Robotic Bariatric Surgery

Key Considerations Prior to Bariatric Surgery

Key Considerations Prior to Bariatric Surgery
26 December, 2024

Weight loss surgery is designed to help you shed extra pounds and reduce your risk of obesity-related diseases. There are many, including heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke, cancer, high cholesterol, infertility, obstructive sleep apnea, and more. So, you have decided to seek bariatric surgery.

Effective weight loss requires a comprehensive approach that includes not only proper nutrition and exercise but also, in some cases, bariatric surgery. These changes can make a huge difference. But to undergo weight loss surgery, it is important to be prepared both mentally and physically! Let’s discuss bariatric surgery complications and benefits. And also decide how to prepare for the surgery so that it goes well!

Bariatric Surgery Requirements

Weight loss surgery can change lives when other methods have failed. It can also improve or even eliminate diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. However, the success of the surgery depends on your behavior.

Have you taken the necessary steps to prepare for your surgery? Adjust your diet and exercise before your surgery. Anesthesia puts stress on your heart and lungs, so it is best to prepare in advance.

Bariatric surgery is a major procedure that carries risks, including the possibility of infection. To minimize these risks, try to walk as much as possible, stay hydrated, and follow all post-operative instructions. If you experience pain or suspect an infection, contact your surgeon immediately. Because you are consuming less food, your body may not be getting the nutrients it needs. Follow your prescribed diet and take recommended supplements to ensure you are getting the proper nutrition.

Patients who have undergone gastric bypass must take vitamin supplements for life. Bariatric surgery brings many positive changes. Weight loss always has a positive effect on overall health. However, every decision should be weighed. Therefore, at a preliminary consultation with our specialist, you will be able to ask all the questions you are interested in.

Medical Tests for Bariatric Surgery

These tests are designed to help us provide the best possible care.

  • Chest X-ray (CXR)
  • EKG (Electrocardiogram)
  • Blood work:
  • CBC (Complete Blood Count)
  • Complete Metabolic Panel
  • Thyroid Function Tests
  • Lipid Panel
  • Iron Panel (Fe Panel)
  • Vitamin B12, Folate, Thiamine
  • Homocysteine, C-Reactive Protein, Lipoprotein a (to assess cardiac risk factors)
  • HgbA1C (for known diabetics)
  • Cardiac echo is recommended if there’s a history of using fen-phen, long-term sleep apnea, or other cardiac risk factors.

A stress test is required for patients with abnormal cardiac echo, family history, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, hypertension, more than 20 pack years of smoking history, age over 50, etc.

A Greenfield filter is needed if you have a history of blood clots in your lungs or legs, severe sleep apnea, or weigh more than 400 lbs. The filter prevents blood clots from traveling to the lungs, where they can be life-threatening. Stanford physicians can place temporary filters, which are removed 2-4 weeks after surgery.

Cessation of smoking, steroid use, and immune-suppressing medications is essential for a successful recovery.

Bariatric Surgery Preparation Diet

You may have already spoken to your doctor, who has confirmed that you are a candidate based on your body mass index (BMI), and you may have discussed the pros and cons of the procedure. There is a lot to prepare for before you can schedule your surgery.

Learn about your diet. A pre-operative consultation with our expert can help you understand how to adjust your diet. Find out what dietary changes you will need to make before and after surgery, such as eating smaller portions, chewing your food thoroughly, staying hydrated, and tracking your food intake. You may need to take vitamins and supplements and monitor your blood sugar. You will also need a weight loss and exercise plan. Regular exercise, even before surgery, is crucial.

Side Effects of Weight Loss Surgery

The surgery works in two ways. First, it limits the amount of food your stomach can hold, reducing the number of calories you consume. Second, it alters or bypasses part of the small intestine, limiting the amount of calories and nutrients your body absorbs. Although effective, these procedures carry risks, including infection, blood clots, and reactions to anesthesia.

There are financial considerations, as the surgery is covered by insurance, but procedures such as excess skin removal are often not. However, this      additional surgery can greatly improve body image and self-esteem. Weight loss surgery requires a lifelong commitment to healthy eating and regular exercise. It is important to make responsible decisions.

Risks of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery, like any major procedure, carries several risks and side effects. The most common bariatric surgery complications include acid reflux, complications related to anesthesia, chronic nausea, and vomiting. Problems with the esophagus may also occur. Other risks include infections, blockages in the stomach, and, in some cases, weight gain or failure to lose weight as expected.

One concern is dumping syndrome, which causes symptoms such as nausea and dizziness. There is also a risk of low blood sugar, malnutrition, vomiting, ulcers, and intestinal obstruction. Hernias may also develop over time. The specific risks associated with surgery may vary depending on the type of procedure performed. Narrowing of the stomach and vitamin or iron deficiencies are other potential problems. Reducing your body mass index, increasing physical activity, and stopping smoking are key factors in minimizing complications.

Conclusion

Ready to change your life for the better? We will consult with you, examine you, and help you prepare for surgery. Feel the changes! Reduce your weight with bariatric surgery and eliminate the problems that are often caused by extra pounds.

Whether you’re considering gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric banding, our team will help you. We are dedicated to helping you achieve lasting health and improved quality of life!