Preparing for Bariatric Surgery

Written By: Rachael Kaine

Explaining Bariatric Surgery

Also known as “weight loss surgery,” this procedure is used to decrease the size of the stomach, allowing for smaller portions of food to be consumed before patients feel full. This surgery has been popularized by reality TV shows and celebrities, but the truth about it is that it is extraordinarily useful for those who are morbidly obese and need to lose weight because their lives depend on it. The bariatric surgery Washington DC process is not much different than that available in other locations across the world; surgeons and specialists are well trained and experienced in their fields, and are prepared to help as many patients as they can. In some cases, this surgery is used to help patients slim down and prepare for other necessary surgical procedures down the road.

Getting Ready for Bariatric Surgery

In many cases, this type of surgery takes months to prepare for. Many people are under the assumption that weight loss surgery DC will cause them to shed a great deal of weight overnight, but this is not the case. Bariatric surgery requires patients to follow strict diet and nutrition as well as exercise programs. Before even being approved for the surgery, many specialists will consult with candidates, challenging them to prove that they can set a diet and stick to it, losing a predetermined amount of weight in the few months before they are approved. This shows that patients are willing to work for the weight loss, not simply expecting the surgery to do it all for them.

There are many guidelines that you must follow, and learning these as soon as possible will help with post-op recovery, too. Your diet will need to change, and many foods will need to be cut out. As your stomach will be much smaller, you’ll need to focus on eating for nutrition rather than pleasure. For example, caffeinated and carbonated drinks are discouraged, because they stretch the stomach, and sugary and fatty foods are also meant to be limited to promote the consumption of fruits, vegetables, complex carbohydrates and nutrients.

Bariatrics and weight management DC programs are available for those considering and approved for the surgery as well as for family members that will act as caregivers. This will teach people about the surgery, the aftermath, the care necessary to ensure that it is successful, and the things to avoid and eliminate. Every little bit that is done to promote success will be useful, and having a back up support system is helpful to those experiencing the changes in their life that surgery will bring. In many cases, the first few days after surgery are difficult, as patients are not permitted to eat or drink for 48 hours following surgery in order to promote healing, and then a liquid diet progresses to “normal” foods in the weeks following. Having help will make this less stressful and much more manageable.