Check-up & examinations for bariatric surgery
Prior to any kind of cosmetic surgery, the patient has to necessarily undergo a complete medical check-up as well as a blood test.
In the case of bariatric surgery, besides the preoperative check-up (involving the effects of obesity on the body), the patient has to undergo diverse examinations to check whether they suffer from heart problems or other pathologies.
The patient will also need to see a nutritionist to conduct a nutritional assessment and a psychologist to prepare themselves emotionally prior to the big procedure.
Other steps to follow prior to bariatric surgery
Once the medical check-ups and tests are conducted and the result documents in hand, the patient may readdress their surgeon.
The surgeon will consult the results of the medical check-ups and tests, evaluate the overall health of the patient, and decide on which bariatric technique to perform.
If the patient presents any contraindications to the surgery, the surgeon will propose other alternatives to weight loss. If not, the surgeon will approve performing the procedure; and along with the anaesthetist, they will share all the necessary information regarding postoperative care with the patient.
It is important to note that in-between your preliminary consultation and the due date of your surgery, you will have plenty of time to reflect upon your procedure, weigh the pros and cons, and decide on whether this is the right alternative for you.
It is paramount to be certain of your decision as both the psychological aspect and determination are key to the success of bariatric surgery.
