The weight loss surgery is one of the most popular procedures that people who are overweight decide to go for. It is vital to point out that this type of surgery is for individuals who are obese. Obese individuals have a body mass index of 30 and above. The type of surgery will determine the wright that will be lost by the individual. Typically, individuals usually lose between 50 and 70 percent of the extra weight within three years of the corrective surgery. If you are thinking of having a weight loss surgery then the following consideration is critical;
Preparing for a weight loss surgery
Find the right surgeon
Finding the right surgeon is imperative when looking for the weight loss surgeon. The surgeon that performs this type of operation is referred to as the bariatric surgeon. This is one challenge that many people usually face. Some of the questions to ask you about the surgeons include;
- Are they certified by the board of surgeons in their jurisdiction?
- What is their success rate?
- What number of weight loss surgeries do you perform annually?
- How frequently do their patients develop complications?
- What are some of the side effects?
To find the perfect surgeon for this procedure, you can look for a hospital or center that provide educational seminars on the weight loss surgery. You may also hook up with support groups for encouragement both before and after the surgery.
Expectations
Not many people have gone through the knife before. This is usually an anxious and nervous moment for many individuals. Before the operation, your bariatric surgeon may ask you to lose some weight to show proof of your resolve to lose weight. This is ideal because it also helps in improving your health. If you are a smoker, you may be advised to quit to reduce the chances of complications arising during and after the surgery. Pneumonia is one of the complications that smokers suffer from after surgery.
Meet a nutritionist
As you are preparing for a weight loss surgery, it might be advisable to talk to a nutritionist. A nutritionist will advise you on the changes to make on your diet and what to eat and what to avoid. People who are planning to undergo surgery should be introduced to proper eating habits since they need to maintain the practices even after surgery. It may also be ideal to meet a psychologist as well since the weight loss surgery also requires a psychological evaluation as well.
What are the risks?
Just like the other types of surgery, this surgery carries the risk of blood clots or infection. Being overweight makes it complicated since you might be exhibiting early signs of heart disease or diabetes. This is why you must be subjected to thorough checkup before the operation. In case you have a deficiency of nutrients then specific supplements might be recommended.
Recovery period
The recovery period of the weight loss surgery depends on the type of operation. It will take you up to a month to recover from the gastric bypass and at least seven days to recover from gastric banding. New technological improvement in the medical field is making weight loss surgery to be performed with little invasion. Certain hospitals offer this kind of procedure on the outpatient basis.
