Book an Appointment
August 23, 2024 In Bariatric surgery, Blog By Dr. Vikas Singhal

Questions To Ask Your Surgeon Before Having Bariatric Surgery

A major and life-altering choice, bariatric surgery demands careful thought and planning. Possessing the appropriate questions to ask a bariatric surgeon is essential to guaranteeing the finest results. Planning to have a thorough conversation with your surgeon can help eliminate any concerns and establish reasonable expectations.

This blog gives you the knowledge you need to make an educated decision by highlighting the important factors to take into account before having surgery. You can feel more prepared and secure for the path ahead by addressing these crucial subjects and understanding the appropriate questions to ask a bariatric surgeon.

Who could be better to answer all the questions thanDr. Vikas Singhal, the Best Bariatric Surgeon in Delhi & Gurgaon? Dr. Singhal is well-known for his skill and kind patient care, having had many successful surgeries over the years. When you entrust your health to a top specialist, you can be confident that you’re in the greatest hands for the best weight loss surgery.

Top Questions to Ask Bariatric Surgeon Before Your Surgery

Here are the top commonly asked bariatric surgery questions and answers.

  • Am I eligible for bariatric surgery?

For surgical bariatric operations, the most suitable candidates are those who are significantly obese (BMI over 40) or BMI over 35 with comorbidities (conditions associated with obesity). Individuals with a BMI of 30 and serious comorbidities may also be considered.

  • Typical Comorbidities Consist of:
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Inhibitory Sleep Apnea
  • Elevated lipid levels
  • Fatty Liver
  • Female Infertility
  • Arthritis

This set of requirements is in line with the most recent guidelines released by the National Institute of Health (NIH) in the United States. These standards were updated thirty years ago to take into account the growing obesity pandemic and improvements in bariatric surgery.

As a result of the changes, which acknowledged the increased safety of bariatric procedures—especially those carried out utilizing laparoscopic or minimally invasive techniques—the BMI requirements for weight reduction surgery were substantially decreased.

The modified rules are being contemplated in India as a means to expand the number of people who can have life-altering bariatric surgery, given the increasing urgency of addressing obesity and its consequences.

Also Read:Different Ways to Help You Qualify for a Weight Loss Surgery

  • What kinds of medical exams must I have before weight loss surgery?

At the first appointment, surgeons will thoroughly go over each patient’s personal medical history as well as their family history to create a personalised treatment plan that will ensure the greatest possible outcome in the safest possible way. Since criteria might differ depending on the insurer, they will also utilize the patient’s health insurance as a broad reference. All patients must, at the absolute least, consult a registered dietitian, have complete blood work done, see a behavioural counsellor, and have an endoscopy (stomach endoscopy) performed. A primary care physician’s clearance might be advised, depending on the patient’s prior medical history.

  • What risks come with the procedures?

This is one of the most important bariatric surgery questionsthat patients should ask. Before beginning treatment, you should have a thorough understanding of the most frequent risks, problems, and options associated with each kind of bariatric operation. The particular risks, advantages, and alternatives are discussed with the patient during the initial session, once the procedure type has been determined. The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS) risk calculator is utilised to give patients an accurate estimate of the risk associated with their procedure. It considers factors such as the patient’s age, gender, medical history, body mass index, and prior surgeries. This allows the patients to make an informed decision.

  • How soon can I anticipate my weight loss after bariatric surgery?

This is one of the most common bariatric surgery questionsthat surgeons are asked by patients. Weight reduction occurs swiftly in our patients because, following surgery, each one is put on a customised diet that is given to them by one of our qualified dietitians.

It can range from 8-20 kgs, depending on the patient’s starting weight, since most patients usually lose at least 10% of their body weight in the first month following surgery. Above all, and this cannot be emphasized enough, the road to weight reduction surgery is a marathon, not a sprint.

It takes years to put on weight, and years to attempt and reduce it with diets, which sadly fail in most cases (95%) and require at least six to twelve months to reach the target weight. No matter how long it takes, feeling good about the result will be aided by having reasonable expectations.

Also Read:What Are The 4 Types Of Bariatric surgery?

  • Is it possible to reverse the procedure?

