Bariatric Surgery | Gastric Bypass Surgery | Gastric Banding | Obesity | After Surgery

Bariatric surgery is one of the farthest-end options for people who are medically obese or severely overweight and have tried all other means for weight loss but to no avail. When one decides to have the surgery, he or she is immediately given care by a team of specialists – the bariatric doctor, the bariatric surgeon, a dietician or nutritionist, and even a psychologist or therapist. They all work hand in hand to ensure the success of the treatment.

The first step in any medical procedure is the consultation, wherein one meets the physician or the team formally to discuss all areas of the surgery. This is to ensure that the patient understands indications, benefits, risks, and even potential side effects or complications that make arise from bariatric procedure. All these can help him or her make an informed decision about his or her healthcare.

Here’s how to maximize a bariatric surgery consultation:

1. Prepare for an in-depth review of your medical history, including the names and numbers of the doctors you have seen for any medical concerns, especially those recently. Also make a complete list of all drugs (prescribed and over-the-counter), herbal supplements and vitamins you are currently taking.
   
2. Consider family history of diseases and be ready to talk about that as well. If any one of your family members has experienced an untoward reaction during or after surgery, tell the surgeon about this as well. Your potential surgeon needs to know if you are at a risk of developing complications from anaesthesia, such as food or drink aspiration due to loss of normal throat reflex post-surgery. As a general rule, food and drink consumption is not allowed prior to the surgery.
   
3. Ask how to get to the surgical facility and visit the area to get a feel of the place.
   
4. Ask your doctor for a complete list of instructions on what to do pre-operatively, as well as after your surgery. He or she will have to specify which medications you can continue to take and those you must stop. The list must also indicate how to shower and bathe safely, and other important reminders.
   
5. Ask for a list of supplies you will need before, during and after the surgery.