Preparing thoroughly for bariatric surgery is crucial for ensuring the safety, success, and effectiveness of the procedure. Proper preparation helps to minimize risks, improve surgical outcomes, and facilitate a smoother recovery. It includes following pre-surgery diet and exercise recommendations, quitting smoking if you actively smoke tobacco or marijuana, and addressing mental health through evaluations and support. Preparation also educates patients about post-surgery lifestyle changes and builds a strong support system, laying the foundation for long-term success and health improvements. Essentially, preparation is key to navigating the surgical process confidently and achieving sustainable outcomes.

Bariatric surgery refers to a group of surgical procedures designed to help with weight loss by making changes to the digestive system. These surgeries are an option for people who have not had success with diet, exercise, and other weight loss methods, especially those struggling with obesity-related health issues. Bariatric surgery can lead to significant weight loss by restricting food intake, reducing the absorption of nutrients, and altering the gut hormones which make your body want to stay at an unhealthy weight.

Types of Bariatric Surgery

Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass): This surgery involves creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine, bypassing a portion of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine.

Sleeve Gastrectomy: A significant portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow tube-shaped stomach about the size of a banana. This reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold.

Adjustable Gastric Band: A band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch to hold food, limiting the amount of food that can be eaten at one time.

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS): A complex surgery that removes a large part of the stomach and bypasses a significant portion of the small intestine. It significantly limits food intake and nutrient absorption.

Candidates for Bariatric Surgery

Candidates typically include individuals who:

• Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher (extreme obesity).

• Have a BMI of 35 or higher and at least one obesity-related health condition (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or severe sleep apnea).

• Have unsuccessfully tried other weight loss methods.

• Are committed to lifelong dietary, exercise, and lifestyle changes post-surgery.

It's essential for candidates to undergo thorough medical evaluation and counseling to ensure that bariatric surgery is a suitable and safe option for them, as well to set them up for the best possible results after surgery.

Consulting with a bariatric surgeon is a critical step for anyone considering bariatric surgery. This consultation serves several important purposes:

1. Personalized Medical Assessment

A bariatric surgeon conducts a comprehensive medical assessment to understand your health history, current health status, and specific needs. This evaluation is crucial to determine your eligibility for surgery and to identify any potential risks or complications.

2. Education on Different Types of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery includes various procedures, such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric band, and others. Each type has its own benefits, risks, and suitability for different individuals. A surgeon can provide detailed information about these options, helping you make an informed decision, which usually happens at the initial consultation.

3. Aligning Surgery with Individual Goals and Health Conditions

Your health goals, lifestyle, and specific medical conditions play a significant role in deciding the most suitable type of surgery. A bariatric surgeon will discuss your goals, such as significant weight loss, improvement of health conditions like diabetes, and lifestyle changes. They'll help you choose the surgery that aligns best with these goals.

4. Understanding the Commitment Required

Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix but a tool that requires a lifelong commitment to dietary changes and physical activity. During the consultation, the surgeon will discuss the importance of these commitments and how they impact the success of the surgery. It can be frustrating waiting for a few months due to insurance requirements, but the waiting period can be used productively to practice living with the changes needed after surgery to build strong, healthy habits and set yourself up for success after surgery.

5. Risk Assessment and Management

The surgeon will discuss the potential risks and complications associated with bariatric surgery. Understanding these risks and how they apply to your specific situation is essential for making an informed decision.

6. Setting Realistic Expectations

It's important to have realistic expectations about the surgery's outcomes, including weight loss, changes in lifestyle, and the possibility of needing additional surgeries or revisions in the future. A bariatric surgeon can provide a realistic outlook based on your individual case.

7. Post-Surgery Support

Post-operative support is key to a successful outcome. A bariatric surgeon will outline the follow-up care, nutritional counseling, and support groups available to help you through the recovery process and beyond. Our team is proud to offer continued support from Dr. Bailey, patient support groups, and our talented team of medical bariatricians and dieticians.

In summary, consulting with a bariatric surgeon is an indispensable step in the journey toward bariatric surgery. It ensures that you are well-informed, prepared, and supported in choosing the best surgical option for your health and goals, leading to a safer and more effective outcome.