Because of being overweight, most of the body’s activities and metabolism are slowed to a point of rendering some people almost immobile. This means that most overweight people cannot engage in physical exercises for them to lose the excess weight. This being the case, sometimes the only option for them is weight loss surgery. Since you cannot just jump into the surgery, knowing what to expect before, during, and after the procedure can help you prepare, and make the most out of it. This article looks at some things you should do when preparing for weight loss surgery.
- Evaluate Your Insurance Coverage
Although weight loss surgeries are not that expensive, you will still need to prepare with some good money. Often, most insurance agencies do not cover for weight loss surgeries unless you prove beyond a reasonable doubt that being overweight poses some risks to your health and life in general.
With this in mind, you should confirm with your insurance provider to see whether they will cover for the procedure and to what extent they will do. Being aware of this fact will help you prepare how to cater for the costs so that you are not met with surprises.
- You May be Required to Undergo Some Psychological Evaluation
As previously mentioned and just like any other procedure, you do not just wake up and jump right into surgery. Surgical procedures sometimes are matters of life and death and require some bits of preparation – both psychological and physical. For example, you will be required to adjust your diet some days leading to the surgery. You may also be subjected to a psychological counseling session to prepare your mind.
- Weight Plateaus are Normal
Another thing that you should be aware of is that weight loss will not be the same forever. Right after the procedure, you will experience massive weight loss up to around 6 months. At this time, you will be very excited and happy with the progress. This is because your stomach size has reduced with a big margin and you can only eat some ounces of liquid food. Unfortunately down the road, say between the 8th month and one year, the weight loss rate will drastically reduce. This is because the body has lost much of the excess weight and has become accustomed to the new normal. This phase is usually a concern to many but you should know it is normal and you will regain your weight loss.
- It May Feel Weird at First
Due to the removal of the larger part of the small intestines and parts of the stomach, you will start eating just a few ounces of liquid food. You will then be introduced to soft solid foods before you can begin to eat the hard solid foods like a normal adult. At some point, you may experience nausea, and vomiting, coupled with bowel obstructions, caused by a common condition known as dumping syndrome. This will feel a bit weird since you will be feeding like a baby but do not panic; this will be for a short while after which you will go back to feeding like an adult.
- You Will Need to Incorporate Physical Exercises
For effective weight loss and toning of the saggy skin, you will have to include a physical workout routine. It is important to note that weight loss surgery alone cannot help solve obesity issues. You will also be required to change your lifestyle, especially the diet. If for example you were used to taking beers and fast foods, you will be required to replace these with healthy foods that are fiber and protein-rich. At the same time, you will have to ditch those sweet sodas and snacks. Research statistics show that weight loss surgeries, when coupled with a healthy diet and a physical workout routine can help obese people lose between 60%-80% of their excess weight.
- You May Need Some Post-Op Surgeries
Right after the surgery, you will experience massive weight loss, leaving you with a sagging stomach skin. For most people, this is no much of a concern. However, a good number of bariatric surgery patients see the saggy skin as an embarrassment and they opt for the tummy tuck and breast uplift surgeries to deal with the saggy skin.
Most importantly, find yourself a support group with people who have undergone the same route. They will help with more insights into what goes on before, during and after the weight loss surgery. They will also assist you to prepare on how to deal with side effects that come with the procedure.
