What is Bariatric Surgery?
The different types of weight-loss surgeries are collectively known as bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery involves making changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight. These bariatric procedures limit how much you can eat and also work by reducing the body's ability to absorb nutrients.
Following bariatric surgery, you must make permanent healthy lifestyle changes including diet changes and regular exercise to maintain the results of procedure.
Why is Bariatric Surgery done?
Bariatric surgery is done to help you lose excess weight and reduce your risk for life-threatening weight-related health problems, including:
- Heart disease and stroke
- High blood pressure
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Sleep apnea
- Type 2 diabetes complications
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery may be an option for the following reasons:
- You are extremely obese with body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher.
- You are obese with a BMI is 30-34.9, and have serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or severe sleep apnea.
- You also need to meet certain medical guidelines to qualify for weight-loss surgery.
BMI Calculator
BMI Calculator
What are the Preparations for Bariatric Surgery?
If you meet the screening requirements and qualify for bariatric surgery, your health care provider gives you instructions on how to prepare for your specific type of surgery.
- A psychological clearance is one of the first steps in the preoperative workup of the patient. You will be evaluated for a history of mental disorder, depression, eating disorders, prior weight loss attempts, compliance with therapy, and substance misuse.
- You may need to have various lab tests and exams before surgery.
- You may have restrictions on eating and drinking and certain medications.
- You may be required to start a physical activity program.
- You must stop any tobacco and alcohol use.
- You have to lower your daily calories to a range between 1200-1500 calories or in a range discussed with your doctor.
- You should avoid consuming caffeinated beverages approximately one month prior to surgery.
