Bariatric

Before you undergo any major surgical procedure, it is incumbent upon the doctor to make sure you understand all of the risks, as opposed to the benefits.  Especially if it is an elective procedure, you need to know exactly what to expect if things go well, and what to expect if things do not go as planned.  For example, if you already suffer from health problems related to your weight, you will also have a greater chance for complications.  Although there are many more, you should be aware of at least eight risks of weight loss surgery.

Not only will you need to be made aware of potential complications during bariatric weight loss surgery, but you will also need to know how to recognize signs of problems during recovery.  Because you are already overweight and have reached the point to qualify for weight loss surgery, you most likely already have serious health concerns that can lead to problems. Your health is already fragile, so you need to pay attention to your body and recognize when something is wrong.Gastrointestinal Leaks

As with any surgery related to your digestive system, you can develop leaks that can lead to life-threatening infections and malfunctions.  Basically, your digestive tract needs to be water tight.  From entrance to exit, nothing that enters your mouth or flows through the digestive process should leak into any other cavity or organ.  If it does, you can be in big trouble.

Of course, the doctor will double and triple check all of the potential connections that have been altered and sewn back together.  However, you could heal incorrectly, something could rupture, or maybe a stitch was not tight enough to withstand the digestive system starting to work again.

Gastric Distention

In approximately 1% of gastric bypass surgery patients, the portion of the stomach that has been bypassed will become distended and start to leak.  If this happens, a drainage tube will have to be inserted, to give the fluids a safe outlet.

Blood Clots

Anyone who experiences major surgery will be at risk for potential blood clots.  But, if mobility has become an issue, because of your excess weight, it will be of special concern.  For this reason, some bariatric surgeons will deny patients because the risk to their life far outweighs the expected benefits of weight loss surgery.  So, the doctor may suggest other health measure to reduce your weight to a safer level, before performing the procedure.

Heart Problems

If you are considering gastric bypass, you have probably already come to the realization that your heart has to work extra hard to keep your body functioning.  Unfortunately, surgery is not an immediate fix.  In fact, the procedure will put added stress on your cardiovascular system.  You might suffer from an irregular heartbeat, congestive heart failure-when fluid builds up around your heart, or even a heart attack.  As you lose the weight and become healthier, you heart should follow suit.  But for now, your heart has a big job.

Infection

Infection is a big concern with any operation.   It is not something to be ignored; nor will it go away on its own.  If you have an infection, the wound may have to be drained and the doctor will put you on strong antibiotics to heal the wound.  You will be made aware of the signs of infection.  It will be up to you to pay attention to your body and check for any problems, until you are completely healed.

Stricture

A stricture can be a very serious health concern.  It is usually cause by scar tissue where the new stomach has been fashioned and things have been rerouted.  It can prevent you from retaining any food.  Instead of entering the new stomach and being sent through you new digestive system, it will come back up.  If the doctor suspects a stricture, a scope will be used to go down to your stomach.  Known as an endoscopy, a camera will have a look to find the source of your problem.

If dilation can improve digestion, it may have to be done several times to correct the problem.  If the stricture is more serious, additional surgery may be required.

Dehydration

Especially in the beginning, dehydration can become a real problem.  It will likely be difficult to drink the recommended daily amount of liquid to be healthy, at first.  If your urine is dark, you are not eliminating often enough, or you are constipated, it could be a sign that you are not drinking enough.  You might even become lightheaded and faint.  You will have to follow directions and force yourself, if necessary, to give your body the liquid it needs.

Gastric Prolapse

If you have chosen the option to have a band placed on your stomach, there is a chance that it can slip.  If this happens, you will start throwing up and you will not even be able to keep liquids down.  You will need to call the doctor immediate, if this happens.

So, now you know at least eight risks of weight loss surgery you will need to watch for during recovery, and even beyond.  You will simply have to become aware of your body and know when things are not working as they should.  None of these things may ever happen, but if they do, you will be prepared to act.

If you are clinically obese and have tried every diet in the book, you might be considering weight loss surgery.  You know the procedure is not the easy way out.  Opting for this drastic weight loss measure is not an easy decision. You will have several issues to contemplate before deciding whether any bariatric procedure is right for you.

Weight loss surgery is basically rewiring your digestive system. Your stomach is bypassed, and a pouch is fashioned that will only allow you to eat very small portions at one time.  Since your natural systems are rerouted and diet is completely changed, getting the proper nutrients for good health is a constant concern.  Thus, the surgery is not for everyone, regardless of any extenuating circumstances.

The Cost of Bariatric Surgery

To be brutally honest, the cost of the surgery could negate contemplating any of the other related issues.  Do you have insurance that will pay for the procedure?  The finances will have to be in place before the procedure will be scheduled.

With many operations, a simple call to the insurance company will clarify whether the company will cover a large portion of the cost.  Not so with weight loss surgery.  Before you undergo such a drastic and dangerous operation, the insurance agency will likely require documentation that your health truly depends on the success of bariatric surgery. You will have to jump through whatever financial and physical hoops they require before receiving the okay.

Lifestyle Changes

Are you really ready to accept the lifestyle changes of weight loss surgery? It may seem easy to say yes today, when you know you have to lose weight immediately or risk your life.  What about tomorrow, a month from now, or next year?

Do you know what is the largest factor contributing to your obesity?  No excuses.  Even if your family history shows a propensity to be overweight, your habits have also contributed to the current situation.  For example, are you a comfort eater?  When you are stressed or depressed, do you tend to snack?  Are you a social eater? Is food often the central focus of gatherings with friends and family?  If so, your whole attitude will have to change.  Food will be for survival.  It can no longer be an important key to any situation, other than sustenance.

