How to mentally prepare for Roux-en-Y surgery?

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a weight-loss surgery that can help you combat obesity. Weight-loss surgery can also be called bariatric surgery.

The surgery can help you to reduce the size of your upper stomach. The surgeons do this by stapling off the upper section of the stomach to a small pouch. The surgeon then attaches this pouch directly to the part of the small intestine called the Roux limb. This surgery reduces the amount of food you can eat greatly. The surgery also reduces the amount of fat and calories you can absorb. It can reduce the amount of vitamins and minerals you absorb from food.

How to get ready for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery?

You need to talk to your doctor or your healthcare professional before deciding on a gastric bypass surgery. Weight-loss surgery may be dangerous for people who abuse medicines or alcohol. If you do not commit to a lifelong change in diet and exercise habits your surgery may be useless.You may need to have various lab tests and exams before surgery.

If you are a chain smoker you need to stop smoking several months before the surgery. Sometimes doctors may advise you to lose some weight before the surgery, as it makes your liver smaller and make it safer to operate. Blood-thinning medicines are risky if you are getting a Roux-en-Y surgery. You need to consult a physician and stop consuming them before surgery.

You need to enroll in a bariatric surgery education program before going forward with the surgery. It will educate you on how to prepare for surgery, and life after surgery. Nutritional and psychological counseling would be provided. Physical test and blood test has to be performed before the surgery. Imaging studies of your stomach and an upper endoscopy will be performed before the surgery. Before surgery, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight.

How to prepare for the surgery:

• Arrange help at home post-surgery.

• Minimize your risk of complications.

• Making sure to follow the surgeon’s  pre-surgery diet.

• Take medications that may be prescribed by your surgeon.

• Reduce stress.

• Save money.

• Construct a plan to keep the weight off over the long-term.

• Bring all your paperwork and required documents before the surgery.

What happens after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery?

After surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for one or two days. Be prepared for a hospital stay. You may experience symptoms like fever and other complication. Talk with your doctor about wound care, pain medicines, and physical activity. 

Initial weight-loss that you may experience will occur quickly, therefore it is  important to get all of the nutrition and vitamins needed to recover. Your doctor may prescribe vitamin and mineral supplements. Your body may no longer be able to absorb vitamins and minerals from food alone.

In these kinds of weight loss surgeries, you need to prepare mentally for weight loss and skin sagging. Contact a psychologist or therapist if you experience body image issues.