Natural Concerns with Bariatric Surgery

If you are thinking about bariatric surgery and have doubts about whether it is right for you, you’re not alone. It’s a life-changing decision, and serious contemplation—particularly overcoming concerns and learning how to effectively cope with them—is part of the decision-making process for everyone. Bariatric surgery is a major procedure, and recovery doesn’t happen overnight. It’s normal and natural to fear surgery, anesthesia, or physical changes. But before you let these fears prevent you from having bariatric surgery, you may want to take a few moments to better understand the facts. Bariatric surgery is a lifelong change. Even considering it is a healthy step, because it gives you an opportunity to examine your health and your life.

Fear and Risks of Surgery

This is a common fear. After all, bariatric surgery is major surgery performed while you’re under general anesthesia. Complications can occur. Keep in mind that you’ll have a team of healthcare professionals dedicated to your best possible care.

Fear of Physical Changes

For people who have spent years living with morbid obesity, bariatric surgery sounds like a lifesaver. But, some people are concerned about changing their body. It’s understandable. Dr. Belsley will reduce the size of your stomach so that you are able to be satisfied with less food and, depending on the procedure, absorb fewer calories and nutrients.

Discomfort and Pain

You may think that recovering from bariatric surgery will be a long and painful process—but, that’s not usually the case.

The majority of patients have minimally invasive, or laparoscopic, surgery. Compared to open surgery, minimally invasive surgery offers a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, less pain, less abdominal trauma and less scarring.

If you’re concerned about pain after surgery, speak with Dr. Belsley. Dr. Belsley can discuss the pain management medications that he will provide you with after the surgery. Typically you will be provided with a PCA machine (Patient Controlled Anesthesia), a system that allows you to control your pain medication with the push of a button.

As with any major surgery, there will be a recovery period. Recovery periods vary from patient to patient and depend on the type of surgery you have. One study found that laparoscopic gastric bypass patients typically left the hospital on the second day and returned to work at 21 days. Your health is worth the time it takes to fully recover. Try not to rush it. After all, your body will be healing from surgery.

Adjusting to New Habits

Bariatric surgery patients are expected to commit to healthy new habits, such as diet and exercise. You won’t have to become a triathlete or figure out these new habits on your own; just follow your dietary and exercise instructions. Many patients report that during the first 12 to 18 months following surgery, they enjoy a burst of energy and motivation. During this time, they are making healthy lifestyle changes such as: eating new foods and smaller portions, taking multivitamins and calcium supplements daily, and exercising regularly.

These changes can be overwhelming, but they are not impossible to make. Attend a support group—you might draw inspiration from listening to other people’s stories.

Getting Support from Family and Friends

The first step in getting support is talking to your family and friends about bariatric surgery. You might find that they are completely supportive, or you might find that they are not. If they are not supportive, it may be due to fear. They may be concerned about your well-being and may think that bariatric surgery is risky.

If your family or friends are unsupportive, take a few moments to talk to them further. They may only know the myths of bariatric surgery. Explain to them why you are considering bariatric surgery and share with them risks of surgery. Consider taking them with you to a support group. That way, they can hear firsthand from bariatric surgery patients and learn about their experiences.