Bariatric Surgery Consultation
Bariatric surgery is designed to help people lose weight but is by no means a ‘quick-fix’ for obesity. Weight loss surgery has become increasingly common in recent years and more bariatric procedures are being carried out across the world than ever before.
Surgery of any kind carries risks and it is important to think about the procedure carefully before you agree to go ahead and sign on the dotted line. Weight loss surgery is generally considered to be a last resort when other methods of losing weight have failed. Doctors usually advise trying to lose weight naturally by changing your diet and increasing the amount of exercise you do before even thinking about having surgery.
What happens during a consultation?
During a consultation the doctor will examine you and discuss the ins and outs of your procedure. The consultation is an opportunity for you to ask any questions you have and to raise any concerns or worries to the doctor. They will be able to answer your questions and help put your mind at ease before you have surgery.
Bariatric surgery is a big step and it is important for doctors to make sure that you are aware of the risks and complications. Obesity is one of the most worrying public health concerns in modern society and, unfortunately, weight loss surgery carries more risks than other procedures because obesity increases the risk of complications. Many people who are obese and have weight loss surgery already have a host of health problems.
Your doctor will discuss your expectations for cosmetic surgery. This is to make sure that you have a realistic perception of how surgery will affect you and to ensure that you understand surgery is not an easy way out. After weight loss surgery you will be required to follow a healthy eating plan and reduce the amount of food you consume.
What questions should I ask?
It’s important to make the most of your consultation. It is worth writing a few questions down before you go so that you don’t forget. Examples of questions you may wish to ask include:
- What does the procedure involve?
- What happens before and after the operation?
- How long will be procedure take?
- Will I feel any pain after the operation?
- How long will I have to stay in hospital?
- How much weight can I expect to lose and how quickly?
- What are the risks?
- How will my diet change after the operation?
Your doctor may also have some questions to check that you understand what is going to happen, the risks and that you are sure you want to go ahead.
It is also important that you understand your diet will have to change after the procedure and you will have to commit to a healthy eating plan.
Surgery can be a scary prospect but make sure that ask all the questions you have, otherwise you may get worried or anxious. No question will be considered silly or irrelevant and your doctor will be happy to discuss any worries you may have to give you peace of mind.
