Bariatric

You have tried every diet plan known to man.  You are considered clinically obese; and, you are at the end of the proverbial rope.  You want to live to see your children and grandchildren grow up.  So, you are considering the possibility of a bariatric procedure as a last resort.  Now, you need to know the criteria for qualifying for weight loss surgery.

If you decide that you are ready for such a drastic health change, it is not merely finding a bariatric surgeon willing to perform the procedure.  You will have to go through a battery of tests to determine if you qualify for bariatric surgery.  You will have to undergo evaluations and much more to make sure this is the last option available to you, and that you completely understand exactly what you are getting into for the rest of your life.

Are you psychologically ready?

You can pass all of the required physical tests the doctor can order, but if you are not emotionally ready for this permanent lifestyle change, you will not be allowed to have surgery.  Once bariatric surgery is done, there is no turning back, no changing your mind.

The doctor needs to be positive that you have no mental health issues that would preclude you being able to assess the gravity of this operation and make a well-informed choice.  You will be evaluated for emotional readiness.  Are you depressed?  Have you contemplated suicide?  Are you prepared for the recovery period and the restrictions that will be placed on eating and exercise habits, in order to ensure success of the procedure?  You will be asked these and many more questions, so be prepared.

Visiting the Dietician

You will also be required to meet with a certified dietician.  Yes, you probably already know all about healthy eating and the various diets available.  But, the dietician will evaluate how you eat, what you eat, and even why you eat.  For example, a lot of people indulge in comfort food when they get stressed or depressed.  The dietician understands the special concerns of weight loss surgery patients. After all, this is not another diet alternative.  You will be changing how you eat, how you live, and even how you think, in order for this procedure to have the desired outcome.

Blood Work

As with any major surgical procedure, you will be required to undergo a complete blood work up.  Your blood will be tested for liver function and other potential disorders that can put you at increased risk during the surgery.  It is a standard procedure.  However, prior to this surgery it is absolutely vital, because you body will be going through some drastic changes, and it does not need the dangers of other potential complications.

The Pee Test

Yes, as uncomfortable as it may be, you will have to give a sample in the little cup.  If you are a woman, the doctors will want to make sure you are not pregnant before going into surgery.  But, a complete analysis of your urine, regardless of gender, could reveal other complications that can put your body at additional risk.  For example, doctors can find out whether you already suffer from diabetes or some other illness.

Your Heart

You may undergo a whole battery of tests, just to make sure your heart and cardiovascular system is strong enough to withstand the procedure and recovery.  If the doctor believes that you have a greater chance of dying on the operating table, as opposed to the health benefits of weight loss surgery, you journey toward surgery may end here.  Before a doctor will perform the surgery, he/she must be sure the health benefits far outweigh the risks.

Your Lungs

Like you cardiovascular system, you will need to undergo tests to determine if your pulmonary system is strong enough to take the surgery and recovery.  Your lungs and all the related systems must be strong enough to not present additional danger to your health.  Again, the tests will determine whether the inherent risks of surgery are worth taking, in order to realize the benefits of weight loss surgery.

Your Digestive System

Of course, since the doctor will essentially be rerouting your digestive system, it will be imperative to make sure it is in good health, before he/she starts messing around with it.  For example, if you have any type of disorder or disease of the digestive tract that would make weight loss surgery dangerous, the doctor cannot, in good conscience perform the surgery.  Unfortunately, you will be scoped from one end to the other.

So, now you have a general idea of the many tests you will undergo before qualifying for weight loss surgery.  No, it will not be fun, and it will not happen overnight.  But, if you are really serious about making this drastic lifestyle change, in order to be healthier, you can do it! Think of it as a true test of your convictions to change.

According to recent statistics, 62% of Americans are overweight. As shocking as those numbers are, 32% of citizens are considered obese.  So, what is the difference?  Besides, what is the big deal? Society should accept people who do not have the perfect figure.  But, being excessively overweight is a problem because it can actually lead to other health problems that can ultimately become life-threatening.  So, if you need to lose more than a few pounds, how do you find out if weight loss surgery is right for you?

Anyone who needs to get rid of a few pounds will tell you that it is a whole lot easier to gain the weight than it is to shed those extra inches. But, for those that are clinically obese, it could mean the difference between life and death to lose the fat.  It has nothing to do with being judgmental against those that have the less than perfect figure.

For example, if you are overweight, you are at risk for:

•    Diabetes
•    High Blood Pressure
•    Sleep Apnea
•    Osteoarthritis
•    Gastric Reflux
•    Infertility
•    Respiratory Problems
•    High Cholesterol
•    Heart Problems

As you can see, the list is pretty scary.  If you are a good candidate for bariatric surgery, chances are you are probably already experiencing one or more of these serious health concerns.

Not for the Faint of Heart

Weight loss surgery is not for the faint of heart.  It is definitely not the easy way out, when it comes to getting rid of a lifetime of weight gain.  Anyone who thinks people who elect to have this operation are weak and lazy does not have a clue.  No one can simply walk into a doctor’s office, ask for the surgery, and miraculously lose 100 pounds seemingly overnight.

The surgery is only the beginning of a complete lifestyle change and a lot of hard work to achieve good health.  A bariatric procedure is basically a last resort, to get control of weight, before other diseases and illnesses result in death or permanent disability. Only those patients that are willing to begin the arduous and life changing regime will even be considered for the operation.

