by Jeffrey Ware

Created on: November 23, 2008   Last Updated: February 04, 2009

Gastric bypass bariatric surgery is an operation developed to rearrange the human anatomy in order to assist the morbidly obese patient to lose weight in order to live a healthier and more productive life. The operation in itself is a very minute part of the process of a bariatric procedure. Gastric bypass surgery is a lifestyle changing operation. The patient needs to be appropriately prepared for this change in lifestyle. The morbidly obese patient is required to prepare for months before the operation. It may take anywhere from six to eight months for a patient to be prepared for the actual operation. Preparation will require the services of several medical and healthcare specialists including nutritionist, Internists, cardiologists and psychologists. Proper preparation can afford the patient a much more favorable outcome from the surgery.

At the very beginning, it is up to the patient to initiate the start of the process of preparation for gastric bypass surgery. It is of the upmost importance that the patient understands that this procedure is not a quick fix, no effort cure for obesity. They also need to understand that it requires a specialist in bariatric surgery to successfully guide the patient through the process. Choosing a surgeon is the first step. Most surgeons can technically perform the operation; however it requires a specialist who has the training and knowledge of the preparation requirements. Patients need to find a bariatric surgeon who is part of a Bariatric Surgery Center Network (BSCN) Accreditation Program recognized by the American College of Surgeons.

The first step in the preparation will be the initial visit to the surgeon. During this visit the patient will be evaluated to determine if they are a good quality candidate for the surgery. Good candidates are patients between the ages of 16 and 65 who are in relatively good health with a high body mass index. Patients who are at high risk of obesity related diseases or life threatening conditions are also good candidates. Patients must comprehend the risks involved and potential complications that may arise. Also, during the first visit candidates are advised of the process that has to be undertaken before the surgery can be performed. Lastly, the patient must ask questions of the surgeon to assure the surgeon is qualified to perform the procedure. Questions such as: how many procedures have they performed, what and how many complications have they had and where the procedure be performed.

Dietary

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