• How do I know if I am obese?
It is calculated by Body Mass Index (BMI). Dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared Weight/(Height)2. Normal BMI values range from 20 to 25 Kg/M2 if you are between 25 and 30 Kg/M2 you are overweight, if you are above 30 Kg/M2 you are obese. A BMI greater than 35 Kg/M2 with associated medical problems, such as diabetes or hypertension, lung problems, etc., would be considered morbid obesity. A body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 with or without associated medical problems or an excess of 45 kg over the ideal weight would also be considered severe obesity.
• Do diets work?
Nearly all patients who start a diet program will lose weight, but the weight usually comes back over time and is often even more weight gain than it was before the diet. This permanent and continuous cycle of losing and gaining weight is known as the "yo-yo effect", which can potentially have adverse health risks. Diets may work in the short term for overweight and mild obesity, their long-term effectiveness has not been demonstrated. In severe and morbid obesity, at 5 years no diet has shown results comparable to those obtained by surgery.
• What are the indications for surgery?
The current recommendation is that when the ideal weight is exceeded by more than 45 kilos or a BMI > 40 or a BMI > 35 with associated morbidities, surgery is the best therapy, due to the high risks for premature mortality and medical complications that occur. These patients are exposed
• How do I know if I am a candidate for surgery?
This answer will be given after a complete history and physical examination. However, as a general guideline, the following patients are considered candidates: Age: 17 to 65 years Weight: Greater than 45 kilos over the ideal weight Body mass index (BMI) Greater than 40 (Morbid Obesity) or >35 with associated diseases . Multiple attempts to lose weight on a strict diet with medical supervision without success. Contraindications may be dependence on alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, acceptable risk for surgery, without medical contraindication. Fully understand the procedure and its risks and be willing to follow directions medical
• What risks does surgery have?
Like all surgery has predictable and unpredictable risks, these will depend on your previous health status and obviously on whether the team that treats you has the appropriate expertise, also on your adherence to the recommendations, if all this is fulfilled the risks are minimized, but Even so, complications can occur, mortality can also occur, in the best centers a mortality rate of less than 1% is accepted
• Will I feel sick after the operation?
Initially the diet is totally liquid and the priority is to stay hydrated, if you feel weak, dizzy or thirsty, it is possible that you are not consuming enough liquids. Later you will start a solid diet, but the amounts of food you can eat are very limited. If you feel nauseous or vomit on a regular basis, it may mean that you are not chewing your food well. It could also mean that you are not following the diet correctly, or have a complication from surgery, if after correcting this it does not improve, you should contact your surgeon. Vomiting should be avoided as much as possible. It can cause the small stomach pouch to stretch. That would reduce the success of the operation.
• What can I eat after surgery?
During the first month the diet is liquid and low in calories, you should avoid drinks with sugar, then your diet will be almost normal, only in very small portions and you will have to learn to eat healthily, preferring foods with high nutritional value and low calories.
• Will I need to take vitamins?
Yes, you may require a vitamin supplement. Especially in cases of malapsorptive or mixed procedures, At your regular check-ups, your specialist will assess whether you are getting enough vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron.
• Can other medications be taken?
If you can take any other prescribed medication. You may need to use capsules or break large tablets in half or dissolve them in water so they can pass the stomach.
• How much weight will I lose?
The amount of weight you can lose depends on several things and is not the same for all patients, it depends on previous weight, metabolic status, type of surgery, but above all on the patient's commitment and adherence to diet recommendations. and exercise, avoid comparing yourself with other known patients, since the circumstances of each one are different.
• How often should I weigh myself after the surgery?
It is advisable to control the weight, but this should not be done daily, it is advisable to weigh yourself every 15 days in the morning, hopefully naked and fasting, in order to have a comparison pattern
• Will I be able to drink liquor?
Alcohol has a high number of calories. However, an occasional glass of wine is possible, you must take into account that its absorption is faster and this can increase its effects.
• Can I exercise after surgery?
It is essential to do supervised exercise after surgery, this will not only improve your health and physical condition, but will also contribute significantly to weight loss and then to weight maintenance. It will improve your appearance by reducing excess skin.
• Will I have a lot of skin left over after losing weight?
Excess skin will depend on the degree of previous obesity and the location of the fat. Exercise can help retract the excess skin, but subsequent surgery may be required, especially if the skin flaps are large and cause functional limitation.
• Can I get pregnant after surgery?
Getting pregnant may be easier when you start losing weight. Your menstrual cycle may be disturbed initially and then become more regular. You must avoid pregnancy during the two years following the surgery, in case of pregnancy you must have a strict control with your gynecologist and your nutritionist