Procedures for bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery is an outpatient procedure that reduces a patient’s stomach size and restricts the amount of food a person can eat. This procedure is performed using a laparoscopic technique through a small incision in the skin. It is an effective way to reduce weight and increase the patient’s self-confidence. It can also help treat obesity and other health conditions caused by excessive body weight.
Before undergoing bariatric surgery, patients must be evaluated for the surgery’s risks and complications. This requires an interdisciplinary approach, which includes counseling sessions with a dietitian, a psychologist, and an internist as well as with the bariatric surgeon. The patient should also be evaluated for pulmonary, cardiac, and endocrine health. Before surgery, patients must also have realistic expectations.
Risks of bariatric surgery
Although bariatric surgery is one of the most common forms of weight loss surgery available, it does carry risks and potential complications. Patients considering weight loss surgery should weigh these risks against the potential benefits to determine if the procedure is right for them. During your pre-surgical consultation, Dr. Doucette will explain the risks associated with bariatric surgery and how they relate to your current health status.
The risks associated with bariatric surgery include malabsorptive and perioperative complications. Although perioperative complications are uncommon and rarely life-threatening, they can prolong hospitalization and increase costs. For example, patients who have undergone malabsorptive surgery may experience an acute episode of nausea and vomiting, or may develop tachycardia, a symptom of an anastomotic leak. Patients should take caution with certain medications during the perioperative period, such as diuretics and angiotensin II receptor blockers.
Cost of bariatric surgery
The cost of bariatric surgery can seem unmanageable, but there are several options available. One option is to apply for medical financing. This option allows you to pay for the surgery with monthly payments. You can find financing options for bariatric surgery through companies such as CareCredit and Prosper Healthcare Lending.
The cost of bariatric surgery varies depending on the procedure. The average procedure will cost approximately $14,389 but the cost can range from $8,244 to $33,541 depending on the type of surgery. The cost is typically recouped within two years with laparoscopic surgery, but four years for open surgery.
Precautions to avoid becoming pregnant after bariatric surgery
Women who have undergone bariatric surgery are advised not to become pregnant for at least 12 months after their surgery. This is due to potential adverse effects of weight-loss surgery during pregnancy, including an increased risk of premature birth. Furthermore, women who undergo bariatric surgery are at increased risk of malnutrition because of their markedly reduced calorie intake.
Precautions to avoid becoming pregnant after weight-loss surgery are outlined in ACOG Practice Bulletin 105, which is written by physicians. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of this surgery with your obstetrician and family doctor. They should also be aware of the nutritional requirements of the baby.
Recovery from bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery patients should be aware that they may experience a period of low energy and fatigue following the procedure. This period should be spent recovering at home, and extra help should be provided. Patients should also avoid heavy lifting and operating machinery during this time. They must also follow a special post-surgical diet that includes high-protein drinks.
Following a diet that has been created by your surgeon is important for your recovery from bariatric surgery. Generally, patients will be put on a liquid diet for a few weeks following the procedure. This will allow the digestive system to adjust and start to digest foods. Then, they will be allowed to start eating solid foods, albeit slowly. Patients should also work with a licensed nutritionist to help them cope with their dietary changes. Patients should also exercise on a regular basis, within the guidelines set by their surgeon.