Concerns regarding the irreversibility of some procedures—particularly sleeve gastrectomy—are raised by certain patients. Although a sleeve gastrectomy cannot be reversed, it’s crucial to recognise that obesity is a chronic illness that frequently calls for a long-term fix. The stomach’s capacity is reduced to 6–8 ounces after a sleeve gastrectomy. This results in long-lasting weight loss that doesn’t require additional assistance.

While certain operations, like the laparoscopic gastric band, are adjustable or reversible, they have the potential to cause long-term issues. All of these choices will be thoroughly covered at your initial appointment to make sure the treatment plan is customized to your unique requirements and objectives. Always talk with your surgeon to determine the best weight loss surgery for you.

  • How much time does it take to recover from weight loss surgery?

Bariatric operations are carried out minimally invasively, or laparoscopically. Shorter hospital stays and less discomfort are possible with smaller incisions. Most patients state that within 48 to 72 hours, they can drive, go shopping, and resume their regular activities without needing pain medication.

As part of the healing process, returning to work is usually relatively rapid; for non-strenuous jobs (desk jobs), it takes around 1-2 weeks on average. It’s crucial to remember that healing is about adopting a new lifestyle, eating healthier food, and paying attention to your body’s needs—all of which might differ from person to person.

It is stressed that, to provide the finest long-term results, weight loss surgery is often performed just once, and worklife may and should wait a few weeks. Your current health status may also have an impact on how long it takes to recover. While age does not always affect recovery time, older patients may have more health problems, which should be taken into consideration when determining whether to return to work.

  • I’ve undergone open operations in the past. Do I still qualify for laparoscopic weight loss surgery?

There may be some patients who have undergone open surgery in the past, such as an open gallbladder removal, a hernia, a colon removal, or a caesarean section, which is rather prevalent nowadays.

Comparing these operations to laparoscopic treatments, more internal adhesions, or scar tissue, are left behind. However, by using specialised tools, doctors can safely cut through the adhesions and scar tissue to reveal the stomach—or any other organ in the abdomen—and carry out the desired procedure, such as a revisional surgery, gastric band, gastric bypass, or sleeve gastrectomy.

Also Read: Indications Of Bariatric Surgery

  • What dietary adjustments are necessary?

Followingbariatric surgery, your diet will be altered significantly to support both overall health and effective weight loss. You will start on a liquid diet and work your way up to pureed and finally soft meals. You’ll eventually consume little, balanced meals with an emphasis on foods that are rich in protein, low in carbs, and low in fat.

Due to your stomach’s decreased capacity, portion control is essential. Maintaining proper hydration is crucial, but to avoid overindulging, refrain from drinking during meals. Supplements with vitamins and minerals are frequently required to avoid deficits. To maintain long-term success and customise your diet to your unique needs, schedule regular follow-ups with a nutritionist.

  • Will my surgery be covered by insurance?

To avoid any financial shocks or surprise expenses, patients must make this one of the bariatric surgery questionsInsurance policies and providers differ when it comes to bariatric surgery coverage in India. Nowadays, a lot of insurance companies acknowledge the health advantages of weight loss surgery in treating obesity-related diseases. As a result, they may pay for treatments like adjustable gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric bypass.

However, coverage is frequently contingent on certain requirements, such as a history of obesity with documentation, unsuccessful weight-loss attempts, and the existence of co-occurring conditions like diabetes or hypertension. It’s critical to go over the specifics of your policy and speak with your insurance company to learn about pre-authorization requirements, the amount of coverage, and any out-of-pocket costs.

Conclusion

Making an extensive list of questions to ask your bariatric surgeon is essential to ensure that you make well-informed decisions regarding your medical care. By being proactive, you’ll feel more in control and prepared for the adventure ahead. You may have a more confident and effective surgery experience by making sure you understand the process, risks, and advantages by asking the appropriate questions to ask bariatric surgeon.

Recognized as the best bariatric surgeon in Delhi and Gurgaon, Dr. Vikas Singhal is renowned for his skill and patient-focused methodology. With a great reputation in bariatric surgery, Dr. Singhal helps patients reach their weight reduction objectives and improve their general well-being by fusing cutting-edge methods with individualised care.

Make an Appointment

Send your request and let one of our experts care about it.

    To use CAPTCHA, you need Really Simple CAPTCHA plugin installed.

    Testimonials

    No Comments

    Your email address will not be published.