Dr. Alfredo Alonso Poza, specialist in General Surgery and Proctology answers a series of frequently asked questions that patients interested in Obesity Surgery ask when they come to his office. Some of them are the following.
Which operation is the most recommended? How is it done?
There are a large number of operations to be performed, and the suitability of one or another should be discussed and analyzed in depth with the surgeon. Thus, the pros and cons, its risks… must be taken into account. Depending on your BMI, each person suffering from obesity may need a different intervention.
However, as a general rule, the most recommended are vertical tubular or sleeve gastrectomy, gastric by-pass and biliary-pancreatic diversion, all of which are approached laparoscopically.
How does weight loss work?
In simple, restrictive operations on the stomach, weight loss works by reducing the amount of food that can be eaten, since the stomach is smaller and fills sooner. If you eat less, you lose weight. In addition, malabsorptive techniques have a deficit when it comes to absorbing some nutrients, especially fats.
Are there any risks involved in the operation?
Any surgery that is performed involves a risk, and bariatric surgery is no exception. However, experience, technique and technology have improved in recent years, improving the results and reducing the number of complications.
In addition, today a less invasive and aggressive approach, called laparoscopy, is used. It should be added that open surgery in the morbidly obese patient is justified in some exceptions.
How long will I spend in the hospital?
The usual length of hospital stay is around three to five days, varying depending on how quickly the patient recovers.
How long does the operation last?
The duration of the operation varies depending on each individual and the technique to be performed. However, the time varies between one and five hours.
When can I return to work?
The patient will return to normal life between two and six weeks after the operation, although you should avoid lifting weights, otherwise hernias may appear.
Once operated, will I have to follow a diet?
The diet after surgery is forced, that is to say, the patient will not be able to eat certain foods, since he/she will have to change the way he/she eats, chewing food a lot and eating slowly. In cases of mixed surgeries, dietary restrictions will be almost minimal.
How much will I be able to eat?
Initially, the patient will only be able to ingest about 50 cc per meal. In a month, they will be able to eat up to 150-250 cc. The patient should eat five times a day and hydrate well. In the event that the patient eats as he/she did before the operation, it may cause a dehiscence of the suture or the staples, putting the patient’s life at risk and making it necessary to repeat the operation.
Eating either, won’t I starve to death?
The patient will receive a dietary program that will cover all his vitamin and nutritional needs.
What is the rate of weight loss?
Weight loss will vary depending on the individual and the procedure performed. However, in the first month about ten kilos are usually lost, and afterwards, the most usual is to lose between five and seven kilos per month, stabilizing the weight after 12 or 18 months.
What is the success rate of this surgery?
Success varies according to each person and the technique chosen. It is considered a success if between 60 and 80% of the excess weight is lost. After five years, some patients can recover part of the lost weight.
Why undergo surgery?
The severely obese patient, as a general rule, will have tried different types of diets, with which he/she has failed. Their obesity is considered a serious disease that can influence other serious medical problems such as hypertension, diabetes, heart problems… If the patient needs to lose weight, surgery is the most effective method.
What happens if I do not follow the guidelines given by the surgeon after the operation?
Initially, if the patient insists on eating, he/she will vomit. If the patient eats continuously, the stomach will widen and the patient will gain weight again.
Is vomiting frequent?
Vomiting will not be frequent in cases where the patient follows the instructions and guidelines given by the specialist.
How do I stop losing weight?
When we reach a weight according to our body, it is the same organism that readjusts to the new food intake. The weight loss is of fat, not muscle mass.
Will I have skin flaps?
It is difficult to make a prediction, since everything varies depending on the patient, the weight lost and the elasticity of the skin.
Will body contouring surgery be necessary?
It would be good news, since it would imply that the intervention was a success. To improve aesthetics, operations are performed to remove flaps in the abdomen, arms, thighs, breasts….
For more information, consult a specialist in surgery.