Bariatric surgery will have a great impact on your life. From weight loss, to lifestyle changes, to the surgery procedure itself, it is important that you are made aware of the significance of this surgery to ensure that it is the correct route of weight loss for you. Below are 10 questions that you should consider asking your healthcare provider before deciding if you would like to go ahead with the surgery:
Q1: Which is the best type of bariatric surgery for me?
A: At Ramsay healthcare we offer a choice of 4 different procedures (gastric balloon, gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric band). It is important to discuss these options with your surgeon as each procedure comes with different risks and benefits and will be recommended depending on your medical history and weight loss goals.
Q2: Do I need to lose weight prior to surgery?
A: It is often required for you to lose some water weight in order to help shrink the size of your liver prior to surgery, the diet is known as the liver shrinkage or liver reduction diet. The reason behind this is that it will reduce surgical risks as the surgeon will be able to access the stomach more easily, prepare you for any dietary changes you may have to make post-surgery, and show that you are committed to making lifestyle changes, which you will have to follow post-surgery. Weight-loss prior to surgery is also often a good indicator of success post-surgery.
Q3: How much weight should I expect to lose post-surgery?
A: Weight loss will depend on the individual procedure, therefore, your surgeon will be able to discuss with you the likely outcomes of your chosen procedure. It must be remembered that whilst there may be a guide of how much weight you can expect to lose, all weight loss journeys are individual, and it is important to set realistic expectations. However, you could lose up to 50-75% of your excess body (weight above a BMI of 25) weight in 1 to 2 years.
Q4: Are there any risks or complications that may occur from the surgery?
A: Every surgery carries risks, bariatric or not. It is therefore important to discuss the type of risks or complications that could occur from your surgery so that you can weigh up whether the surgery is the right option for you. It is also important that you are made aware of what to do if complications do occur post-procedure, both short-term and long-term.
Q5: Is there a specific diet that I will have to follow, both immediately post-surgery, and in the long-term?
A: It is important to discuss any changes in diet that you may have to follow with your dietitian, who will be able to guide you through any dietary changes from immediately post-surgery, to and longer-term changes. Changes in diet are a key factor for weight loss success after surgery. Immediately post-surgery, patients often have to begin on a clear liquid diet for approximately 24 hours, moving to free (high protein) fluids, to pureed and soft foods, and then crispy foods and normal textures over a number of weeks - this is typical for any surgery involving the stomach, to allow it to heal and for any inflammation to settle. Long-term changes may be specific to you and can therefore be discussed with your dietitian.
Q6: Will I have to take any supplements post-surgery (vitamins and minerals)?
A: Again, it is important to discuss with your dietitian any supplements that you may have to take following surgery. Due to where the surgery is within the body, this can affect the ability for your body to absorb certain nutrients. It is therefore common that you will need to take lifelong supplements to prevent any nutritional deficiencies, for example, daily multivitamins, calcium and vitamin D tablets, iron tablets and vitamin B12 injections every 3 months - in addition to annual bloods.
Q7: Do I need to make any lifestyle changes following surgery?
A: Lifestyle changes are a very important factor in the success of your surgery and will determine the amount of weight that you lose. Common lifestyle changes to maximise the success of your surgery may include dietary changes, a reduction in alcohol consumption, stopping smoking, and increasing your activity levels. It is important to remember that bariatric surgery is not an instant fix and requires hard work to see your desired results.
Q8: Should I follow a specific exercise programme post-surgery?
A: One of the lifestyle changes that is important to maximise the success of your surgery is increasing your physical activity levels. When it comes to exercise, every little change counts, whether you are gardening, doing the housework, or parking further away at the back of the car park when shopping. As well as for weight loss, exercise is important to help maintain and improve your muscle mass, which will in turn help to increase your metabolic rate meaning that you will burn more calories throughout the day. Your surgeon will be able to advise on when you can begin exercising post-surgery, and the activities that you can do.
Q9: Will bariatric surgery help manage any of my pre-existing medical conditions?
A: It is best to speak to your health care provider about any specific health issues you have and how surgery may impact these. However, many of the conditions that are related to obesity, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes, improve post-surgery.
Q10: Will I get any follow-up care post-surgery?
A: Ongoing care post-surgery is important for success, and rest assured we will be here to guide you every step of the way for at least 2 years post operation. Your healthcare provider will be able to discuss with you the type of support that we offer, from surgeons, to nurses, to dietitians, to psychologists, we will all play an important part in your journey.
By asking the above questions, this should help prepare you for surgery and provide you with the advice needed to give you the best possible outcomes after surgery. The success of your surgery needs lifelong commitments and lifestyle changes from you, however, our team will be here to support you through every step to ensure that you get the best possible outcomes.