Elective and cosmetic surgery is something that should never be taken lightly. It’s something that can drastically improve your level of confidence, your health, and even your quality of life, but that doesn’t mean you should be rushing into a surgical procedure. Bariatric surgery is an example of a type of surgery that can drastically improve your health and quality of life, as this is weight-loss surgery. It works by completely changing the function and the very shape of your digestive system, offering some pretty dramatic results over time. But is it right for you?
Let’s take a deeper look at everything you need to know about bariatric surgery before making your decision.
Who is the Surgery Meant For?
The first thing to cover is who this type of surgery is meant for. Just because you have some weight you want to lose, this doesn’t automatically make you an ideal candidate for bariatric surgery. This weight loss surgery is meant to address obesity, especially in adults who have a BMI of 40 or higher. In some cases, a BMI of 35 may be acceptable.
Besides BMI, other things a doctor will be looking for is that you have already gone through supervised weight-loss plans and haven’t had results, and the fact you have one or more medical condition that is related to obesity. In other words, this procedure isn’t meant for a person that needs to just lose 10-30lbs to “feel good”; this surgery should be seen as a medical treatment.
Why Have the Surgery?
Weight-loss surgery tends to have very dramatic results, which will allow the person to have a much better quality of life and allow them to enjoy improved health overall. As for the weight loss, you can expect to lose anywhere from 5-15lbs per week. Weight loss tends to be quite dramatic and fast during those first few months, then it starts to slow down and plateau.
What to Expect Before, During, and After?
It’s perfectly normal to feel scared and stressed about the upcoming procedure, which is why it’s helpful to be aware of what you can expect before, during, and after the surgery. Before you even have the surgery, you will most likely meet with an entire healthcare team to ensure you’re an ideal candidate. This can include your primary care doctor, a dietitian, your surgeon, an anesthesiologist, and any other specialists that may be necessary.
The surgery itself tends to take a few hours, as it is considered major surgery. You will be unconscious the whole time, and won’t feel any pain or discomfort. Once you wake up you may need to stay in hospital for observation for a couple of days.
Moving forward, you will be placed on a special diet for the initial few weeks, then start to progress from liquid to solid foods over time. There will also be regular checkups with your doctor to monitor your healing and weight loss. Check out places like Olde Del Mar Surgical for more in-depth information.
Stay Informed and Make a Sound Decision
If you’re considering bariatric surgery, it’s important you do your due diligence and research the procedure fully. This will help ensure you make a sound decision for you and your health.
