FAQ

Yes, bariatric surgery is highly effective for long-term weight loss. Most people who undergo bariatric surgery lose a significant amount of weight and are able to maintain that loss.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Significant weight loss: Many patients lose 50% or more of their excess weight within two years of surgery.
• Improved health: Bariatric surgery can dramatically improve or even resolve conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and heart disease.
• Enhanced quality of life: Losing weight can boost your self-esteem, energy levels, and overall well-being.

It’s important to note that the success of bariatric surgery depends on several factors, including the type of surgery, the patient’s commitment to lifestyle changes, and post-operative care.

Bariatric surgery is considered safe when performed by experienced surgeons in accredited facilities. While it’s a major operation, advancements in surgical techniques and post-operative care have significantly reduced risks.

The benefits of bariatric surgery often outweigh the risks for individuals with severe obesity. Many patients experience dramatic improvements in their overall health and quality of life.

Whether or not your medical aid covers bariatric surgery depends on your specific plan. While some medical aids offer full or partial coverage for this procedure, others may exclude it entirely.

Factors that influence coverage include:

• Your medical aid plan: Different plans have varying levels of benefits.
• Medical necessity: Your doctor must justify the surgery as medically necessary for your health.
• Pre-authorisation: Many medical aids require pre-approval before the surgery.

Contact your medical aid directly to understand your specific coverage. They can provide detailed information about your plan’s benefits, any required pre-authorisation processes, and potential out-of-pocket costs.

Predicting the exact amount of weight loss after bariatric surgery is challenging as individual results vary significantly. Several factors influence weight loss, including the type of surgery, overall health, and commitment to post-operative lifestyle changes.

It’s vital to approach weight loss as a journey focused on improving overall health and well-being rather than solely on achieving a specific number on the scale.

Exercise is essential for a successful recovery and weight management after bariatric surgery. It helps build strength, improve cardiovascular health, and boost energy levels.

Start slowly and gradually increase your activity level. Consult with your surgeon before starting any new exercise routine. They can provide specific guidelines based on your recovery progress.

Bariatric surgery dramatically changes your relationship with food. Due to the physical changes made to your digestive system, you’ll need to make significant adjustments to your eating habits.

Initial stages after surgery involve a strict liquid diet, gradually progressing to soft foods and then solid foods. Your surgeon and a registered dietitian will provide specific guidelines tailored to your procedure.

Key Changes to Expect:

• Smaller portions: Your stomach capacity is reduced, so you’ll eat much less than before.
• Focus on protein: Protein becomes essential for satiety and healing.
• Careful food choices: You’ll need to avoid high-fat, sugary, and fibrous foods.
• Chewing thoroughly: Proper chewing is crucial to prevent digestive issues.
• Lifetime commitment: Dietary changes are necessary for long-term weight management.

While bariatric surgery is a powerful tool, successful weight management relies on making permanent dietary changes.

The time it takes to return to work after bariatric surgery varies depending on the type of surgery, your overall health, and the nature of your job.

Generally, patients can expect to return to work within:

• 2-4 weeks for procedures like gastric sleeve or gastric bypass.

Important factors to consider:

• Type of work: If your job involves heavy lifting, prolonged standing, or strenuous physical activity, you may need more time to recover.
• Recovery process: Individual healing times vary. Listen to your body and follow your surgeon’s advice.

Discuss your return-to-work plans with your surgeon. They can provide personalised guidance based on your specific situation.

Recovery time after bariatric surgery varies depending on the type of procedure, individual health, and the complexity of the surgery.

• Hospital stay: Typically ranges from 1 to 3 days.
• Initial recovery: The first few weeks involve significant rest and pain management.
• Return to normal activities: Most patients can resume regular activities within 4 to 6 weeks.
• Complete recovery: It may take several months to fully recover and experience the long-term benefits.

Important factors affecting recovery:

• Complications: Any surgical complications can prolong recovery.
• Adherence to post-operative care: Following your doctor’s instructions can significantly impact your healing process.

Follow your surgeon’s guidance throughout your recovery journey.

Smoking is highly detrimental to both the success of bariatric surgery and the overall recovery process. It significantly increases the risks and complications associated with the procedure.

Negative Impacts of Smoking:

• Increased risk of complications: Smoking can lead to serious post-operative complications such as blood clots, infections, and wound healing issues.
• Reduced blood flow: Smoking constricts blood vessels, hindering the healing process.
• Ulcer formation: Smoking can contribute to the development of ulcers in the newly created stomach pouch.
• Delayed healing: The healing process is significantly slowed down, increasing recovery time.
• Lower success rates: Smokers have a higher likelihood of weight regain after surgery.

To maximise the benefits of bariatric surgery and ensure a smoother recovery, it’s crucial to quit smoking well before the procedure. Many surgical centres require patients to abstain from smoking for a specific period before and after surgery.

Bariatric surgery significantly changes your body’s metabolism, including how it processes alcohol. As a result, the effects of alcohol can be intensified and unpredictable after surgery.

Many bariatric patients find that their tolerance to alcohol decreases dramatically. This means that even small amounts of alcohol can lead to intoxication more quickly than before surgery. Additionally, alcohol can interfere with nutrient absorption and hinder your weight loss journey.

To protect your health and maximise the benefits of your surgery, it’s essential to be mindful of your alcohol consumption. Your bariatric team can provide personalised guidance on alcohol intake based on your specific needs and recovery progress.

It’s common to experience some hair loss in the months following bariatric surgery. This is often due to rapid weight loss, nutritional changes, and the body’s overall stress response.

While it can be alarming, this hair loss is usually temporary. Your hair will typically start to grow back once your body adjusts to the changes. To help minimise hair loss, it’s important to focus on maintaining a balanced diet, rich in protein and essential nutrients.

If you’re concerned about excessive hair loss or it persists for an extended period, consult with your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions.