Your Bariatric Journey: A Guide to Transformation

Are you wondering what to expect on your bariatric journey? This guide from Nashville Bariatrics provides clear steps and essential information on the surgeries, preparations, and lifestyle changes involved. Our goal is to better equip you to navigate this process confidently toward a healthier life.

Who is a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

The most important step to take when considering bariatric surgery is to ensure you are an ideal candidate for this life-changing procedure. You will first consult with your doctor, who will review your medical history and make sure that you meet one of the following requirements for surgery:

• A BMI of 40 or higher
• A BMI of 35 or higher and obesity-related health conditions
• Committed to lifestyle changes and long-term follow-up
• Have had unsuccess with diet and lifestyle changes

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a weight loss surgery designed to alter the stomach and intestines to treat obesity and related diseases. The primary goal is to help individuals achieve significant weight loss when other methods, such as diet and exercise, have failed. This metabolic and bariatric surgery program not only changes the size of the stomach but also impacts appetite and digestion, contributing to improved blood sugar control and a better quality of life.

There are several types of weight loss surgeries, each aimed to help patients lose weight and manage their weight long term. Knowing these options helps you prepare for your bariatric journey.

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

Undergoing bariatric surgery can bring a variety of health benefits to patients, beyond seeing a decrease in a number on the scale. Benefits of bariatric surgery include:

Improvement of obesity-related health conditions like:

• • Type 2 diabetes
  • Sleep apnea
  • High cholesterol
  • GERD

Lowered risk of developing chronic diseases associated with obesity such as:

• • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Certain cancers
• Improvement of overall mental health and self-esteem
• Increase in life expectancy
• Improvement of fertility in women

Common Bariatric Surgery Options

VERTICAL SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy, also known as gastric sleeve surgery, involves removing approximately 80% of the stomach, leaving behind a banana-shaped pouch. This smaller stomach significantly reduces food intake and impacts appetite hormones, which promotes weight loss.

The procedure is advantageous due to its potential for significant weight loss, shorter hospital stays, and the fact that it doesn’t involve rerouting the intestines. However, it’s important to note that gastric sleeve surgery is irreversible.

ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, also known as gastric bypass surgery is a well-known weight loss surgery that creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the small intestine. This surgery leads to rapid weight loss by reducing hunger, increasing fullness, and decreasing calorie absorption.

It is particularly effective in treating severe obesity and related diseases, such as adult-onset diabetes, often showing improvements even before significant weight loss occurs.

GASTRIC BALLOON SURGERY

Gastric balloon surgery is performed endoscopically by inserting a deflated balloon into the stomach. The balloon is then filled with saline or air, which creates a feeling of fullness in the stomach, prompting less food intake and further weight loss.

LAPAROSCOPIC ADJUSTABLE GASTRIC BANDING

The Adjustable Gastric Band, introduced in the United States in 2001, involves placing an inflatable silicone band around the top part of the stomach to create a small pouch. This restricts food intake and slows down digestion, controlled by adjusting the band with fluid injections.

Preparing for Your Bariatric Surgery

Preparing for bariatric surgery involves more than just scheduling a date. The process involves medical evaluations, dietary changes, and psychological preparation to ensure the best possible outcome. This preparation is crucial because bariatric surgery is a major step that requires a commitment to permanent lifestyle changes.

Your healthcare team will provide specific instructions tailored to your surgery type. These may include:

• Adopting a healthier eating habits
• Engaging in further physical exercises
• Stopping tobacco use

Medical Evaluations

Before undergoing bariatric surgery, you’ll undergo an extensive medical screening process to ensure you’re a suitable candidate. This includes:

• Lab tests
• Physical exams
• Assessments of heart and lung function
• Blood work for metabolic function

Depending on your medical conditions, additional tests like endoscopy or sleep apnea evaluations may be required.

Dietary Changes

Dietary changes are a fundamental part of preparing for bariatric surgery. You’ll need to adopt a healthy eating plan and aim to lose weight to optimize your health before the procedure. These adjustments help ensure your body is better prepared for surgery and aids in optimal recovery.

Pre-surgery, you’ll likely need to follow a liquid diet and take vitamin and mineral supplements to improve your blood sugar control and overall health. Your doctor will be able to provide you specifics on foods to avoid and enjoy leading up to your surgery.

Psychological Preparation

Psychological preparation is key to a successful bariatric surgery journey, as bariatric surgery is a physically transformative procedure. A mental health assessment will help determine your readiness for the lifestyle changes required post-surgery and address any prior psychological issues. Support groups can provide a valuable source of encouragement and guidance both before and after surgery.

