Many people are under the impression that weight loss surgery only consists of reducing the size of the stomach, by one of several methods, so that the person eats less and then loses weight quickly. While it is true that after bariatric surgery a patient will be able to eat less, the process is much more complex than that.
The patient who decides to undergo bariatric surgery has probably spent years at the bottom of his or her own list of priorities. The factors that cause obesity are different in each person, but most people have spent a lot of time in deep frustration as they watch the disease take over their lives and as they fail at each attempt to lose the weight.
Gathering the courage, strength and determination needed to seek a permanent solution is no easy task; for each patient that commits and decides to undergo bariatric surgery, there is another who has doubts and fears and who is paralyzed, even while faced with an option that might help them take charge of their health once and for all.
If you find yourself considering weight loss surgery, it is important that you first become well informed; you have to be your own health advocate. The best way to achieve this is by creating a network of support of family and friends, and placing yourself in the hands of a qualified medical team that works with a comprehensive care model; of all things, please avoid taking desperate actions. In order to save some money or avoid waiting for an appointment many people go to clinics that operate “assembly line” style, which might put their health at risk.
The decision to have bariatric surgery should never be taken lightly or in a moment of desperation, it should be a well thought out and informed decision.
It is important that you consider the following:
- The preoperative phase is extremely important. During this time you will meet the team that will take care of you and should provide you with all relevant information. There will be pre-op testing, you will be put on a special diet and physical activity program and you should feel free to ask any question.
- When a patient prepares properly for surgery the level of anxiety is reduced significantly, the risk of complications reduces as well and the amount of weight that can be lost increases, along with the ability to maintain long-term weight loss.
- The better you prepare for your surgery the easier it will be for you to establish the habits that produce long-term results. In the end, the only thing that can ensure permanent results is modifying your habits.
- You must face surgery the same way an athlete faces a competition or a student a final test: you have to prepare if you want to get the best results.
Some of the things you can do during your preparation stage are:
- Start changing your relationship with food. Pay special attention to the way you eat, avoid eating while distracted with TV, chew all food well and keep a record of what you eat daily to help raise your awareness.
- Commit to not gaining weight: It is very important not to gain weight as you prepare for surgery; an attitude of “I’m going to eat a lot because I’ll never be able to do it again” is not a good idea, the process and the commitment begin well before entering the operating room.
- Take care of your emotional health. It is normal to feel all kinds of emotions before you undergo a surgery that has the potential to transform your life, but it is important to be clear on what goals will be achievable through surgery and which will need other type of personal work. Paying attention to your emotional health will be very important throughout the whole process and beyond.
If you have reached a point in your life where you are ready to find a definitive solution and are willing to make the necessary commitment, don’t hesitate to call; our team is at your service and we can help. For a free evaluation call LIMARP International Center of Excellence for Obesity at (664) 686-2542 or fill out a contact form at www.limarpclinic.com .