Being obese greatly affects your quality of life. It limits your ability to do things like wearing whatever you want and places you at greater risk of developing certain diseases.
If you’ve tried for a long time to lose weight but still end up in a cycle of more weight gain, you may benefit from bariatric or weight loss surgery.
What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery refers to any procedure performed on the stomach or intestines that induces weight loss. It can cause a forced reduction of the amount of food you eat, limit the absorption of nutrients in your body, or do a combination of both mechanisms.
Studies have shown that it’s the most effective weight loss tool for obese patients. Not only will it help you lose weight, it can also help improve any obesity-related disease(s) you have.
Qualifications and Preparation for Bariatric Surgery
To qualify for bariatric surgery, you have to meet the following criteria:
Has a BMI of over 40
If your BMI is over 35, you can qualify if you have at least one obesity-related comorbidity such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, dyslipidemia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and chronic joint disease
In addition to these physical qualifications, you will have to schedule an initial condition with a nutritionist and psychologist. It is to ensure that you’re physically and mentally prepared to do the surgery and for life after it.
The Preparation
Once you qualify, you will have to start preparing for it. Planning before your surgery increases your success after it.
At New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery in Knoxville, part of our process will include:
- Attending or viewing our FREE bariatric info series
- Scheduling an initial consultation with your surgeon
- Filling out insurance paperwork
- Joining a bariatric support group
- Arranging for some help at home during and after surgery
- Planning for your post-op life (lifestyle and support)
Lifestyle changes
This plays an important role in your success after the procedure. Prior to your surgery, our Dietician will recommend a preoperative diet for you. This will help you lose some weight and reduce the size of the liver.
One study, it shows that with each 1% weight loss before surgery, you are more likely to lose 1.8% more weight after it.
Aside from the preoperative diet, you will also be advised to:
- Quit smoking
- Limit or quit your alcohol consumption
- Do a small amount of physical activity
- Start taking multivitamins
New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery has a dedicated team who will help you and answer questions throughout the process. To get started, call us at (865) 694-9676 or visit https://www.newlifebariatricsurgery.com/get-started/.
New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery is part of Premier Surgical Bariatrics in Knoxville, Tennessee. New LIfe is affiliated with the Parkwest Center for Bariatric Surgery, an Accredited Metabolic, and Bariatric Surgical Center.