Weight loss surgery is a big decision to make, and many people have many concerns about whether bariatric surgery is right for them or not. If you are also in this dilemma. Then read this article and learn the most common FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about bariatric surgery in this article.
 

7 FAQs on bariatric surgery 

Here’s everything you need to know about bariatric surgery:  

Q.1. When does your healthcare provider recommend bariatric surgery?  

Ans. Your healthcare provider recommends bariatric surgery if you meet specific criteria of bariatric surgery which include:  

• If your body mass index (BMI) is higher than 40, or a BMI of 35 along with other obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovarian disease, osteoarthritis, dental problems, etc.  
• Traditional weight loss programs which include diet and lifestyle changes do not give the results you want or give very small changes in weight.  

• If you agree to all the terms and conditions you need to follow in your diet and lifestyle changes before, during, and after your surgical procedure.  

However, if you have any other mental or physical health conditions such as drug addiction, asthma, allergies to anesthesia, etc., then you are not a suitable person for bariatric surgery.  

Q.2. How long do I need to stay in the hospital after my surgical procedure? 

Ans. The duration can vary between several types of weight loss surgeries such as gastric bypass is around 2 hours and sleeve gastrectomy are around 1 to 2 hours. It also depends on your health and the type of surgery used. Now laparoscopy is preferred over open surgery which reduces the time of recovery to an entire day to a few hours after surgery. However, surgeons order the majority of patients to stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 nights. So that their health can be monitored properly to prevent side effects from surgery.  

Q.3. What changes in diet and lifestyle should you expect after bariatric surgery?  

Ans. After your surgical procedure, your diet and lifestyle go through drastic changes. First, immediately after the procedure, the doctor recommends you don’t drive. Other things that are restricted as well include – lifting, pulling, and pushing. You may need to take several medicines to manage pain and most patients do not even have the strength to lift anything heavy. It may take a month or 2 to develop enough strength to start workouts. In the first month, only walking is recommended.  

For the 1st month or 2, you need to follow a liquid diet. To complete your nutritional requirements, you need to take vitamin supplements. After that, the liquid diet changes into a pureed diet. When your digestive system recovers completely you can introduce solid foods into your diet.  

Keep in mind, to stay in shape you need to work out regularly or eat a healthy diet. Otherwise, you may still gain weight again.  

Q.4. When is weight loss surgery considered successful?  

Ans. Weight loss surgery is considered successful when you lose 50% of your excess weight and you sustain that loss for up to 5 years. For example, if a patient weighs 300 pounds more according to his BMI, he should lose at least 150 pounds and maintain the remaining weight for 5 years. Around 95% of weight loss surgery patients who had gastric bypass surgery reached that goal and 85% of patients were able to lose ⅔ or more of their excess weight.  

Q.5. Does insurance cover bariatric surgery?  

Ans. Yes, most insurance companies can cover your surgery if it is included in your medical plan when you buy it. However, some companies need you to show evidence that this surgery is necessary for your health and what it involves. You are not getting this surgery for cosmetic purposes instead to improve your overall health and prevent morbid obesity. Since bariatric surgery can even prevent death from obesity, it is necessary.  

Q.6. Can weight loss surgery be reversible?  

Ans. Yes, weight loss surgery is reversible, but reversal procedures are more dangerous than the others. That’s why most bariatric surgeons only recommend reversible procedures to patients who have the chance of significant long-term problems from the surgery. Keep in mind that patients who undergo reversed surgeries may regain the weight they lose after bariatric surgery.  

Q.7. When can I plan my pregnancy after bariatric surgery? 

Ans. If you want to plan pregnancy after bariatric surgery then you should wait for at least 12 to 18 months after any type of bariatric procedure. To prevent pregnancy, you can use reliable birth control throughout the period. Once your weight is sustained, and the required months have passed, you can plan your pregnancy. However, you should closely monitor your health with the help of an obstetrician and nutrition expert familiar with your weight loss surgery. 

These are the most common FAQs about bariatric surgery that people ask online. Deciding on weight loss surgery is particularly important for your overall health. That’s why you should learn all the answers to your concerns before making a decision. This also helps you choose the right weight loss surgery for yourself and helps you prevent risk factors after your procedure and set expected weight loss results.  

If you have any more questions about weight loss surgeries, contact us on 13473845690 for a consultation with our bariatric doctors. Want to learn more about types of bariatric surgery like Gastric sleeve surgery, Laparoscopic surgery, Gastric bypass surgery, Sleeve gastrectomy, or LAP band surgery? Doral Health and Wellness has one of the best bariatric doctors and surgeons to treat obesity and weight problems. Book your appointment and walk in at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212.