Obesity has major handicaps going with it like lower wages and income, higher insurance costs, as well as impaired social life and psychological state. Obesity can be caused by slow metabolism, genetics, poor lifestyle, and sometimes cultural factors and certain diseases. It has been observed that most obese people are inept in losing the desired weight or maintaining the lost weight through the various weight loss programs that they have undergone.
A more permanent way to fight obesity is by undergoing a weight loss surgery or Bariatric surgery. Not only do weight loss surgeries give quick results, the weight loss achieved is more and sustained than what one would have achieved by following extreme weight loss plans. Most of the morbidly obese people are haunted by certain medical conditions where diet and exercise do not work, but weight loss surgeries do. Weight loss surgeries limit the quantity of food intake as well as the ability of the body to absorb nutrients. They also result in resolution or improvement in certain medical conditions such as diabetes, heart diseases, high blood pressure, sleep disorders, fatty liver, and other lifestyle diseases.
In case, you have made up your mind to undergo a weight loss surgery, then the information below will help you understand about what you would need to go undergo while preparing for a weight loss surgery:
How to Prepare for a Weight Loss or Bariatric Surgery
- It is important to know that undergoing a weight loss surgery is a big step and it will change your life irrevocably. You must be focused though relaxed throughout your weight loss journey.
- For most individuals, wrong types of food intake are the major reasons to why they have gained weight. Prepare yourself to make major changes in your diet and this might also mean giving up some of your favourite foods.
- Inform the bariatric surgeon about your medical history and current medical problems, if any, so they may be able to decide
- You must begin dieting ahead and try to get rid of some excess weight from your body. This helps you to get into a mindset of losing weight.
- Practice meditation or yoga as they can prepare you mentally and help you control food cravings, mood swings, etc.
- Start keeping healthy food around you and in your refrigerator. Because you need to follow a healthy lifestyle once your surgery is complete. It will help you heal quickly and you will keep losing weight further.
Post Weight Loss Surgery
- If things go normally and your condition is stable, then you can usually go home after 2-3 days. The doctor will approve of this.
- For at least 2 to 5 weeks, you will not be allowed to consume solid food. Liquids, pureed food, or soups are permitted during this time. Make sure you have a good blender available at home. The dietician will explain everything.
- If you have people at home, then take help from your family. You must also have someone to take care of you for a few days post-surgery. Have someone by your side all the time for the first week.
Follow-Up Visit to the Bariatric Surgeon
You must not skip any appointments with your bariatric surgeon for the next 2-6 weeks of your surgery. You will have to undergo regular blood tests or any other tests that you are asked to undergo. Your body will be monitored to see how it is adjusting to the changes. Your diet will be changed regularly to ensure you are taking in the right amount of vitamins and minerals for the proper functioning of your body.
Exercising Post the Weight Loss Surgery
You can begin exercising after consulting with your surgeon. You must begin with light exercises. You have probably not been exercising much before your weight loss surgery, so indulging in heavy activities suddenly can cause injuries. Take things slowly. You can begin with walking for just about 20 minutes a day.
How Much Weight will I Lose?
With any type of weight loss surgery on an average, an individual can lose between 30% and 40% of their body weight. The weight loss continues to happen and you can lose up to 70% of your excess bodyweight if you follow a healthy diet and add some exercises to your daily routine. Weight loss surgeries have given excellent results consistently during the last four decades. More and more people are now opting for bariatric surgeries to get back in shape
