For excessively fat individuals, losing weight by means of plain diet and exercise may not be the most viable method to take. Sometimes, one’s physiological framework or condition is responsible for too much weight gain. In cases like this, experts recommend undergoing bariatric surgery.
Wikipedia defines bariatric surgery as a range of procedures performed on obese individuals. However, it is not enough that one is deemed overweight to undergo the surgery. According to the
U.S. National Institutes of Health, bariatric surgery is recommended only for those who have body mass index (BMI) of at least 40, and those with BMI of at least 35 but are suffering from other medical conditions such as diabetes.
Studies show that the treatment has long-term significant impact not just on weight loss but also in the recovery from diabetes, and in the improvement of cardiovascular health. Even so, the procedure does have risks as well. In order to prevent undesirable side effects, individuals considering undergoing bariatric surgery must be cautious about the dos and don’ts before, on and after the treatment.
Preparing for the surgery
Before anything else, approaching the right doctor is the primary step towards a successful weight loss treatment through bariatric. Getting referrals from general practitioners is one way to find a reputable bariatric surgeon. Although the procedure is relatively safe, lack of skills can put the patient’s life at risk. Candidates for bariatric surgery normally undergo psychiatry checkups to ensure that they are mentally prepared for it. The surgeon also assesses the patient’s medical history to check for any sleep apnea issues or heart problem. Then, the patient will have to see a nutritionist who will explain the diet plan he or she needs to strictly follow after the surgery.
During the surgery
Bariatric surgery comes in different forms. It can be done by implanting a medical device in the stomach to reduce the size of the digestive system. This process is called gastric banding. Weight loss may also be achieved by removing a segment of the stomach, or by attaching the small intestine to a small stomach pouch, popularly known as gastric surgery.
Pain is expected but it is very minimal expect during complications (which can be prevented by choosing the right surgeon). But the patient is expected to feel weak just like after undergoing any kind of surgery. No food or liquid is allowed to ingest through the mouth. Fortunately, there’s the dextrose to provide the patient’s nutrition requirements until after recovery.
Post Surgery
The recovery period usually takes three weeks. This marks the start of a more careful approach to dieting. People who have undergone bariatric surgery should consume 2 ounces of protein every 15 minutes. This sounds like a daunting task but one can get easily used to it. Anyway, protein is available in drink, pill and powder forms so the patient doesn’t have to worry about measuring the precise amount of protein required. Some people don’t like the taste of pure protein so they devise different ways to make it more palatable such as consuming protein shakes and bars, or adding sugar syrup. Aside from observing a healthy lifestyle, exercise is very important to maintain having a fit and slim body for a long time.