The True Test

Once you find a physician that is willing to consider bariatric surgery, you will have to undergo a whole battery of tests.  The health risks of your weight will be assessed, as will you ability to withstand the operation.  Regardless of the procedure selected for your particular circumstances, it is no walk in the park.  In simple terms, the doctor will basically be altering your digestive tract.

When the surgery is complete, you will no longer be able to eat for social purposes.  Food will have to become nutrition only.  Instead of 3 big meals a day, you will have to eat very small portions several times a day.  In addition, you will not be able to consume your normal foods for some time.  For example, for the first few weeks, patients are on a nutritional liquid diet, as the body heals and adjusts to the internal alternations.

Because the changes to your body, lifestyle, and eating habits are going to be so drastic, you will also need to undergo psychological testing before a doctor will agree to perform the surgery.  You will not be able to return to your normal activities and habits for a long time. In fact, some will be gone forever.  So, if you tried to eat the same foods as before, even in smaller portions, you could get sick or put your very life in jeopardy. The question is:  will you pass the true test?

A Support System

You meet the criteria for needing weight loss surgery; you have passed the psychological exams; you are all set for the procedure, right?  Wrong!  With bariatric surgery, you will need a support system in place for recovery and when life has returned to the new normal.

In the beginning, you will definitely need help to accomplish some everyday tasks.  For instance, you might not be able to vacuum or drive for awhile.  It depends on the type of surgery and your doctor’s instructions.  But, if he/she says to avoid an activity-listen.  You do not want to create an emergency health situation.

But, you will definitely need a support system after you have healed.  You will need someone who will encourage you when the going gets tough.  When you can no longer eat much-loved foods or pile your plate at Thanksgiving, it will get hard.  You will also be dealing with swift weight loss, followed by plateaus. Depending on your circumstances, you may need surgery to get rid of loose skin. You will need someone to tell you it was worth it, when you are no longer sure.

So, is weight loss surgery for you?  Only you and your doctor can answer that question.  But, if you are clinically obese and have other dangerous health problems, it may be worth your consideration.

You have been on every weight loss program known to mankind.  If you lost any weight, you have gained it all back and then some.  You are starting to have complications with your health that can be directly related to obesity.  If you do not do something soon, your very life is at risk.  So, you and your doctor have decided that weight loss surgery is the procedure of last resort, to regain your health.  Now, you need to know how to select your bariatric surgeon.

Of course, you know that it is no like deciding on which style of shoe you like best.  If you are going to take this drastic step to regain your health and a better quality of life, you want someone who will be well-suited to meet your medical need, who has the experience to bring you safely through the operation and beyond. In fact, you may have to be willing to travel, in order to find the surgeon that is right for you.

Will he/she take you case?

Although it may not be the most important criteria, you can weed out a lot of surgeon candidates by simply finding out if he/she will even take you on as a patient.  In some cases, the doctor may simply be too busy to take a new case right now.

However, each doctor has his/her own criteria for taking new patients.  For example, some weight loss surgeons will not feel comfortable operating on you, if your body mass index is over 50.  If you are grossly obese, other health concerns will definitely add an element of risk that many doctors are not willing to take.  If they feel your chances of dying or suffering horrible complications far outweigh the potential benefit, you will have to find someone else.

In addition, if you are a senior citizen, you are more likely to suffer complications or death.  Many doctors feel like your current quality of life, as bad as it seems, is better than taking the chance that you might die.

Thankfully, there are surgeons who specialize in high risk cases.  They have the experience necessary to deal with potential complications of bariatric surgery.  You just have to find the right surgeon.

Experience

When you find a surgeon who is willing to take you on as a new patient, the next criteria you have to check is their level of experience.  The surgery you are about to undergo is dangerous, even under the best of health circumstances.  Altering your digestive system is not a minor procedure.  It is a big deal. You need to feel confident that he/she has the expertise to bring you through the procedure and help you achieve the optimum results.

So, you are going to have to ask a lot of questions.  Find out how long the surgeon has been in practice.  How many cases has he had that are similar to yours, and what was the outcome.   Where were you trained, and how many procedures have you done?  What types of weight loss surgery have you performed in the past?  How many of your patients have died due to complications of bariatric surgery?

You will probably have many more questions than these few.  Ask them all!  Do not feel like you are being too cautious or inquisitive.  After all, this is your life on the line. Plus, you are hiring a doctor to do the surgery.  He/she will be amply paid-no worries.

After the Surgery

For your part, the surgery itself will be easy.  You will be asleep.  You will have no recollection of how long it took, or the challenges faced by your surgeon.  The hard part will be after the surgery. Depending on your health and level of pain tolerance, you might wake up and wish you could hit reverse and go home.

So, you should be comfortable with the answers regarding what to expect after weight loss surgery and how the doctor is going to ease your inevitable discomfort.  You should be aware of what to expect, if it goes well, or if you suffer a major setback.

If you have to travel more than a few miles from your home, how long can you reasonably expect to be away, even if things go well? What is the average hospital stay?  Will you have to make arrangements to stay in the area for a few days to a few weeks? When it is time to return home, what precautions will you have to take for your comfort and safety?

In short, there will be many questions to ask the bariatric surgeon, before finding the doctor that is right for you.  Your family practitioner will probably be able to give you a list of inquiries to make, in searching for the right provider. You have the right to know.  So, ask away, and find the weight loss surgeon that will best help to find the healthier you.