Weight loss surgery is not a quick fix for obesity. It is a serious medical procedure that should only be considered after all other methods of weight loss have failed. If you are considering bariatric surgery, it is important to understand what to expect before and after the surgery.
In this article, we will explain what bariatric surgery is and the different types of procedures available. We will also discuss the weight loss process, dietary changes, and lifestyle adaptations that you will need to make in order to maintain the weight loss achieved from surgery.
What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a type of weight loss surgery that helps people lose weight by making changes to their digestive system. There are several different types of bariatric surgery, but the most common are gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.
Gastric bypass surgery makes changes to both the stomach and small intestine. The stomach is divided into two sections, and the small intestine is rerouted so that food bypasses a large portion of the stomach and small intestine. This surgery can be done laparoscopically, which means through several small incisions using a camera, or open, which means with one large incision.
Sleeve gastrectomy is a type of bariatric surgery that removes a large portion of the stomach, leaving only a small sleeve-shaped section. This smaller stomach can hold less food, which means you will feel full sooner and eat less. This surgery is done laparoscopically.
Both of these types of surgery are done under general anesthesia and take about 2-3 hours.
What to expect before the bariatric surgery
Before you have bariatric surgery, you will need to meet with a surgeon and other healthcare professionals to see if you are a good candidate for the surgery.
During this meeting, your medical history will be discussed and you will have a physical exam. You will also be asked about your weight loss goals and what you have done in the past to lose weight.
You will also be asked to have a psychological evaluation to make sure you are mentally prepared for the surgery and the changes you will need to make after surgery. You will also need to meet with a dietitian to discuss your dietary needs before and after surgery.
What to expect after the bariatric surgery
After the surgery, you will stay in the hospital for 2-5 days. You will have a tube in your nose to help you breathe and IVs to give you fluids and antibiotics. You will also have a drain in your stomach to remove any excess fluid. The drains are usually removed before you leave the hospital.
When you go home, you will need to take it easy for 2-4 weeks. You will need to eat small meals and avoid any strenuous activity. Here are the general guidelines for diet and activity after surgery:
- Weight Loss Process
After bariatric surgery, you can expect to lose a significant amount of weight. Most people lose about 60-80% of their excess body weight within the first year after surgery. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds and your ideal body weight is 120 pounds, you can expect to lose about 100 pounds after surgery.
The amount of weight you lose will depend on several factors, including the type of surgery you have, your pre-surgery weight, your diet, and your activity level.
- Dietary Changes
After bariatric surgery, you will need to make some changes to your diet. These changes are necessary to help you lose weight and keep it off.
You will need to eat smaller meals and avoid high-calorie foods. You will also need to avoid carbonated beverages, alcohol, and sugary drinks. It is important to eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly.
You will need to take vitamins and minerals, as well as protein supplements. Your doctor will tell you what type of supplements you need to take.
- Lifestyle Adaptations
In order to maintain your weight loss, you will need to make some lifestyle adaptations. These include getting regular exercise, and making healthy choices when it comes to food and drink.
You will also need to manage your stress levels and get enough sleep. These lifestyle changes will help you to keep the weight off in the long term.
