If you are planning to go for bariatric surgery to lose weight and improve your quality of life, you need to be aware of the accompanying risks too. Dr Sharad Sharma, a laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon, explains about the risks involved with the surgery. Here are 5 tips to prepare you for a weight loss surgery.
1. Infections
Infections are a risk factor in any operative procedure. You need to make sure that the wound is taken care of properly post surgery and that all the equipment used are sterilised and safe to use on the patient. Laparoscopic port site infections are easy to manage with a course of antibiotics and proper care, and are also less severe than open wound infections, according to a study[1].
2. Bleeding
There are high chances that you might bleed from the stitches or staples post surgery or worse, during surgery. However, a good surgeon will take all measures to minimise the risk of any complication. According to a study[1], bleeding occurs in less than four percent of patients. Make sure that the team of surgeons or hospital you choose take all the necessary precautions.
3. Deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when there is a clot in the veins deep in your body, mostly the legs. DVT is a risk factor in any surgery and not just bariatric surgery, but since obese patients are already at the risk of DVT, their chances of suffering from this condition increases. This is what your legs say about your health and your chances of getting DVT.
4. Malnourishment
Patients who go through the mini gastric bypass are allowed to eat well, as opposed to patients who go through a gastric bypass or other types of bariatric surgery. No matter what procedure you undergo, you need to eat nutrient-rich foods to keep your diet in balance. Malnourishment or bowel obstruction are major concerns with people who undergo mini gastric bypass. The procedure causes your metabolism rate to increase, so to maintain an ideal weight, you need to have a well-proportioned diet. Here's how bariatric surgery helps you lose weight.
5. Bronchitis or other lung diseases
Obese patients often experience shallow breathing because of which they are already prone to lung diseases, and if they smoke, the risk naturally increases. Hence, it is advisable to quit smoking altogether, at least, a week before the surgery to avoid complications.
Before taking a final decision regarding the procedure, discuss these risk factors with your doctor and other people who have undergone this procedure.
Steps to prevent or minimise the side effects
Though there are risk factors involved, Dr Sharads assure that:
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Reference:
1. Brethauer, S. A., Chand, B., & Schauer, P. R. (2006). Risks and benefits of bariatric surgery: current evidence. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 73(11), 993.
