Obesity is as common as cough and cold. It is no longer limited to people considered ‘lazy’ to move and exercise. Anyone, from a working professional to a housewife or a student, can suffer from it. Maybe not everyone is obese, but being overweight is not good news either.
As serious and intense as it sounds, the good news is that as more and more people accept the situation, more and more ways are developed to control the situation. One of the most effective is bariatric surgery.
Performed as a gastric sleeve surgery in which a part of the stomach is permanently removed, or as a gastric bypass surgery in which the stomach and intestine are dissected, bariatric surgery has helped many people regain health and recover your life with enthusiasm. But, the journey is not easy. This surgery is not a quick fix where you go under the knife and emerge slimmer and healthier. Rather, it is a life-changing procedure in which you go under the knife but make conscious changes to your dietary habits, exercise regimen, and overall lifestyle to lead a life full of good health and leave you in a much better shape.
Many studies look at bariatric surgery as an effective method to treat metabolic diseases and conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, etc., in morbidly obese patients. And the benefits are not just limited to the patient. The changes made by the patient are also reflected in their family members, making them more aware of their health. To take advantage of such benefits, it is crucial for the patient to know all there is to know about bariatric surgery in order to make an informed decision and change her life for the better.
A multidisciplinary approach like this weight loss surgery requires a conscious commitment to ensure long-lasting results. A comprehensive consultation not only assesses a patient’s physical appearance, but also assesses their mental and emotional state to help them understand and prepare for the long recovery ahead.
Weight loss transforms the anatomy of the body as well as affecting many psychological aspects, which is why counseling sessions prior to bariatric surgery are highly recommended. A healthy recovery depends on a healthy mindset, and counseling does exactly that. Shift perceptions into positive perspectives that help change habits, self-monitor your progress after bariatric surgery, decrease emotional eating, manage substance abuse, teach stress management, and find ways to stay motivated for years to come.
The counselor, based on the patient’s current understanding of nutrition and after evaluating lifestyle, needs to devise a plan to reduce the number of complications after surgery. This not only supports the patient during surgery, but especially during the next crucial 12-18 months, when her body and mind will experience many positive changes.