Bariatric Bypass Surgery - Weight Loss Surgery

Bariatric Bypass Surgery Checklist

Below you’ll find a checklist of information regarding bariatric bypass surgery, organized into brief snippets of information relating to several aspects of this procedure. If you have more specific questions, contact a cosmetic surgeon today.

Bariatric Bypass Surgery Background
The background of bariatric surgery dates back for decades, but only in recent years have new technologies become available that aid in the overall success rate of this procedure. At this point, bariatric bypass surgery is very safe and common.

Best Candidates for BBS Weight Loss Surgery
The best candidates for bariatric bypass surgery are those people who have a BMI of 40 or more, have a lower BMI of at least 35 but also have another obesity-related condition such as type 2 diabetes or heart disease.

Uncertainty and Risk of Bariatric Bypass Surgery
As is the case with any surgery, there is uncertainty and risk associated with this procedure, although it’s statistically minor. Complications that have been reported include infections, hernias and bowel obstructions, although these conditions are treatable with medication and time.

Planning for Bariatric Bypass Surgery
Planning for surgery is a collaborative effort between you and your cosmetic surgeon. Planning for surgery involves a properly-completed pre-op exam and the formulation of guidelines relating to diet, sleep and exercise both prior to and following the procedure.

Preparing for Bariatric Bypass Surgery
Preparing for surgery involves the “details” that surround this procedure. For instance, any type of preparing for surgery involves making sure that you have the proper amount of time to recover and are ready to commit to the after-care before the procedure takes place.

Where Bariatric Surgery is Performed
Where surgery is performed involves a relatively standard answer. Since this surgery involves entry into the abdomen, it’s almost always performed in a hospital.

How Bariatric Surgery is Performed
How surgery is performed involves a complicated answer, but generally speaking, the doctor will insert a small pouch in the abdominal cavity to in effect bypass the existing stomach.

Anesthesia for Bariatric Bypass Surgery
Given the complexity of this procedure, patients are placed under general anesthesia. General anesthesia means that the patient will be unconscious during the procedure and will awake when it’s complete.

Post-Op - Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery
Post-op considerations are extensive, and need to be followed closely for the underlying procedure to be a success. These post-op considerations involve adhering to a strict diet and obtaining after-care to measure your progress.

Bariatric Bypass Surgery Candidacy

As you consider the possibilities that bariatric bypass surgery can bring to your life, you no doubt are encountering questions relating to each stage of this process. As you consider whether or not this procedure is right for you, three questions that you may have include, “How can I tell if I’m a good candidate for bariatric bypass surgery?”, “How will I be evaluated for bariatric bypass surgery?”, “Will my insurance help offset the costs of surgery?” Each of these questions is answered in general terms below, but for more specific information, you need to contact a cosmetic surgeon immediately.

How can I tell if I’m a good candidate for bariatric bypass surgery?

The best candidates for bariatric bypass surgery are those patients with a BMI of at least 40 or those with a BMI between 35 and 39 with one obesity-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes or heart problems. Obviously, candidates need to be seriously overweight, and a full examination will be administered before any recommendation on a procedure will be made.

How will I be evaluated for bariatric bypass surgery?

The pre-op evaluation for any prospective recipient of bariatric bypass surgery is extensive and thorough. Among the things that will be examined will be your weight, your BMI, your eating habits, your overall medical history and your psychological preparedness for both the procedure and the very involved routine that you’ll need to follow strictly if your procedure will ultimately be seen as a success.

Will my insurance help offset the costs of surgery?

This is a complicated question with no hard-and-fast answer available. Generally speaking, insurance companies will not cover the costs of any procedure that’s considered elective in nature, but they will usually cover procedures that are seen as medically necessary. Whether bariatric bypass surgery is elective or medically necessary is not a uniform answer. Some procedures may be necessary to reduce the health risks that come with obesity, while others may be seen as more cosmetic in nature.

The best way to answer this question is to consult with a cosmetic surgeon and to ask him or her this specific question. After you get you recommendation, you need to communicate clearly with your insurance company and to get any response from them in writing in order to avoid any confusion after the surgery is complete.

Overall, patients tend to have three very common questions regarding their candidacy for bariatric bypass surgery, and they are, “How can I tell if I’m a good candidate for bariatric bypass surgery?”, “How will I be evaluated for bariatric bypass surgery?”, “Will my insurance help offset the costs of surgery?” If you have other questions, or would like more specific answers to the questions provided, contact a cosmetic surgeon as soon as possible for a consultation.

