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Weight loss surgery happens to be the most effective weight loss solution for people who have been struggling to lose weight for a long time but in vain. With such a high success rate, a weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is recommended for people with obesity. If you have been considering it, you may be wondering about the process and what to expect during and after the surgery. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the journey of weight loss surgery.
Who is Eligible for Bariatric Surgery?
Weight loss or bariatric surgery is not suitable for everyone. When you visit a doctor, they will determine if you are a candidate for it or not. The doctor will consider many factors, such as your physical health, emotional health, eating habits, and more. Upon the appointment with a doctor, the following things will happen:
- The surgeon will explain to you the available surgery options, including the procedures that may offer you the most benefits. They may ask you to sign a consent form to acknowledge you understand the rare potential risks of the surgery.
- You will be connected to a dietician who will conduct your full nutrition assessment to learn more about your nutrition history and other details relevant to your care. You may discuss the future steps in the process, such as your medical weight management and how it will pertain to your weight loss surgery.
- Your overall health will be assessed, including your medical history, to decide on the best treatment approach for you.
Medical Tests and Health Screenings
If you are a suitable candidate for bariatric surgery, the doctor will schedule medical tests and health screenings. The results of these tests will provide a detailed picture of your physical health and include the following:
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Blood tests
- Cardiac clearance
- Chest x-ray
- Echocardiogram or ECG
- Electrocardiogram or EKG
- Pulmonary function tests
- Liver function tests
- Medical clearance
- Sleep study
- Upper gastrointestinal evaluation
- Any other tests.
What Happens During Bariatric Surgery?
When you arrive at the hospital, you will be registered by the front desk and taken to the pre-operative preparation area. Here, the team will explain the procedure and review consent forms for signature. The surgery team will speak with you and ensure all your questions before surgery are answered. In some cases, the pre-op team may start giving certain medications to help the body prepare for surgery.
The surgery includes the following:
- You will be given anaesthesia after analysing your medical history and allergies. The medication will be delivered through an IV and breathing mask. A breathing tube will be placed down to your throat to assist with breathing while under anaesthesia.
- Once the anaesthesia is started, surgery will begin. The surgeon will carefully monitor your condition with the anaesthesiologist, nurses, and other members.
- They will remove the excess fat from your body by creating a bypass in the digestive system or using any other suitable approach. The surgery takes 45-90 minutes to complete, depending on the type.
- After the surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room, where the care team will monitor your condition. They will also look into pain and nausea management and monitor your vital signs and potential complications, if any.
- You can sip water or ice chips immediately after waking up from anaesthesia.
- Eating will be restricted for 1-2 days of the surgery to allow for your stomach and digestive system to heal effectively.
- Subsequently, you will transition to a carefully designed specific diet that you are required to follow for several weeks.
- In some cases, you may be allowed to go home on the same day of the surgery. But in many cases, the doctor will ask you to stay in the hospital for a few more days. During these days, the care team will monitor your health.
What Does Recovery from Bariatric Surgery Look Like?
Recovery from bariatric surgery is vital. Merely having surgery and getting excess food removed from your body is not enough. You need to take proper care of your body by adopting lifestyle changes to maintain your weight. The doctor will give you the following instructions during the recovery phase.
- Walking as much as possible is essential for recovery. You will be asked to take regular walks by starting slow and then increasing the distance to cover during the walk.
- You will be given medications to help control pain and nausea that are normal to experience after the surgery and during a recovery phase.
- Avoid soaking in a bath or swimming pool unless your surgeon allows it.
- More intense activities or weight and resistance training should be avoided until your surgeon clears it. You may start working out at the gym after a month of the surgery or even later.
- Bariatric surgery is a lifetime commitment. Hence, it is vital to attend follow-up appointments to monitor progress, address concerns, and make important adjustments.