Gastric bypass surgery is a type of surgery used to help people lose weight.The surgery will require a lot of recovery time.You will need to make lifestyle changes if you have surgery.If this is a viable option for you, talk to experts in the field.Prepare yourself mentally and physically if you are going to have this surgery.
Step 1: You should visit your doctor.
The first thing you will need to do is visit your doctor to find out if this is a viable option for you.Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery with you.Testing will be done to make sure you are a good candidate for the surgery.Discuss alternatives with your doctor.It is the least risky way to lose weight if you commit to a healthy lifestyle.There are other options.The gastric sleeve is an outpatient procedure that works in the same way as gastric bypass.
Step 2: It's a good idea to consult a specialist.
Ask for a referral to a specialist.You can either get a specialist consultation from your doctor or you can contact them on your own.Ask your specialist what the hospital has to offer.The more support you have, the better.Ask your specialist how long they've been doing the surgery.A surgeon with less experience does not mean they are not a good one.More experienced surgeons may know how to deal with more serious issues.Ask about the rates of injuries.Find out how many of your patients ended up in the hospital after the surgery.3.6% is the national average for complications related to surgery.Your specialist's complication rate should be below that percentage.If the hospital is a Bariatric Center of excellence, ask about your surgeon's board certification.Discuss the expected weight loss with your specialist.The recovery period should be asked more often.
Step 3: You can see a counselor.
Learning how to live your life after the surgery is a big part of it.You have to change how you eat because your stomach size will be different than before.You can learn how to deal with these changes with the help of nutrition counseling.As a result of the surgery, your body will not be able to absorb all the calories from the foods you eat.You have to make sure that you are eating the right foods.You will know that your meals need to be smaller.It's possible that eating too many sugars and/orCarbohydrates will make you sick after your surgery.
Step 4: Seek help.
You may need to have a psychological evaluation.The purpose of this is to find out if you are prepared for this type of surgery.It is a good idea to search for a counselor if it is not required by your doctor.Counseling may help you figure out why you are obese.If you believe that you are an emotional eater, a counselor may be able to show you ways to cope with stress.
Step 5: Stop smoking.
You should quit smoking several weeks before you have the surgery.You should quit if you can.Smoking will make it more difficult for your body to recover, with an increased rate of infections, including wound infections and pneumonia.It is not easy to quit smoking, but it will be a good step towards a healthier lifestyle.Talk to your doctor if you want to quit smoking.They can give you different ideas on how to quit.The support of friends and family can help keep you on track.If you have tried quitting in the past, you should try a different method.
Step 6: Follow the instructions of your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you should stop or continue taking any of the medications.When you will be able to start taking them again after surgery is something you should know.You will most likely be told to switch to a liquid diet two weeks before your surgery.No matter how insignificant it may seem, tell them everything you are taking.You should take vitamins and herbal supplements.When you are undergoing major surgery, some medications can make it more difficult for your blood to clot.If you are asked to switch to a liquid diet, your health care team will likely give you a list of liquids that you can consume.If they don't, be sure to ask what is okay and not.If you're going to have surgery, you should switch to a liquid diet.
Step 7: Take care of your home.
You will be tired and in pain after your surgery.Make sure you prepare everything you need the day before your surgery so you can rest and recuperate.If you have stairs in your home, you should make sure to have everything you need to live downstairs for the first couple of weeks.It can be difficult to walk up the stairs, so having everything you need downstairs is a good idea.The bed where you will rest should have clean sheets.Make sure you have lots of movies to watch and that the TV is set up so you can watch them.If you put your laptop, e-reader, or tablet by your bed, you can make sure the battery is charged and the charging port is plugged in.Make sure that you have plenty of liquids that have been approved by your doctor.For example, make sure you have fat-free milk, fruit drinks, and soups.You should not go shopping after you leave the hospital.
Step 8: Don't eat and drink.
You will be told by your doctor when to stop eating and drinking, but you will need to fast the day before surgery.Take the medication with a sip of water if you have been told to take it on the day of surgery.You won't be able to eat or drink because of general anaesthesia.This causes you to sleep during the surgery.There is a risk of vomiting during surgery if you have food or liquid in your lungs.
Step 9: Put a bag in it.
You can bring some of your own clothes from home if your hospital allows it.You should pack a bag with everything you need in the hospital.Don't wear clothes like pajama like clothing.It's possible that comfortable sweat pants, loose t-shirts, and a comfy bathrobe will help you feel better during your recovery.Don't forget to pack a toothbrush and comb.It can be nice to have your own things, even if your hospital has them on hand.If you want to walk after your surgery, you should pack a pair of non-slip slippers.Pack something you can use to amuse yourself.If you get bored, bring along a book, an e-reader, crosswords, or even a coloring book with crayons.
Step 10: Discuss the surgery with family and friends.
Discuss the reason you are having the surgery with your family and friends.Tell them why you need it and what the risks are.You can say something like, "I have discussed it with my doctor and we have agreed that having gastric bypass surgery is a good option for me."I haven't been able to lose the weight in other ways.I want to live a long and healthy life, so I will have the surgery.Having a strong support system after the surgery will be beneficial to you and your recovery.
Step 11: There is a plan for recovery.
You will spend a few days in the hospital, but most of your recovery will be at home.If you live alone, ask a close friend or family member if they can come over a few times a day to check on you.In the first few days after you go home, talk to your doctors and nurses about what you can and can't do.They will give you information on how to care for your surgery wounds and what to eat and drink for the first few days.If you stock your home with everything you need, you won't need to go shopping for a while.You must arrange a way to get home from the hospital.A taxi will pick you up if you ask a friend or family member.
Step 12: Arrive early for the surgery.
It's always better to be early than late when it comes to getting instructions about what to do on the day of surgery.You should arrive at least 2 hours before your surgery.Taking care of everything you need to with as little stress as possible will be easier if you show up well before your surgery.Don't forget to factor in commute time.Think about the time of day you will be travelling if you are going to the hospital.Should you go to the hospital in the middle of rush hour traffic?Plan to go earlier to beat the traffic if that's the case.
Step 13: Stay calm.
It's important to stay calm and relaxed in the hours before your surgery because it can be very scary.If you have a question, be sure to ask it now.Enjoy the company of your family and friends while you are in the hospital.Try to relax by doing something.You can meditate, read, or watch television.Whatever it is that helps you relax, do it.
Step 14: Do your homework.
Gastric bypasses are done to help people lose weight.This option is only available to people who have tried to lose weight using less intrusive methods and who are obese.You must have a body mass index over 40.If a person has a body mass index between 35 and 39, they might be eligible.There are types 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure.There are two ways to conduct the surgery.Laparoscopic surgery involves the use of 5 or 6 small abdominal incisions.The second kind, open surgery, is less common and involves making a larger incision into the abdomen to perform the procedure.The preferred method is the laparoscopic method.It may not be possible to do the surgery this way in some cases.Don't go into surgery without knowing which method your surgeon will use, but be aware that a laparoscopic operation may have to be converted to an open operation to complete the surgery or deal with complications.
Step 15: You can plan lifestyle changes.
It isn't a fix-all for obese people.Changes to your lifestyle are necessary in order for the procedure to be successful.It is necessary for you to commit to eating healthy and exercising.It is necessary for you to commit to long-term health monitoring.It could include regular health checks to make sure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals.
Step 16: Be prepared to pay your bills.
Check with your health insurance provider if your insurance doesn't cover the costs of the surgery.You will probably need to take time off from work to recover from your surgery, so make sure that you are able to do so.The costs of surgery may not be covered by your insurance.Discuss payment plans with your doctor if this is true.