One always needs to prepare mentally and physically before any surgery. Bariatric surgery is a variety of procedure that helps in weight loss by making some changes to the human digestive system. Before knowing the tips to get your body ready for this weight loss surgery, let’s know about this surgery in brief.
What is bariatric surgery and why do you need it?
It is a special surgery that is done for weight loss. The term “bariatric surgery” includes a wide range of operations. Most of the common bariatric surgeries are
- Gastric bypass surgery
This surgical procedure limits the amount of food your stomach can hold, along with the absorption of calories and nutrients.
- Sleeve gastrectomy
This weight loss surgery removes approximately 80% of the stomach to reduce its capacity to hold food. Besides that, this surgery reduces the production of the appetite regulation hormone named ghrelin.
- Gastric band
This surgical procedure reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold, so the person starts to feel full faster.
- Duodenal switch
It is a highly effective surgery that reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold and also restricts the absorption of nutrition and calories in the body.
In the cases of extreme obesity, doctors may prescribe this surgery to reduce other health risks caused by extreme weight. Extreme weight increases the risk of other health issues such as hormonal imbalance, heart issues, blood pressure issues, sleep trouble, etc. Though the weight can be controlled by medicines, exercise and other methods, in some extreme cases, patients may need to go through weight loss surgery.
How to prepare your body for bariatric surgery
Though the Duodenal switch is the most complicated of all these surgeries, one has to prepare the body before any of these weight-loss surgeries. You must prepare both physically and mentally. Let’s go through some tips to prepare your body for bariatric surgery.
- Lose some weight
You have to start losing some weight
(according to experts, 10% of your weight) before having the surgery. You should start following an exercise schedule from 4 to 6 months before the surgery. For most people, it is advised to lose 15 to 20 pounds before the surgery to reduce complications.
- Change your lifestyle
After being prescribed, you should have started leading a healthy lifestyle that includes a little exercise, a healthy diet, healthy sleeping habits, etc. You also should quit smoking and restrict your alcohol consumption before a few months of the weight loss surgery. Reduce caffeine consumption before weight loss surgery.
- Get a diet
Get a planned diet from an expert dietitian that includes all the essential protein, nutrients and minerals. Avoid unnecessary calorie and sugar intake and also try to cut off fast foods completely that contain a huge amount of unhealthy elements and sugar. Limit your daily calorie consumption to a range between 1200-1500 calories or the range prescribed by your doctor.
- Change your eating habits
After the surgery, you would have to consume a small amount of food every 2 to 3 hours. Start practising this habit before the surgery so that it would be easy for you to cope up with the new schedule.
- Keep yourself hydrated all the time
Practice drinking enough water, at least 3l to 4l per day. Dehydration can be a tricky pre-operation complexion. Make sure your body is well hydrated.
- Prepare yourself mentally
It is the most important point here. If you don’t prepare yourself mentally from the day you have prescribed the operation, there is a high chance that you can get depressed or face anxiety attacks before the surgery. It can have a highly negative impact on the operation and create complications. If you have chronic issues such as hypertension, nervous breakdown, etc., talk to your doctor from the first day and follow the guidelines. Also, prepare yourself mentally to change your lifestyle after the surgery. Find out your other ways of removing stress except for junk food items. Believe in yourself and prepare yourself to take the challenges for long healthy life.
- Follow up
It is important to follow up your track to make sure you are obeying the pre-operation rules and restrictions.
Ending words
Bariatric surgery is a life-changing operation but in a good way. After the surgery, you will be able to live a healthy life without the complications caused by extreme body weight. The changing lifestyle can be a little challenging and you should start to prepare your mind and body accordingly.
