What Is Bariatric Surgery?
General anesthesiais required for pain control during a bariatric operation.
You may need to stay overnight in the hospital for several days after the surgery.
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Procedure Types
You may be a candidate for one or moretypes of bariatric surgery.
Contraindications
Bariatric surgery is a major procedure.
A history of multiple abdominal surgeries can complicate surgery if issues like adhesions (scar tissue) have developed.
Sometimes excess weight can be resulting from factors such as medication or medical conditions.
And eating disorders can be associated with obesity.
In these situations, bariatric surgery might not be effective, and other treatments would be considered instead.
Pros and Cons by Procedure
These procedures vary in some significant ways.
For example, some are riskier and have more potential negative health effects than others.
Usually, the surgery makes overeating uncomfortable, which promotes eating less.
It is when these non-surgical strategies are not effective that bariatric surgery may be considered.
Keep in mind that a discussion of your attitude about food and weight loss is a two-way street.
You won’t necessarily be “told” that you are psychologically prepared for surgery or not.
You will play a major role in determining your own readiness and need for bariatric surgery.
Ask any and all questions you have to feel comfortable before proceeding.
You will need to have acomplete blood count (CBC),liver function tests, andblood chemistry tests.
Additionally, you will need to have anelectrocardiogram (EKG)for pre-surgical anesthesia testing.
What to Wear
you’ve got the option to wear anything comfortable to your surgery appointment.
You will wear a surgical gown during your procedure.
Medications
The healthcare provider will give you specific instructions regarding medication.
You might be given an adjusted prescription dose if you take steroids or medication for diabetes.
Be sure the healthcare provider is aware of any and all medications and supplements you take.
You should also have a list of your medications and doses with you.
Bring something to wear home that is loose and allows access to the drain.
You will need to have someone drive you home when you are discharged from the hospital after your surgery.
Pre-Op Lifestyle Changes
You might have a special diet in the months prior to your surgery.
Generally, following a nutritional plan and achieving a target weight loss are recommended prior to bariatric surgery.
Your surgeon and anesthesiologist may come to see you before you go to the operating room.
A surgical drape will be put over your body, leaving the surgical area exposed.
Your skin will then be cleaned with a surgical solution to reduce your risk of infection.
Your anesthesia will begin as the anesthetic medication is injected into your IV.
This medication will prevent pain, paralyze your muscles, and put you to sleep.
You will have a breathing tube placed into your throat to help you breathe during your surgery.
During the Surgery
Your surgeon will begin your procedure by making an incision in your skin.
The size and location of your incision for an open laparotomy depend on the exact procedure you are having.
After your skin is cut, you will have an incision into yourmesothelium.
This is a protective covering under your skin that encloses your abdominal organs.
Your surgeon will then have access to your stomach and the surrounding area.
If necessary, a blood transfusion might be done during surgery to replace the loss of blood.
Your skin incision will be closed and the surgical wound will be covered with surgical dressing.
Your anesthesia will be stopped and your breathing tube removed.
Your anesthesia team will see that you are breathing independently before taking you to the surgical recovery area.
Additionally, your surgical wound may be checked.
And if you have a drain, the fluid in the drain will be observed and emptied.
You may receive pain medication.
You will likely stay in the hospital for several days after your bariatric surgery.
While in the hospital, you will learn how to manage your drain if you have one.
Inability to do so after bariatric surgery is a sign of stomach or intestinal blockage.
Recovery
Because there are several different types of bariatric procedures, recovery can vary.
Recovery time is longer if you have had part of your stomach or small intestine cut.
You should change your dressing and care for your drain as directed.
Coping With Recovery
As you are recovering, you may have some pain.
You should take your pain medication and any other prescriptions you received as directed.
You will be given specific instructions about what you might eat and what you must avoid.
For example, spicy foods can cause discomfort and fatty foods can cause diarrhea.
it’s possible for you to also feel full or bloated after eating and drinking small amounts.
This is expected; in fact, this feeling is part of the purpose of your surgery.
However, the discomfort may come as a surprise.
And you may have your gastric balloon removed endoscopically at some point after you have achieved adequate weight loss.
Summary
Bariatric surgery is an option that can help achieve weight loss.
Cleveland Clinic.Who should consider bariatric surgery?
2020;17(7):e1003206.
