Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Preparing For Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Is Vital For Long Term Success

By Stephen Hill


World wide, millions of people carry too much body fat and are officially classified as overweight. The World Health Organization has warned that obesity is fast becoming the number one health risk. Overweight people are vulnerable against a large number of potentially dangerous medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, fallen arches, hypertension and even some types of cancer. It is no wonder that surgeons in New York are helping many patients in preparing for bariatric weight loss surgery.

Most surgeons are not keen to take on patients for this type of procedure unless they comply with very strict criteria. This type of operation is a very severe intervention and there is always a big possibility of dangerous complications developing. Patients therefore have to undergo strict evaluations before being accepted. In addition, they have to spend a few months at least in preparation for the intervention.

The majority of patients find the psychological preparation the most challenging. They have to make significant life style choices and they must be determined to keep to those choices and resolution for the rest of their lives. They have to understand that a surgical procedure can do no more than give them a chance to change their lives. It is not a miracle cure that will make overweight problems disappear.

Patients using nicotine products are at a very high risk of developing blood clots during or after the procedure. Surgeons are loathe to take on patients that have smoked in the period six months before the procedure. Prospective patients will therefore have to stop smoking straight away. They also have to stop using alcohol because alcohol can cause unpredictable fluctuations in the blood sugar level.

Patients are also required to make drastic changes to their diet. They have to consume proteins with every meal, cut out sugar and caffeine and avoid drinking during meals. The ideal situation is that the patient will naturally lose body fat before the scheduled operation is performed. Most surgeons motivate their patients to consult a dietician in order to control the major role that food used to play in their lives.

It is very important that patients embark upon an exercise regime well before the time and understand that exercise will remain necessary for the rest of their lives. Surgeons normally advise patients to take up low impact exercises such as walking, cycling and swimming. Patients that join exercise groups are more likely to stick to their regimes.

It is also necessary to prepare for the period following the surgical procedure. Patients can expect to experience discomfort for a few weeks and they will be bruised. It is vital to follow the instructions of the surgeon to the letter. For a while, it will be necessary to stick to liquid foods. Some patients may find it difficult to move around during the first two weeks after the operation.

Many overweight people are desperate to lose excess body fat, often spending small fortunes on products and program. A surgical intervention is certainly a dramatic decision and should not be undertaken lightly. Those that followed the program and motivated themselves, however, often find themselves facing a bright new life.




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