Weight-loss (bariatric) surgery refers to any operation performed to help you lose weight. It works in several ways. You may undergo a surgical procedure to keep you from eating so much by reducing the size of your stomach. This will allow you to feel full faster and eat less. Weight-loss surgery may also work by altering the way your body processes the food you eat. If the food you eat bypasses a part of your intestine, your body will absorb fewer calories from the food. Some types of weight-loss surgery may use a combination of both techniques.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Weight-loss surgery could be an option for adults like you if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. You may also be eligible if you have a BMI of 35 or more with a severe health problem like obesity, hypertension, or type 2 diabetes. Patients with a BMI of 30 or more with type 2 diabetes that’s difficult to control with medicines and lifestyle changes may also be considered for weight-loss surgery. Since having this type of surgery is a serious decision to make, you must know what is involved. To help you decide whether weight-loss surgery is right for you, ask yourself these questions:
Am I physically and psychologically healthy enough to undergo this major surgery?
Am I unable to lose weight using non-surgical methods like medicines and lifestyle changes?
Do I fully understand what the operation will entail and what its risks and benefits are?
Am I ready for the costs of the procedure and what is required for my post-operative care?
Am I willing to undergo the necessary changes to my eating habits and physical activity patterns after my surgery?
Can I commit to a lifelong healthy, balanced diet and active lifestyle, regular medical checkups, and taking vitamins and supplements?
How to Prepare for Weight-Loss Surgery
Has your doctor deemed you eligible for weight-loss surgery? If so, here are some steps you can take to prepare for the procedure:
Start paying particular attention to food labels. You must cut and control your calories, fat, and sugar intake. You also must avoid processed foods.
Monitor what you eat and your activity level by keeping a food and activity diary. You may also download tracking apps for this purpose.
Practice eating slowly and taking dime-sized pieces only. Try taking a single bite every couple of minutes. Ensure that you chew your food well before swallowing.
Stay hydrated. If you can, try carrying a water bottle everywhere you go. You need to drink 64 ounces or nearly two liters of water daily. It would also help to practice sipping slowly.
Get rid of beverages that have high-calorie content. As much as possible, you need to remove juice, soda, and alcohol from your diet. The goal is to consume less than five calories per serving.
If you are a coffee-lover, you need to wean off caffeine before your surgery. You will also have to avoid coffee or any caffeinated products for six weeks during your recovery period.
Weight-loss surgery can be an excellent solution for people who want to lose weight. But it’s a surgery that may not be suitable for everyone. You should only undertake the operation after a thorough assessment and careful consideration.
Find out if weight loss surgery is an option for you, contact Laparoscopic Surgical Center of New York in New York, NY at (212) 879-6677.
