Have you tried different weight loss procedures and are almost ready to give up? Do you feel like you’re out of options? Well, bariatric surgery may suit you. It’s ideal for obese people who have tried other weight loss procedures like dieting, exercises, and medications with no success. If done successfully, bariatric surgery can help shed those excess pounds.
Bariatric surgery doesn’t come without challenges, though! This is a major surgery, and some factors can make it difficult for the surgeons.
1. Unclear surgery guidelines
There are different types of bariatric procedures. These are;
- Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG)
- Mini-gastric bypass
- Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB).
All work well, but the surgeon may have difficulties determining the most suitable procedure. Besides, there are no clear guidelines in the current clinical guidelines for obese treatment. The choice shouldn’t be based on the patient’s preferences but on the risk-benefit ratio and outcomes of the procedure.
The experience of the surgeon also matters. Most surgeons choose a procedure that’s easy to perform, more appealing, and more effective. They also give dietary guidelines and prescribe bariatric vitamins to enhance the patient’s health. However, the lack of strict guidelines may be a factor for potential readmission after the surgery.
2. Implementing Pre & Post Operative recommendations
Patients should adhere to various recommendations before surgery. These may include a low-calorie diet two weeks before undergoing surgery. They should also follow a strict diet, including taking a bariatric multivitamin after the procedure.
The pre-operative procedures prepare your body for the surgery, making it safer. During this time, you should avoid smoking to minimize surgery-related complications. If you don’t adhere to these guidelines, this can significantly impact the outcome.
3. Inadequate equipment
The essential equipment required for bariatric surgery include;
- Patient lifts
- Bariatric wheelchairs
- Diagnostic imaging systems
- Operating tables, and more.
Some hospitals lack sufficient equipment for the procedure, which makes it difficult for the surgeon.
This can also impact the success of the surgery and raise the likelihood of complications. It’s then advisable for the surgeons to ensure that all the essential equipment is available before performing the procedure.
4. Inadequate skills
Bariatric surgery is a complex procedure demanding a host of skills and experience. The surgeon cuts across the top of your stomach and seals it from the rest of your stomach. This requires a lot of expertise and can bring about complications if performed by an unskilled person. Gastroenterologists also have a role to play in the pre-and post-operative management period.
5. Pre-existing medical conditions
Obese patients weighing over 500 pounds or those with morbid obesity may complicate the process. They are highly likely to suffer from other conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and more. Others suffer from sleep apnea and may require sleep vitamins to manage the condition. In this case, the surgeon has to manage the pre-existing condition, which can be tricky.
Nevertheless, the surgery is still possible with an experienced surgeon. The professional will guide you on the best diet after the procedure and prescribe the best bariatric calcium chews for improved health.
Final thoughts
Bariatric surgery is safe and effective if performed by a skilled surgeon. You also have a role to play as a patient and should adhere to the pre and post-care guidelines. Although there are chances of regaining weight, sticking to the nutritional and exercise regime ensures a successful procedure.