Bariatric Surgery Before and After – What to Expect?

Bariatric Surgery Before and After 

Bariatric Surgery Before and After – What to Expect?

What should you expect in bariatric surgery before and after the operation? Many people turn to bariatric surgery as a last resort to lose weight. With the help of surgeons, many patients are able to drastically reduce their weight and overcome obesity with success rates topping 80%. However, bariatric surgery is not for everyone. Some people may only need minor changes in diet and exercise to shed pounds.

Patients often want to know what to expect when they undergo a life-changing bariatric operation. From bariatric surgery to weight loss expectations, patients rightly ask questions before they commit to a procedure. 

When comparing results from bariatric operations to those from diet and exercise, the results are clear and compelling. Surgical weight loss procedures offer Americans a lifeline when it comes to obesity. Often, morbidly obese patients struggle greatly with diet and exercise and failing to achieve weight loss goals can be disheartening. 

There are bariatric surgery requirements that you should check first to know if you qualify. The most basic requirement is that you should have a BMI or Body Mass Index of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35-40 if you have comorbidities.

We’ve answered some of the common questions of someone who’s interested in bariatric surgery below:

How Much Weight Loss Can I Expect To Lose?

Weight loss is individual and it does depend on the type of surgery, the success of that operation and the patient’s commitment. 

If a patient has one of the following bariatric operations:

  • Gastric bypass
  • Sleeve gastrectomy
  • Duodenal switch 

They can expect to see a 70 to 80% excess weight loss post-surgery. Weight loss with lap band surgery is somewhat less at around 50% excess weight loss. The average bariatric operation will maintain about 50 to 65% excess weight loss. 

Results can be greater if a patient adjusts their diet and incorporates a workout routine or has at least regular exercise. On the other hand, if a patient continues to eat a poor diet and doesn’t work out, results can be impacted.

Bariatric Operation Results – Weight Loss Goals

In addition to more substantial and sustainable weight loss, bariatric operations have a more favorable impact on comorbidities. In fact, weight loss surgery can minimize the effects of obesity-related comorbidities or resolve them completely. Diet and medical weight loss methods cannot compete with these results. 

In some cases, diabetic patients with a BMI of 30 or more will likely experience 20 to 35% excess weight loss. Also, type 2 diabetes patients can expect lower fasting blood glucose and have a greater likelihood of diabetes remission. Great news for diabetic patients looking to undergo weight loss surgery in the US. This promotes normal blood sugar levels and consequently discontinuation of medications for the treatment of diabetes. This is another bonus for diabetics financially.

Lastly, gastric bypass and duodenal switch have the highest diabetes remission rates at about 85%. Given the insidious nature of diabetes and the potential complications that greatly diminish the quality of life, this is fantastic news. 

Impact on Comorbidities After Bariatric Operation

Patients with high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol, with a BMI greater than 30 with the same 20-35% excess weight loss will also see higher remission rates with bariatric surgery. Again, very compelling data given the difficulty of managing hypertension and its long term side effects.

Finally, quality of life is greatly improved with bariatric operations for morbidly obese patients. Life expectancy is favorably impacted with bariatric surgery compared to dietary or medical weight loss treatment.

Do I Qualify for Bariatric Surgery in the US?

In summary, if you have a BMI of 26-30, weight loss achieved through diet and lifestyle changes is your best initial option. 

However, if your BMI is greater than 35 with major medical comorbidities such as:

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • High cholesterol

If your BMI is greater than 40 without any comorbidities, a life-changing bariatric operation is the best choice for substantial and sustainable weight loss. This surgery will also help improve any comorbidities and improve your quality of life. The data is definitive and very compelling. A bariatric operation is highly effective for the morbidly obese patient who has struggled with achieving long-term weight loss over the years.



What to Expect in Bariatric Surgery?

Any medical procedure can cause anxiety and stress. To put your mind at ease when it comes to bariatric operations, we will explain what you should expect on the day of your surgery. 

What Happens On the Day of Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is performed under general anesthesia. This means that you will be unconscious during the whole operation. Your surgery will depend on your BMI, comorbidities, your healthcare provider’s recommendations and of course your own preference. Many weight loss procedures are performed with the help of robotic systems. 

Will I Feel Pain After Surgery?

You may feel pain in your abdomen after surgery. This is where small incisions were made during surgery. Some patients may also notice neck and shoulder pain after a laparoscopic procedure. It is normal to feel pain after any operation and your doctor will likely prescribe pain relief. You should rest. Surgery requires a period of recovery so don’t try to do too much at once. Take things easy and let your body recover. Patients will be able to go home after 24 to 48 hours.

What Will I Be Able to Eat?

After surgery, you won’t eat for 2 days. This will allow your stomach to heal. After 48 hours, you can start to drink liquids, such as soup, juice, water. Then, you can try pureed food or very soft food. After a while, you can eventually start eating solid food again. This process will help your digestive system to recover. If you try to eat hard foods, you may experience serious problems and pain. Only after 8 weeks can you eat normally. However, you will start with three meals a day. A meal will be 1 cup of food. It’s important to stop eating before you feel full. Although this can be difficult at first.

What’s next for you?

At the Colorado Bariatric Surgery Institute, we can help you accomplish your weight loss goals. Our patients benefit greatly from our robotic bariatric operations. Unlike traditional bariatric surgery, medical robots offer more precise incisions which minimize bleeding and pain. Transforming the way weight loss surgery is performed in the US, robotic bariatric procedures are best for and low complication risk. This also means you can expect a shorter stay in the hospital after your surgery with faster recovery. 

If you’re considering a bariatric operation this year or even next year, please call our weight loss experts today on 303-861-4505 to schedule your consultation. Take the first step to achieving your ideal weight and leading a healthy happier life.

The weight-loss operations that are performed in America today are refined and carefully honed products of the earlier procedures. Offering effective and fast weight loss for patients suffering from obesity, bariatric operations can change lives. If you are interested to know more or would like to schedule a consultation in a “bariatric surgery center near me”, feel free to contact us.


Thomas Brown, MD

Colorado Bariatric Surgery Institute

Denver, Colorado

www.coloradobariatric.com



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