In this episode of G&T, we discuss eight Issues and questions that we, as bariatric surgeons, wish our patients would understand or ask us about!
First is the misconception that bariatric surgery is the easy way out. This most definitely isn’t the case, as patients still have to dedicate themselves to improving their diet and exercise habits for the rest of their lives. We don’t look at bariatric surgery as a one or two-year endeavor but a lifelong lifestyle change.
Second, we always want our patients to keep an open mind when they come in for their consultation. All too often, patients have decided what procedure they should undergo before knowing if they are good candidates. Some may have heard good things about one surgery and the bad results of another. It’s usually not the procedure but other circumstances that create this variance in success between patients. For example, patients suffering from poorly controlled type-2 diabetes or significant reflux are often best served by a gastric bypass since the gastric sleeve can increase reflux in some patients.
Third, the pre-op process is long, and it’s not our fault! Insurance companies have a strict set of guidelines for coverage of bariatric surgery if they cover it at all. Patients often get frustrated because of the time it takes to get approved. Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do about it.
Fourth, the time you spend during the preop period is best used by working on your habits and getting healthier for surgery. All too often, patients do little with this pre-op time. A patient should attend support groups, develop a support system of their own, and work on improving lifestyle choices, including quitting smoking, eliminating alcohol, reducing sugar intake, and more.
Fifth, if you’ve watched prior episodes, you probably wonder what is behind Dr. Ghanem’s doors. Today, you will find out!
Sixth, it’s also a misconception that patients will have to give up everything they enjoy after bariatric surgery. To be sure, many of the tastiest foods and drinks we overindulge on are highly caloric and must be reduced. However, the key to long-term success is moderation, along with not depriving yourself of EVERYTHING. To be sure, you should reduce added sugars and alcohol, but a little bit here and there is not the end of the world.
Eight, Alcohol can be consumed occasionally and in moderation after bariatric surgery. However, you have to be on the lookout for several signs of a problem. First, you will get tipsy and even drunk on far less than you did before surgery. Secondly, there is a phenomenon known as addiction substitution, where are you may fill the void left by food with alcohol. As such, alcohol dependence is not unheard of. Remember that alcohol affects your liver, too, so be sure to enjoy it responsibly.
Ninth and finally, your relationships will change after a bariatric procedure. Your confidence will likely grow significantly, and many people around you will appreciate this new, happy you. Of course, there will be some who will be jealous or cannot understand your choices. This is the time to evaluate and reevaluate the relationship with them.
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We hope you find this episode exciting, and we look forward to recording it next week. If you want us to answer or discuss any questions during one of our episodes, please feel free to post a comment below.
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