What Decisions Go into Having Bariatric Surgery?

Have you been struggling to lose weight? It might feel like your life has become a roller-coaster ride of gaining weight with no hope of long-term success in sight. The decision to undergo bariatric surgery is not to be taken lightly, but for some, it’s the answer they’ve been looking for. Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure that takes careful deliberation and a clear understanding of what you’re pursuing.

Understanding the Types of Bariatric Surgery

There are several types of bariatric surgery, and understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision.

The most common weight loss surgical procedures include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch. You may have also heard of the Lap-Band® or adjustable gastric band. This once-popular procedure is rarely performed today due to unacceptably high complication rates in many patients.

Gastric Bypass: Your surgeon creates a smaller pouch by cutting away the existing stomach. They then reroute the small intestine to this new pouch. The small usable stomach restricts food intake, so you feel full sooner and don’t consume as much food. Meanwhile, bypassing the small intestine reduces caloric absorption. Conversely, while this is the gold standard of modern bariatric surgery, patients have a greater risk of malnutrition because of the rerouting of the small intestine. They also have more significant restrictions on what they can eat.

Gastric Sleeve: Also known as sleeve gastrectomy, this surgery cuts away approximately 70 to 80% of the existing stomach pouch to create a smaller sleeve-shaped stomach. The reduced stomach volume limits the amount of food eaten and decreases hunger hormones. While practical and effective, the gastric sleeve can cause new or worsened gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Duodenal Switch: The DS utilizes the gastric sleeve as its first phase but reroutes the small intestine for malabsorption and more significant weight loss. A single anastomosis/connection version of the DS is known as SADI, however, most insurance carriers still need to approve it for insurance coverage. While DS offers the most significant weight loss potential of any modern surgical procedure, it does have substantial dietary limitations and the potential for gastrointestinal issues after surgery.

To determine which surgery type is best for you, meet with your MIIS surgeon to discuss your weight loss goals and overall health.

Have You Tried Other Weight Loss Options?

Before choosing bariatric surgery, reflecting on previous weight loss attempts is essential.
Have you tried other weight loss methods such as dieting, exercise, medication, or behavioral therapy?

Are You a Candidate for GLP-1 Drugs (Under 40 BMI)?

Those with a body mass index (BMI) under 40 have possible options other than bariatric surgery. GLP-1 receptor agonists have shown promising results in weight management. These medications help you drop weight by mimicking a hormone that targets areas of the brain involved in appetite and food intake. No, GLP-receptor drugs are not for everyone (but neither is bariatric surgery). So, you’ll want to discuss the option with your weight loss specialist to determine whether these medications are appropriate.

Are You Motivated to Change Diet and Exercise Forever?

Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix; it requires a lifelong commitment to change. Are you ready to change your life, diet, and exercise choices? Post-surgery, patients must adhere to strict dietary guidelines and exercise often. The success of bariatric surgery depends on your willingness and ability to make these long-term lifestyle changes. Surgery may be the answer if you are prepared for this commitment level.

Are You Doing It for Yourself (Not Because of External Pressures)?

The decision to undergo bariatric surgery should be personal. External pressures from family, friends, or societal expectations can influence your decision, but your motivation must come from within, or the surgery will not be successful. You should choose bariatric surgery only if you genuinely believe it is the best choice for your health, long-term goals, and mental/physical well-being, not because someone else thinks you should do it.

Evaluating the Risks and Benefits

As with any surgery, there are risks, and complications can happen. Common surgical problems associated with bariatric surgery include blood clots, nutritional deficiencies, and infection.
Despite the risks associated with bariatric surgery, the improvements in life and health often outweigh the potential for problems. Surgery can usually alleviate obesity-related conditions such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes. After surgery, your quality of life can improve as you shed pounds.

The Importance of a Support System

Before undergoing bariatric surgery, you’ll want to have a robust support system.
Support can come from:

• Family
• Friends
• Support groups
• Healthcare providers

A network of people who understand the challenges and can offer encouragement and accountability is crucial for your mental and physical well-being. It can also be helpful to connect with others who have had bariatric surgery to share experiences and advice.

Pre-Surgery Preparations

Before surgery, you’ll need to prepare to undergo a thorough evaluation. This includes medical assessments, psychological evaluations, and nutritional counseling. The goal is to ensure you are physically and mentally prepared for the surgery and the lifestyle changes that follow.
You’ll also be required to follow a pre-surgery diet to reduce liver size and improve surgical outcomes.

Post-Surgery Considerations

After surgery, you must undergo regular follow-up appointments with us. These visits help monitor your progress, manage complications, and adjust your diet and exercise plan. Supplements may also be necessary to prevent nutritional deficiencies. You’ll also need to monitor your hydration and protein intake.

Long-Term Commitment

Success after bariatric surgery depends on a long-term commitment to healthy habits. These include adhering to dietary guidelines, regularly exercising, attending follow-up appointments, and seeking support. Maintaining these changes is critical to achieving and sustaining weight loss and improving overall health.

Deciding to undergo bariatric surgery is a life-altering decision that requires careful consideration and preparation. Remember, your weight loss journey doesn’t end with surgery; it marks the beginning of lifelong changes that will impact every aspect of your life. Contact us to learn more about bariatric surgery.