Successful Weight Loss

Why Preparing For Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Is Vital For Long Term Success

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.

Many experts agree that the most important, and often also the most difficult preparation that the patient must make is psychological. Patients need to understand that this procedure is not a miracle cure that will allow them to continue their lives as they have always done. They will have to make serious and permanent life style changes. If they are unable to do so no amount of surgical interventions will help.

Surgeons will not even consider taking on patients that have used nicotine products during the past six months. Smokers are more likely to develop blood clots during and after the operation and this can cause very severe complications. Potential patients therefore have to stop smoking at once. They are also required to forego alcohol, which can cause severe fluctuations in the blood sugar levels.

Patients are also required to make drastic changes to their diet. They have to consume proteins with every meal, cut out sugar and caffeine and avoid drinking during meals. The ideal situation is that the patient will naturally lose body fat before the scheduled operation is performed. Most surgeons motivate their patients to consult a dietician in order to control the major role that food used to play in their lives.

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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