Bariatric Bypass Surgery Specifics

As you look into the possibility of bariatric bypass surgery to help you with your obesity problem, you are surely encountering questions regarding the procedure itself as you continue your research. Three of the most common questions that arise in relation to this procedure are, “Where are incisions placed for bariatric bypass surgery?”, “What are some variations to the common bariatric bypass surgery method?” and “What are some of the risks associated with bariatric bypass surgery?” Each of these questions is answered below, but for more specific details as they relate to your individual situation, you need to consult with a cosmetic surgeon.

Where are incisions placed for bariatric bypass surgery?

When performing bariatric bypass surgery, the surgeon creates a small pouch at the top of your stomach and adds a bypass around a segment of your small intestine. The surgeon then staples your stomach across the top, sealing it from the rest of your stomach, creating a much smaller area for food to rest. Incisions are usually placed in the abdominal region to perform these tasks.

What are some variations to the common bariatric bypass surgery method?

Given the degree of technicality with bariatric bypass surgery, there are very few, if any, common variations to the procedure. The pouch needs to be placed in a standard location in order to work properly, the stomach needs to be stapled to prevent complications and the incisions are generally placed in the same area to access the organs that need to be handled. If variations are needed, the best course of action may be an entirely different procedure altogether.

What are some of the risks associated with bariatric bypass surgery?

There are risks associated with any surgery, but specific to this procedure, the risks are generally identified as potential infections, bleeding and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Down the road, complications that could arise include leaking at one of the staple lines in the stomach, pneumonia and in rare cases, dumping syndrome, whereby the stomach contents move too quickly through the small intestine, resulting in nausea.

Overall, three of the most common questions regarding bariatric bypass surgery include, “Where are incisions placed for bariatric bypass surgery?”, “What are some variations to the common bariatric bypass surgery method?” and “What are some of the risks associated with bariatric bypass surgery?” Although the procedures themselves are largely standard, no two patients are alike, which means that your best initial step towards finding out how this procedure will work for you would be to contact a cosmetic surgeon for a full and complete consultation.

Bariatric Bypass Surgery Preparation and Recovery

If you’re going to move forward with bariatric bypass surgery, perhaps the most important aspects of coming through the procedure well involve the proper preparation for the surgery and knowledge regarding the after-care that’s required to make this procedure a success. Patients generally pose several questions regarding this procedure, and they include, “What steps should I take to prepare for bypass surgery?”, “What can I expect the day of bypass surgery to be like?”, “How will I look and feel immediately following the bypass surgery?”, “When can I pursue my normal activities again?” and “How long can I expect results to last?” Each of these questions is answered below.

What steps should I take to prepare for bypass surgery?
Your preparatory steps will be laid out by your doctor, but basically, preparing for surgery involves taking care of all the “little things” that could add stress to your recovery if you don’t handle them beforehand. Specifically, you’ll need to make sure that you follow any sleep or dietary guidelines before the surgery, among other things.

What can I expect the day of bypass surgery to be like?
The day of your bypass surgery will be exciting, nerve-racking, fun and stressful all at once. You need to remember that these are all normal emotions, and if you’re prepared for them you’ll handle them well. Otherwise, you will be placed under general anesthesia, and the surgery itself will be something you don’t remember.

How will I look and feel immediately following the bypass surgery?
Given the fact that you will be under the influence of general anesthesia, you will feel groggy and a bit confused immediately after the surgery, as this is always the case when regaining consciousness. Otherwise, you can expect to be a bit sore, and you’ll have a hard time moving around for a day or two after the procedure is complete, but these conditions are temporary.

When can I pursue my normal activities again?
It will take some time to return to your normal activities. For instance, you will not be able to eat anything for at least two days after your surgery, and your return to eating regular, solid foods usually takes up to 12 weeks. Otherwise, you’ll need to slowly begin an exercise program, usually consisting of walks, as soon as you have the energy to do so.

How long can I expect results to last?
The after-care discipline required of this surgery is strict and detailed. If you want the surgery’s effects to last you for the rest of your life, you need to follow them and to always be conscious of what you’re eating. This surgery is basically a stepping stone to a lifestyle change, and if you follow the plan, you can expect a lifetime of positive results.

Overall, a few examples of questions patients ask in regards to bariatric bypass surgery are, “What steps should I take to prepare for bypass surgery?”, “What can I expect the day of bypass surgery to be like?”, “How will I look and feel immediately following the bypass surgery?”, “When can I pursue my normal activities again?” and “How long can I expect results to last?” If you’d like more specific answers to these questions, contact a cosmetic surgeon and schedule a consultation.

If you’d like to know more about how weight loss surgery can change your life, contact a weight loss surgeon today for a consultation.