Before undergoing any surgery, it is essential that you know the nitty-gritty of what exactly you will have to go through. After proper analysis and listing out the pros and cons of the decision to be made, you can make the final call. Before you decide to undergo a Gastric bypass surgery or weight loss surgery, it is important that you seek guidance from the best gastroenterologist in India, as your body will undergo a lot of changes.
Here is a list of a few things that you need to know about bariatric surgery.
- Learn about the surgery
It is important that you know what exactly is a weight loss surgery and if you really need it. In a gastric bypass surgery, the size of your stomach is reduced and there are changes in the pattern of which the stomach and the small intestine handle food. You may eat less, however, you still feel full. Carry out a research for more understanding of the topic, gastric bypass surgery cost and whether you are able to afford it.
- Gastric Bypass Surgery Requirements
There are a few criteria that you require to qualify for this surgery. You need to take a medical exam to diagnose them. The criteria is –
- You have a BMI of 40 or more.
- You have an obesity-related condition such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, etc.
It is always better to have a doctor’s total approval before undergoing this surgery.
- Things to carry before surgery
Once you have decided to go forward with the surgery, the next question that may pop in your mind is what to buy before bariatric surgery. The surgery requires at least a minimum of overnight stay. Here is a list of a few things that you should pack for your stay at the hospital.
- Since you’re not allowed to eat or drink anything, your lips may dry out, hence, carry chapsticks and lotion.
- Books to read or your cell phone to keep you engaged.
- Mouthwash or breath spray.
- Some comfortable clothes to slip into post surgery and pillows.
- Medications (if necessary or prescribed by your doctor)
- Challenges during recovery
After gastric bypass surgery, the recovery period can vary from person to person. Generally, it takes around 2-3 days for a patient to recover. There can also be possibilities of an infection or wound from the surgery which take some time to heal. You may also face challenges while eating out and may have to adopt new eating habits. Apart from this, you may feel exhausted and tired and overwhelmed by the surgery.
- Side effects
Like most surgeries, there are a few side effects that one may experience. Some of the common gastric bypass surgery side effects are constipation, frequent bowels, vomiting, weakness, fatigue, developing gallstones, etc. In a few rare cases, one may experience blood clots or leakage at stomach and intestine reconnection sites.
- Risks post-surgery
There are some risks that patients are exposed to when they undergo bariatric surgery. Some of them are – - Addiction transfer -this is one of the most common risks that people with weight loss surgery may experience. Patients may resort to alcohol and substance abuse as they are no longer able to use food as an addiction.
- Eating disorder – on the other hand, patients may also develop an eating disorder. This may be, because of lack of appetite or not being able to eat what you want. Moreover, after surgery, eating hurriedly or not chewing properly can lead to frequent vomiting.
- Changes in body post-surgery
The first change in your body, post surgery is evidently weight loss. You will see a drastic change in your body. While not everyone who has undergone weight loss surgery faces the issue of excess skin hanging out, there are a few patients who experience this phenomenon. One can get rid of the saggy skin by plastic surgery. Apart from this, there are a few hormonal changes that go on in your body. These changes mainly contribute to rapid weight loss.
- Emotional side effects
Bariatric surgery brings major changes in one’s life. It’s almost like a new beginning to your life. With such drastic physical transformation, your body undergoes a lot of physical and emotional changes. You may feel stressed or even overwhelmed with the whole new situation you’re in. It’s important to understand that gastric bypass is a change in lifestyle and it may be difficult to adapt to. However, with time, you will soon be able to cope up with the change and embrace it.
- Dietary Changes
After your weight loss surgery, there are a few dietary changes that you need to follow. In the initial days right after your surgery, you will be able to eat only small portions of food. At start you may not feel hungry, however this may change over time. Post-surgery, your body may find it difficult to absorb fluids and nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, folate, calcium. Apart from this, there are few food habits which you need to avoid. For example – eating sugary foods, sodas and smoking. It is better that you follow a nutrition plan that meets your dietary needs. You can consult nutrition counselling services for a more personalized and elaborate diet plan.
- Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is a journey of rapid and dramatic weight loss. You lose around 70% of your extra weight. In addition to weight loss, this surgery will also improve health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other gastroenterology diseases.
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