Bariatric Checklist: What You Need to Ask Your Doctor?
Surgery often comes across as a hard decision to make. Accepting the need for surgery is hard for many, and it is no surprise that there can be a lot of anxiety attached to it. While modern medicine has reduced the risk of surgery a lot, the minimal risk still presents itself as a problem in many spheres. The best way to combat that anxiety is fear is through research.
Since you felt the need to read this article, we have good news for you. You are already on the right path. Half the battle is won when you decide to fight.
However, as with any battle, it is essential to strategise, train and gear up. You need to know what you will face and what to prepare for. Continue reading to gear up.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY
Like any good story, weight loss surgery care is divided into three parts-
Part I: before weight loss surgery
Part II: during bariatric surgery and
Part III: post-operative care for bariatric surgery
Part II exclusively belongs to the doctors, so all you have to worry about are parts 1 and 3. However, it is essential to note that unless you have experts in the field working on part 2, no matter how much you prepare and care for later, winning the battle becomes very hard. This is why we focus on experience & broad treatment plans. We have a team of highly experienced and qualified doctors to treat obesity. These professionals offer comprehensive care for bariatric surgery, from diagnosis to post-operative care, using our cutting-edge technology.
Now, coming to what you can do.
BEFORE WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY
Before you embark on the journey, you need to have a team ensure that you are:
- Medically fit enough and
- you need to undergo the surgery
The assessment before weight loss surgery should be comprehensive, all-encompassing, and comprise an evaluation by an interprofessional team that includes the surgeon, endocrinologists, dieticians, psychologists, Anesthesiologists, nurses, and General Physician. To guarantee a successful result of the bariatric surgery treatment, a number of procedures should be carried out during the pre-op evaluation.
- Nutritional Evaluation
Nutritional evaluation and patient education will help you make the necessary dietary changes following surgery. Education about patient expectations should also be included to ensure that weight loss goals are clear. In general, a patient undergoing sleeve gastrectomy can expect to lose 60 to 65 per cent of excess body weight in two years, while a patient undergoing gastric bypass can expect to lose 70 to 75 per cent of excess body weight in the same time frame. Weight management strategies should be discussed with you for general clarity.
Glycemic control is critical if you have diabetes and will be undergoing bariatric surgery. This should be encouraged and monitored. A licenced dietician usually carries out the nutritional evaluation.
- Weight Loss Plan
A structured weight loss programme is required. In most circumstances, a researched weight loss programme can improve post-surgical results and does not exclude you from receiving weight loss surgery.
The weight loss strategy should include a dietary evaluation and a structured activity programme. Weight loss objectives should be established and tracked with each patient visit throughout the preoperative period.
Failure to lose weight owing to a lack of attention to the plan and diet might indicate to the experts how dependable the patient will be with postoperative lifestyle adjustments. On the other hand, failure to lose weight while sticking to the diet is noted so more active support may be offered before and after the bariatric treatment.
- Medical Clearance
You must have a medical examination which involves a complete history, a review of previous medical and surgical history, a laboratory workup, and measurement. A comprehensive metabolic panel, complete blood count, iron, vitamin, and folate levels, type and screen, HbA1C, and coagulation panel should all be included in the laboratory workup. Moreover, you should be screened for lungs, heart illness and obstructive sleep apnea etc…
- Preoperative Imaging
Many times, imaging can help your surgeon and the team decide which type of bariatric surgery will be best suited for you. This is not always needed, and our team of experts will notify you if you do or do not need the imaging done.
TIPS TO MAKE BARIATRIC SURGERY EVEN BETTER
Getting surgery is by no means a competition but there are certain things that will make it a lot easier for you.
- Nutrition
You can get on top of your game with a few simple habits:
- Eating on a regular schedule
- Adding protein throughout all meals and snacks
- Staying hydrated and keeping fluids separate from meals.
- Reading food labels to make the healthiest eating choices.
- Practice mindful eating.
- Organizing meals and snacks
You can also follow simple meal guidelines:
- When should you eat?
Eat something within one hour of waking up every day.
Then, every two hourly during the day, eat something.
A normal day will consist of three meals and two to three snacks.
2. What should you eat?
•Consume lots of protein, fibres, Green vegetables, whole grain etc… do follow all instructions of clinical dietician strictly.
- How much should you drink?
It is critical to stay hydrated.
Every day, drink at least 2.5 to 3 ltr of liquid
In addition to good eating habits, an exercise regimen post-surgery is a vital element in reducing weight after bariatric surgery. However, directed by your doctor in some disease
Establishing a plan before bariatric surgery is just as important and may assist improve long-term success.
According to research, beginning an exercise programme before weight reduction surgery can help prepare your body for surgery, enhance recovery time, and make the transition into a healthy, active lifestyle much simpler. Light exercise four to five days per week for up to a year after surgery is recommended.
The most difficult obstacle patients confront when beginning a pre-surgery fitness plan is mobility constraints caused by extra weight, so only do as much as you can and always talk to one of our experts beforehand.
Here are some ideas to help you overcome mobility constraints and become more physically active:
- Move.
Increase your everyday activity gradually by cleaning the home, parking further away at the grocery store, or taking the stairs more regularly.
- Take a stroll.
Begin with a little distance and gradually expand as you get more comfortable.
- Do some mild aerobics.
These exercises do not need to be strenuous; instead, concentrate on movement and duration.
- Yoga or Pilates.
Chair yoga is an excellent place to begin. If you have mobility or joint concerns, these activities from a sitting posture may be simpler to complete.
With all these tips and tricks under your belt, you should now have a very well-made checklist before you even go in for surgery. Remember, this is a battle and it will take a while- more importantly, it will take support.
With Ansh Obecure, you will always have support and guidance at your fingertips. We believe in giving you utmost care- with us, you will never have to worry about obesity again.