Next, how do feel about exercise?  Remember, this surgery is not the magic answer.  You will still have to work, and make it a habit, to continue losing weight and to maintain good health, even after you reach your goal.  You body needs exercise.  You will have to be dedicated to physical activity.  Not just for today or tomorrow.  It will be a lifestyle change.

Although it has been implied already, are you prepared for the psychological changes that will accompany this drastic answer to weight loss?  As you shed the initial pounds quickly, it may seem like a true blessing.  But, when the weight loss begins to slow, what then?  Are you prepared for sagging, excess skin that will require plastic surgery to disappear?  Will you be able to handle the emotional issues related to giving up your favorite foods being taboo?  How are you going to handle the next party or holiday event?  Are you really prepared for the lifestyle changes of bariatric surgery?

The Best for Last

Okay, enough of the financial issues, you sacrifices, and the hard work of weight loss surgery.  Are you ready for all of the great things that will come to your life after the procedure?  Smile!  For all you have to change or give up, you will also be amply rewarded!

For example, it will be so nice to enjoy activities without food being the central issue.  You can relax and enjoy the friends and family simply for who they are, not for what they brought to the table.

Think about how good you will feel about yourself.  Your self-image will not be clouded by your excess weight.  Riding in an airplane will no longer be something to dread. Forget being self-conscious about what that guy over there is thinking.  You can enjoy buying new clothes and being in social situations without wondering if someone is starring or being judgmental. Wow!  What a wonderful change to your emotional outlook.

Are you a walking pharmacy today?  After you lose weight, think about all the medication you will no longer need to take each day, simply to survive.  Your body will be grateful and so will your wallet.

Can you imagine having more energy and being able to play with your kids or grandkids? Right now, it may be exhausting just to get up and walk a few feet.  Think about the difference of being able to enjoy outdoor activities and not being short of breath. When you wake up in the morning, you can look forward to the new day with anticipation, and not just hoping you make it through until you can lie down again.

Although this is but a short list of what you will have to consider before weight loss surgery, it gives you some idea of the sacrifices and the blessings.  How you care for your body is not a decision to be taken lightly, but the ultimate rewards should surpass any struggles.

You have been struggling with weight your entire life.  Despite trying every diet and weight loss gimmick known to man, you end up gaining back all of the weight lost, and then some.  Now, you are having health problems that can be directly attributed to your obesity.  If you want to live, something has to change-and fast!  Your family doctor has suggested bariatric surgery. Now, you need to find someone willing to take your case.  You need help in choosing your weight loss surgeon.

A diploma hanging on the wall may attest to a doctor’s education.  But, is he/she really qualified to be entrusted with your life?  It may sound dramatic, but it is true.  Weight loss surgery is risky business.  If you are obese enough to be considered a likely candidate for the procedure, you already have health challenges that make any operation more risky.

In addition, any weight loss procedure you choose will basically change how you eat and process food.  Although the various operations may differ in type, the goal is the same: you will eat less, absorb less calories and nutrients, and lose weight.  To accomplish these ideals, your digestive track will have to be surgically rerouted to help you with portion control and retention. You will want to be sure your chosen surgeon has the experience and knowledge needed for a successful outcome.

Experience

Remember, you are hiring this health care professional to take care of your medical needs.  In essence, you are the employer.  So, do not feel bad for asking a lot of important questions.  You want to make sure you have found the best doctor for your specific circumstances.

For example, how much experience has he/she had with weight loss surgery?  How many cases are similar to yours? What kind of team is in place to make sure you have the best care possible?  How many patients, in the last 6 months, have suffered complications related to the surgery?

If the bariatric surgeon does not answer your questions satisfactorily, do not hesitate to look for someone else more qualified.  Since you are the one undergoing major surgery, you need to have complete confidence in the person(s) responsible for the weight loss procedure.

Method

Since there is more than one method of weight loss surgery, you need to discover which procedure is performed most often by this particular surgeon.  Is that the surgery for you, or is another recommended for your particular health issues?  If so, is he/she comfortable with that type of operation as well?  How many of those surgeries have the doctor done in the past?

Hospital Stay

Unfortunately, not every community has a bariatric surgeon on hand.  You do not want someone who has been called upon to fix a perforated bowel or some other digestive disorder.  You want someone who specializes in weight loss procedures.

Since it may mean traveling across county, you will need specific information about the hospital stay.  How many days are you likely to be admitted?  Once you are released, will you need to stay in the vicinity until you are well enough to travel, or your recovery has progressed to a certain point?  Are there affordable accommodations, near the hospital, specifically reserved for patients?

Complications

Of course, no one plans to have complications.  But, it is something to prepare for, nonetheless.  If something goes wrong after the weight loss procedure, and you have already returned home, can your surgeon work with the local doctor or hospital to take care of the unexpected?  Is there a number where he/she can be reached quickly, in the event of an emergency?

Although it seems like a reasonable expectation, some doctors are like high officials.  They may perform the surgery, but you may never see them after the first initial visit, except right before the surgery.  Then, after a couple of hospital room visits, a physician’s assistant is basically put in charge of your care.

But, if something goes really wrong, you do not want to have to waste precious time playing phone tag, being put on hold, or leaving messages the doctor may never see for hours or days.  You need a doctor that is willing to be accessible to you before, during, and after the bariatric procedure.

In short, I am sure you can probably think of a lot more questions for your potential bariatric surgeon.  Ask away!  You are going to be intrusting this person with your life.  You need to feel confident your doctor has the knowledge and expertise to give you the best care possible.  No, he/she does not have to be your friend, or even have the best beside manner.  But, having a reputation as the best weight loss surgeon around, who has tackled cases like yours, says a lot for his/her skill. So, do not feel bad if you need to “shop around” for the best surgeon for you.