SURGERY

But beware! The surgical approach alone is not sufficient to guarantee and preserve long-term weight loss. It will only be effective if it is accompanied by preparation and, above all, serious follow-up. It will be necessary to return to the fundamentals of a healthy lifestyle: regular and appropriate physical activity, stabilization of eating habits and psychological support in order to maintain morale and avoid the return of the initial toxic behaviors.

Steps related to bariatric surgery

Step 1: Join the waiting list

Step 2: Nursing appointment

Step 3: Appointment with the surgeon

Step 4: Preoperative assessment

Step 5: Bariatric surgery

Step 6: Post-surgery follow-ups

Step 7: Nutrition follow-ups

Step 8: Nursing and medical follow-ups

Any surgery has its share of risks. The risks associated with a bariatric procedure depend on its nature and that of the patient — weight, age, medical history, and related problems, such as coronary artery disease, diabetes or taking certain medications. In any case, the surgical team is responsible for informing the patient about all these risks.

Thus, difficulties can arise on a daily basis, and several months after the operation. For example:

• Postoperative complications such as slipping of a gastric band or leaking stomach or intestinal suture requiring further intervention
• Nutritional deficiencies which must be compensated by a better variety and/or supplements of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements

A modified body envelope that may require plastic surgery interventions as well as an adjustment of self-perception and relationship to others

Finally, we must not hide the fact that the risk of mortality associated with bariatric surgery, although very low, is not zero. Estimated at about 1% of cases, it is half as high as that of coronary bypasses, but twice as high as for the removal of the gallbladder. In short, it’s a “Think about it”.

The good news is that success often follows. Thus, it is important to note the “Success Factors” observed in people who lose a lot of weight and enjoy better health following bariatric surgery:

1. Education
   They learned about the risks, requirements and benefits specific to each type of intervention.
2. Support
   They surround themselves with a network of people eager to see them succeed.
3. Attendance
   They begin as early as possible, before surgery, to adopt new habits with regard to diet and exercise.
4. Healing
   They give their body time to recover by following the plan prepared by the team of health professionals.
5. Nutrition
   They are completely rethinking the way they eat and drink, favoring small portions and healthy foods.
6. Exercise
   They couldn’t achieve their goals without exercise.
7. Listen
   They listen to their body and are on the lookout for the signals it sends them.
8. Tracking
   They meet their team of health professionals and thus benefit from adequate follow-up.