When Asking For Bariatric Surgery New York Patients Need To Be Serious About Losing Weight

By Jessica Anderson


Obesity and serious overweight problems are fast becoming one of the most prevalent health problems all over the world. Obese people have many problems. They struggle to move around, they often develop depression and they often even loathe their own bodies. They also easily contract diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease and a host of other life threatening conditions. This places an enormous strain on the health care sector. However, with bariatric surgery New York patients may get a chance to change their lives.

This is a lengthy and extremely invasive operation, which means that there are many potential complications. This is why surgeons are very careful when they evaluate potential patients. Most surgeons will, in fact, only consider the operation once the patient has successfully completed a six months preparation period. During this time the patient has to make drastic lifestyle changes and become motivated to make these changes permanently.

Most patients find this preparation period very difficult because they are required to make a complete paradigm shift. Many of them see therapists to help them stay motivated to not just lose weight, but to lose it permanently. Candidates for the procedure has to embrace the fact that they will have to change their habits and the entire way in which they deal with food.

People that smoke or use alcohol do not qualify for the procedure, but if they stop for at least six months they may be considered again. Many potential patients simply cannot manage this requirement. Smoking can lead to clots in the blood and this can cause serious problems during the operation. Alcohol causes the sugar levels in the blood to become unstable and this, too, can lead to very serious complications.

Most surgeons also expect their patients to lose a significant amount of weight prior to the operation. The less the patient weighs the biggest the chance of the surgery succeeding. This means that they have to make serious changes to their diet. They have to stop eating sugar or using caffeine and they have to drink lots of water. The new diet must avoid foods that can increase the cholesterol levels or the blood pressure.

Another requirement is that patients have to follow a strict and regular exercise regime. This needs to become a life long discipline. Exercise releases feel good enzymes that can help to keep the patient motivated. Low impact exercises such as cycling, swimming, yoga and hiking all serve to increase flexibility and muscle strength. This can help to shorten the recover period after the operation.

Because the surgery is so invasive patients will have to expect severe bruises and at least some pain and discomfort. Most patients will also find it difficult to walk or to bend. These problems are short lived, however, and will vanish after a few weeks. Patients must also be prepared to forego all solid foods for a few weeks after surgery.

Patients have to understand that this type operation is a dramatic intervention. Surgeons do not perform this operation unless they are absolutely sure that their patients are motivated to live healthier and to prevent the weight from piling up again. Patients that meet all the criteria often embark on fulfilling lives that they could not even imagine when they were still obese.




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