Bariatric surgery has been really helpful for many patients who need to lose a substantial amount of weight. There is now a wide range of bariatric procedures available, from gastric bypass to gastric sleeve surgery. Your doctor should be able to answer any questions you have, but the more you know, the better off you'll be. Here are some key things to know before pursuing bariatric surgery.
It's not a miracle solution
People who struggle to lose weight with diet and exercise alone often succeed in losing weight once they undergo bariatric surgery. However, surgery is not a substitute for diet and exercise. It is an additional tool to use in conjunction with diet and exercise. You will still need to follow a specific diet — actually, an even more specific diet — after bariatric surgery. And exercise will still be important both for weight loss and for your overall health.
It's worth scheduling multiple consultations
Once you decide to look into bariatric surgery, you need to decide which approach is best for you. Should you get a gastric sleeve operation, or might a gastric bypass or a gastric band be better suited to your needs? Consulting with two or three different surgeons can help you make a more informed choice in this regard. Each surgeon will have their own suggestions, and you can consider them all to choose the one best in line with your needs.
There will be a significant recovery period
Undergoing bariatric surgery is a pretty big commitment. You won't just be able to go on with your regular life the day after surgery, or even the week after surgery. You'll generally need to spend at least a few days in the hospital post-surgery, and you'll need to take it easy for a few weeks after that. There will be a liquid diet you need to follow initially. Then, you'll be able to add soft foods. It will be a few months before you're able to eat a somewhat "normal" diet again, and then you'll have to stick to smaller portions. Many people find that bariatric surgery is well worth the recovery time, but it's something to be aware of.
Bariatric surgery can be a life-changing surgery, but it is not something to undergo without the right knowledge. Talk to your doctor to learn more about these surgeries and to find out how they can help you.
Share6 January 2022
