By Properly Preparing For Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery The Chances Of Success Are Much Higher

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.

Surgeons are reluctant to undertake this type of procedure without thoroughly evaluating the patient. In most cases the patient has to make drastic life style changes and procedures are therefore often scheduled for some months ahead. During this preparation period the surgeon will evaluate the progress of the patient and may even postpone the procedure are even refuse to go ahead if the patient do not comply with the strict criteria.

For many patients the psychological and mental preparation for this procedure is the most difficult part. They have to make changes to their life styles and they have to understand that those changes need to be permanent. They must therefore become highly motivated to achieve and then maintain a healthy body and they must be willing to make some sacrifices. If they are not motivated the procedure will not produce lasting results.

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 immediate changes to their diets and they should strive to lose body fat even prior to the operation. They are advised to include protein at every meal and to refrain from drinking any liquids with a meal. Many surgeons will prescribe a very specific diet that is based on the medical history of the patient but it would normally limit sugar intake.

Exercise is also deemed extremely important. Low impact exercises such as swimming, cycling and walking help improve the muscle tone of patients and it increase their flexibility and muscle strength. Exercise also cause the serotonin levels in the brain to rise, leading to feel good emotions. Patients may find it easier to maintain exercise programs if they join groups.

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 become desperate and see a surgical intervention as their last hope. They should understand, however, that these interventions are drastic and that they must be willing to make serious life style changes. The good news is that conscientious patients have harvested enormous rewards.




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