The Surgical Process

The surgical process for bariatric surgery has evolved significantly over the past fifty years. Most bariatric surgeries are now performed laparoscopically using minimally invasive surgical techniques, which involve making small incisions and using specialized instruments. This approach reduces pain, shortens recovery time, and minimizes scarring compared to traditional open surgery.

Laparoscopic Techniques

Laparoscopic techniques are a form of minimally invasive surgery that uses multiple small incisions rather than one large cut. This method reduces trauma to the body and enhances recovery. Patients benefit from quicker recovery times, reduced pain, and shorter hospital stays.

These techniques are increasingly used in bariatric surgery, making the procedures safer and more efficient.

What to Expect Post-Surgery

After bariatric surgery, patients typically wake up in a recovery room where the initial focus is on rest and recovery. Most patients spend one to two days in the hospital following minimally invasive surgery. Light walking is encouraged soon after surgery to promote circulation and healing.

Life After Bariatric Surgery

Life after bariatric surgery involves significant lifestyle changes that positively affect various areas of a person’s life. The surgery not only improves physical health but also enhances your self-esteem. Bariatric surgery is a tool for weight loss, but success lies in embracing a new lifestyle.

Here’s how:

Diet Transition

Post-surgery, patients must follow a specific dietary progression to ensure proper healing and adjustment. Initially, no food is allowed for 1 to 2 days to allow the stomach to heal. The diet begins with liquids. It then progresses to pureed foods before finally incorporating regular foods.

Hydration is crucial, with a recommendation of 1.5 to 2 liters of fluid daily. Again, your doctor will be able to provide you with a clear schedule and guidelines regarding diet.

Following your bariatric surgery you will also want to incorporate the following into your diet:

• Balanced meals
• Portion control
• Mindful eating habits

Physical Activity

Engaging in regular exercise is essential for enhancing weight loss and promoting overall health after bariatric surgery. Light walking is encouraged soon after surgery to promote circulation and healing.

This can look like engaging in moderate exercises like walking or swimming for approximately 30 minutes daily to maintain weight loss.

Managing Potential Complications

While bariatric surgery can lead to significant weight loss, it also carries risks of complications. These include short-term risks:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Infection

Recognizing complications early is crucial for effective management. Symptoms like nausea and dizziness may indicate dumping syndrome, a common complication. Acid reflux can also develop after certain types of bariatric surgeries. Being aware of these symptoms can help patients seek timely medical intervention.

However, there are long-term risks that are possible such as nutritional deficiencies.

Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers are crucial to monitor nutritional intake and health status to prevent and manage these complications.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Patients are prone to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals due to altered digestion post-surgery. Common deficiencies include vitamin B12, iron, and vitamin D, necessitating regular supplementation. Routine monitoring of blood levels is essential to catch and address these deficiencies early. Lifelong monitoring of nutritional status is recommended to prevent deficiencies.

If you experience severe pain or ongoing nausea after surgery, contact your medical provider immediately.

Bariatric Surgery FAQs

What are Alternatives to Bariatric Surgery?

If you are interested in weight loss, but not ready for a major surgery, there are alternatives such as weight loss injections. Common weight loss injections like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are FDA-approved and work by decreasing appetite and creating a feeling of fullness.

Is Bariatric Surgery Covered by Insurance?

Depending on your insurance company, bariatric surgery can be covered if certain criteria are met such as:

• A BMI of 40 or higher
• A BMI of 30 or higher WITH a severe health condition related to obesity
• Unsuccessful with other weight loss alternatives, or lifestyle changes for at least 6 months

Again, you will want to connect with your insurance company to see what their coverage options are and if you meet their requirements for coverage.

What is the Maximum Weight for Bariatric Surgery?

While there is no maximum weight limit to undergo bariatric surgery, your provider may not feel comfortable performing surgery if your weight is too high. This is due to complications that can arise during surgery for more obese patients. In these instances, your provider may suggest you lose additional weight to meet a more safe range, either through lifestyle changes or weight loss injections.

Your Partner in Weight Loss Transformation at Nashville Bariatrics

At Nashville Bariatrics, we are committed to supporting you at every step. Our experienced team is dedicated to ensuring a safe, informed, and empowering journey to a healthier you.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation today to explore the possibilities of bariatric surgery and start your transformative journey towards a healthier, happier life.

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