Getting Ready for Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery can play an important part in weight loss, but having any type of surgery is always a big decision. You should take the time to be sure that weight loss surgery is right for you and to ensure that you understand exactly what the procedure will involve. Here are five essential steps that you should take when you are getting ready for obesity surgery.
1. Talk to Your Doctor: Talking to your doctor can be very helpful, even when you are still in the early stages of considering surgery for weight loss. Your doctor will help you to decide whether weight loss surgery is right for you and advise you on your options for bariatric surgery. You will also get essential information about how the procedure works and what risks are involved.
2. Complete Your Assessments: If you decide that you would like to have weight loss surgery, your doctor will want to perform some physical and psychological checks to ensure you are fit enough for the surgery and that you are really going to benefit from it.
3. Commit to a Healthy Lifestyle: For your weight loss surgery to be successful, you will need to stick to a good diet and exercise plan after your surgery. You will get personalised advice from your doctor and dietician before the surgery, and you should start implementing their advice right away. Get rid of any unhealthy temptations in your kitchen and start living well while you are preparing for your operation.
4. Arrange Time for Recovery: Recovery times can vary for different types of bariatric procedures, but your doctor will explain what to expect before you go in for surgery. You will usually need to take it easy for a at least a couple of weeks, so you should arrange time off work and find someone to help take care of you after the operation.
5. Talk to Your Family: The support of friends and family can make a big difference after bariatric surgery, both during the initial recovery and while you are working hard to lose weight. Talking about the surgery can help your family to understand what you are going through and to be more supportive.
1. Talk to Your Doctor: Talking to your doctor can be very helpful, even when you are still in the early stages of considering surgery for weight loss. Your doctor will help you to decide whether weight loss surgery is right for you and advise you on your options for bariatric surgery. You will also get essential information about how the procedure works and what risks are involved.
2. Complete Your Assessments: If you decide that you would like to have weight loss surgery, your doctor will want to perform some physical and psychological checks to ensure you are fit enough for the surgery and that you are really going to benefit from it.
3. Commit to a Healthy Lifestyle: For your weight loss surgery to be successful, you will need to stick to a good diet and exercise plan after your surgery. You will get personalised advice from your doctor and dietician before the surgery, and you should start implementing their advice right away. Get rid of any unhealthy temptations in your kitchen and start living well while you are preparing for your operation.
4. Arrange Time for Recovery: Recovery times can vary for different types of bariatric procedures, but your doctor will explain what to expect before you go in for surgery. You will usually need to take it easy for a at least a couple of weeks, so you should arrange time off work and find someone to help take care of you after the operation.
5. Talk to Your Family: The support of friends and family can make a big difference after bariatric surgery, both during the initial recovery and while you are working hard to lose weight. Talking about the surgery can help your family to understand what you are going through and to be more supportive.