Doubts
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
On this page you will find a series of common questions that a person who is interested in a weight loss procedure asks.
Doubts
frequent questions
On this page you will find a series of common queries regarding the weight loss surgery. If you have any questions that are NOT on this list, please feel free to contact us, we’d love to answer any questions you may have.
This can be determined after analyzing your Body Mass Index (BMI) to see if you are in a suitable weight range; your medical history should also be taken into consideration. These evaluations will be necessary to determine whether or not you are a candidate for Bariatric Surgery.
Obesity decreases the life expectancy of those who suffer from it by 10 years, compared to the rest of the non-obese population. In addition, there are many associated diseases that decrease the quality of life and represent a huge economic burden both for the individual and for society (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Arterial Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, increased risk of various types of cancers, etc).
Many patients experience partial or transient results with conventional methods for the treatment of obesity and related diseases. Nowadays, Bariatric Surgery is the most effective method for the long-term treatment of all these conditions; as long as it is followed by profound changes in the patients lifestyle.
Therefore, patients who have not achieved effective treatment by traditional methods, deserve to undergo these types of procedures, both to prolong life expectancy and to improve their quality of life.
The amount of weight that you could lose will depend predominantly on the type of procedure to be performed and the patient’s commitment to follow the instructions of the specialists.
Approximately 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the type of procedure to be performed.
Bariatric Surgery by its own should never be offered as a single treatment, it should always be followed by lifestyle changes, physical activity and medical treatment of related diseases.
This is why the obesity approach is carried out by a multidisciplinary team, conformed by a Bariatric Nutritionist, Bariatric Psychologist, Bariatric Surgeon, Anesthesiologist, etc.
Furthermore, the vast majority of patients who decide to undergo a bariatric procedure have been struggling in a conventional way with various types of measures and treatments for many years, without such strong results against obesity.
Yes. Bariatric Surgery is capable of resulting in massive weight loss, but long-term sustainability of the results is not possible unless a personalized strategy is carried out that combines physical activity and lifestyle changes.
Bariatric Surgery can result in an average weight loss of up to 75% of excess weight over a period of 12 to 18 months. After this period the patient must have completely changed his/her lifestyle to stabilize the results and maintain his o her weight in the long run term.
Up to these days, there is no international consensus on what type of procedure is the right one for each patient. This will depend on the general context of the particular case and the presence of related diseases, so it is the responsability of each bariatric surgeon to decide along with the patient which procedure would be the right one for him o her.
No. One of the great advantages of minimally invasive procedures is that they reduce the size of the incision and consequently the postoperative pain and complications related to the surgical wound.
Between 6 and 24 hours. Depending on the type of procedure that will be performed.
We almost always recommend at least 2 weeks of relative rest, although many patients initiate normal activities within the first postoperative week. It is recommended not to do intense physical activity, especially lifting heavy objects greater than 10 kg for at least the first month.
In the case of Bariatric Surgery, and taking into account that obesity is a chronic disease, long-term annual or biannual follow-ups are recommended, on the whole, to ensure the maintenance of results. In the rest of the laparoscopic surgeries, the follow-up may not be necessary beyond the first postoperative month.
Depending on certain characteristics of the patients, rates of complete remission of the disease can be expected in about 70% of cases, partial remission in 20% and improvement in approximately 10% of cases.
In other words, patients can go without oral medications and insulin in the vast majority of cases, in other cases patients are able to reduce their consumption. There will always be an additional benefit to the weight loss caused by the procedure itself. This occurs because Bariatric Surgery also has metabolic effects that complement its mechanism of action, thus achieving beneficial and sustainable long-term results, especially when combined with profound changes in lifestyle.
Yes. In about 70% of cases a complete remission or improvement of this condition is experienced. Some cases, especially those not directly related to obesity and difficult to manage, may persist despite surgery, although the dose of their medications is frequently reduced after the procedure.
Yes. In more than 60% of cases the problem is solved. The rest of the patients experience improvement and a drug dose reduction.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea / Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS), Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease GERD (Gastric Bypass only), Migraines, Depression, Sleep problems, Asthma, Hepatic steatosis, Metabolic Syndrome, Stress urinary incontinence, Degenerative osteoarthritis joint disease, Varicose veins, Gout, etc.
There are two good reasons for doing this evaluation:
- It is necessary to request financing. Most of the main financial companies need to be sure that the patient really needs Bariatric Surgery for the sake of their health, so it is an imperative requirement for them to have a psychological evaluation prior to surgery; carried out by a licensed professional therapist before any payment facility for your procedure is approved.
- The patients certainty. All medical personnel involved in a bariatric procedure always look after the patients weight loss outcome, in addition to all the benefits that this major change will bring. But in order to reach that goal, the patient must demonstrate that he or her is mentally fit for a procedure like this. For this reason it is important that a specialist in Psychology evaluates all the critical points to consider before a surgery.
A psychological evaluation involves two types of tests:
- Psychological tests. The patient will provide demographic information and take a series of tests to help identify his or her strengths. It can also help finding certain areas where the patient may need help and support before and after surgery. Your therapist will evaluate and grade the exams you have completed, which will serve as support for the clinical interview process.
- Clinical interview. In a relaxed setting, the therapist and the patient will discuss about the tests and goals regarding the weight loss surgery. The purpose of the clinical interview focus on the patients reason for the surgery, including a number of diverse factors, such as: the patient’s weight, diets they have been on, medical history, current eating behaviors, the understanding of the surgery and the changes the patient will need to make in his or her lifestyle, among other important queries.
If I am interested in weight loss surgery, what do I have to do?
Click on the following link to receive detailed information regarding whether you are a candidate for a bariatric procedure.