When Asking For Bariatric Surgery New York Patients Need To Be Serious About Losing Weight

By Jessica Anderson


Obesity and serious overweight problems are fast becoming one of the most prevalent health problems all over the world. Obese people have many problems. They struggle to move around, they often develop depression and they often even loathe their own bodies. They also easily contract diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease and a host of other life threatening conditions. This places an enormous strain on the health care sector. However, with bariatric surgery New York patients may get a chance to change their lives.

This type of surgery is seen as a drastic intervention and surgeons are very careful before accepting a patient. Patients have to be prepared for the surgery for at least six months. During this period the surgeon wants to make sure that the patient is indeed serious about losing weight and that they are making a sincere effort to change their life styles. Surgeons also want to be sure that patients do not merely see the surgery as a quick fix.

The preparation period can be traumatic due to the dramatic changes patients have to make. They have to look at their own lives and their personal attitudes from an entirely new perspective. Many opt to undergo therapy to help them understand the underlying reasons for their obesity and to help them stay motivated about changing their lives and their personal outlooks forever.

There are other factors that may disqualify potential patients. Those using tobacco products are summarily refused. Smoking can easily lead to blood clots and this can cause serious complications during the lengthy operation. Patients need to forego all tobacco products for at least six months. It is also highly advisable to stop using any alcohol because it can cause the sugar levels in the blood to fluctuate.

Giving up smoking and alcohol are not the only sacrifices patients must make. They must also change their diets dramatically. Sugar and caffeine must be given up totally. Water must be used during every meal and each meal must consist of some form of protein. Patients are advised to eat a few smaller meals each day rather than two or three big ones. Patients have to lose at least some weight prior to the operation.

Another requirement is that patients have to follow a strict and regular exercise regime. This needs to become a life long discipline. Exercise releases feel good enzymes that can help to keep the patient motivated. Low impact exercises such as cycling, swimming, yoga and hiking all serve to increase flexibility and muscle strength. This can help to shorten the recover period after the operation.

Because the surgery is so invasive patients will have to expect severe bruises and at least some pain and discomfort. Most patients will also find it difficult to walk or to bend. These problems are short lived, however, and will vanish after a few weeks. Patients must also be prepared to forego all solid foods for a few weeks after surgery.

It will be a very big mistake to think that this surgery is an easy and quick way of getting rid of a lot of fat in one fell swoop. The surgery can only benefit patients in the long term if they are truly motivated to adopt an entirely new and healthier lifestyle. This is why surgeons so carefully vet their patients.




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