5 Things to Know Before Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

5 Things to Know Before Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

After trying to lose weight without success, you may be thinking about bariatric surgery. Before deciding whether or not it’s a good option for your weight loss goals, you need to be aware of several things.

Although bariatric surgery is generally safe and successful in attaining weight loss, you should be ready for the ensuing emotional and physical issues.

Let us look at things to know before you have this procedure.

  1. Check if you qualify for Bariatric Surgery

The most important and foremost thing is to confirm that you are eligible for the procedure as it has stringent medical guidelines. If you have an underlying medical condition, your BMI has to be not less than 32.5, and if you are healthy, your BMI should be at least 37.5.

  1. Identify a Food Addiction and the Significance of Physical Activity

If you are addicted to food, you must address the issue before surgery. You can talk to a mental health provider to help you establish the role of food in your life and assist you in developing healthier alternatives. Although you will have a smaller stomach after bariatric surgery, it will not fill the emotional needs met by eating.

You will have to eat very little or no solid food during the initial weeks following bariatric surgery. Your doctor may recommend taking supplements to avoid micronutrient deficiencies. Liquid or chewable vitamins are recommended for healing, absorption, and toleration.

Multivitamin capsules are prohibited for up to 6-8 months post-surgery. You can, however, apply a bariatric multivitamin patch direct to the skin in addition to taking chewable and liquid vitamins.

  1. Be Realistic with your Expectations

To start with, your post-surgery expectations should be reasonable. You will not leave the surgery room thin after bariatric surgery. Understand that surgery is not an instant solution to weight loss; it is an internal tool through a smaller stomach to help you lose weight.

Do not expect to witness the same results as a friend or family member who had the surgery; everyone is different. Your results will depend on dietary habits and lifestyle changes.

  1. Seek Help for Depression

The success rate for bariatric surgery is around 80%, and it takes focus and time to lose weight. It is essential to have the right emotional energy to support these efforts. After the procedure, your body is healing, and eating is practically prohibited.

If you have depression, it will be even harder to keep up, especially if you have a food addiction. Talk to your counselor or doctor to help you develop and maintain a positive outlook about the process.

  1. Challenges of Recovery

You will be advised about the physical issues that arise after bariatric surgery, including dumping syndrome (vomiting, nausea, and weakness), constipation, possible wound infection, and leaks in the connections.

Physical changes can be in the form of fatigue (due to mineral or vitamin deficiency) or body aches. You may also feel colder than usual. Sagging or dry skin, hair thinning or loss, and the body’s inability to process vitamins (D and B12) and minerals (calcium, folate, iron) may also cause problems. 

Categories: Health

Nicolas Desjardins

Hello everyone, I am the main writer for SIND Canada. I've been writing articles for more than 12 years and I like sharing my knowledge. I'm currently writing for many websites and newspapers. I always keep myself very informed to give you the best information. All my years as a computer scientist made me become an incredible researcher. You can contact me on our forum or by email at [email protected].