Surgeries treating obesity like gastric sleeve, or gastric bypass promise impressive results of important weight loss and improved self-esteem.Since bariatric surgery can have serious physical and psychological consequences for the patient, it is important to provide long-term expert counseling and regular follow-up after surgery.

THE IMPORTANCE OF RIGOROUS MEDICAL FOLLOW-UP:

Bariatric surgery is the ideal solution for significant weight loss and prevention of various obesity-related diseases. However, it is very important that patients follow regular medical follow-up to ensure that no complications arise after the procedure. it is estimated that unmonitored the patients who are not monitored in the years following bariatric surgery are at high risk of developing serious sequelae. A regular medical follow-up will, therefore, ensure that the patient is responding well to the procedure. In addition, the patient receives excellent care, advice and precise instructions to avoid any complications. If the surgeon detects side effects that pose a risk to the patient’s health (weight gain, nutritional deficiencies, digestive problems, etc.), he can recommend appropriate solutions to remedy the problem.

THE IMPACT OF MEDICAL FOLLOW-UP:

Regular medical follow-up is important, as obesity is a chronic disease and increases the risk of weight loss and weight gain. Follow-up will help patients maintain good habits, stabilize their ideal weight and lead a healthy and active lifestyle after surgery. Specialists will also make sure that there are no problems, such as nutritional deficiencies, which can cause serious complications in the patient’s body and nervous system. These nutritional deficiencies may be related to a lack of magnesium or vitamins such as B1, B9 and B12. In any of the cases, our nutritionists will elaborate a detailed nutritional program that the patient will have to follow closely.

After bariatric surgery, there are many benefits of weight loss and medical follow-up.

• Patients regain a greater sense of well-being.
• Patients will avoid diabetes and sleep apnea.
• Patients will be able to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines.

Overall, with necessary precautions taken into account, the patient can rejoice their new body and their new balanced life on the long-term run.

PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE PATIENT

During the initial interview, the surgeon must make sure that the patient’s expectations are realistic and that he/she is determined enough to assume the consequences of the operation. From a psychological point of view, the years following bariatric surgery can be very difficult: strict diets, food choices, regular exercise, reducing food intake, avoiding fatty and sugary foods, limiting certain habits such as drinking in between meals or snacking. Some of these latter habits, with which patients have lived most of their lives, are not easy to give up.

Some patients feel frustrated because they do not manage to lose as much weight as they would like.

That is why consultations with a psychologist are important for the patient to retrieve a serene and balanced psyche.