Generally speaking, candidates must be at least 16 years old and have tried several other methods of weight loss, including dieting. People who have not experienced successful short-term weight loss are not eligible for gastric bypass. Those who are severely overweight are not good candidates for this surgery.
Am I a good candidate?
In order to get gastric bypass surgery, you must meet specific criteria. Patients with a BMI of 40 or higher are not considered candidates for the surgery. However, suppose you are overweight and have a health condition related to your weight. In that case, this may change the criteria for you. Talk to your doctor and learn more about the risks and benefits of the surgery.
The ACS (American College of Surgeons) and the ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery) recommend that you meet these criteria before having the procedure. These organizations also suggest that you work with a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including a nutritionist, physiologist, and mental health professional, to ensure your recovery is as successful as possible.
Suppose you are obese and have tried diets and exercise plans without success. In that case, you are likely to qualify for bariatric surgery.
People with a BMI of 35 or higher are likely to have some health conditions related to your obesity, including Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, lipid abnormalities, gastrointestinal disorders, and heart disease. If you have any of these health problems, you should seek out this procedure if you meet these criteria.
Preoperative evaluation
The physician will perform a preoperative evaluation prior to performing the procedure. This evaluation will include a complete history of the patient’s health, including any medical conditions that may affect the surgery and previous surgeries. In addition, the physician will discuss any recent illnesses or complications with medications. In children, the physician will focus on any risks associated with birth and anesthesia, such as any recent infections or congenital malformations.
The preoperative workup does not aim to uncover all underlying diseases. Instead, it aims to detect potential comorbid conditions that can adversely impact the patient during the surgical process. Some factors that increase the risk of surgical mortality include age, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. Renal dysfunction is also considered. Other factors that are considered are age and physical examination. Finally, the patient’s mental and emotional state must be monitored before the procedure to ensure the surgery will not result in complications or complication.
Preoperative screening
Before you can undergo gastric bypass surgery, you may need to undergo certain preoperative screening procedures. These appointments and tests are designed to ensure your safety in the operating room and your long-term success. These screenings may include a barium swallow test, which requires you to swallow a special contrast. These tests can detect abnormalities in the upper gastrointestinal tract and can give your surgeon a road map of the anatomy of your stomach.
During your initial consultation, your doctor will review your medical history and discuss the risks and benefits of gastric bypass surgery. You will also meet with a Program Specialist, who will help you schedule preoperative tests that include an examination of your esophagus, stomach, and part of your small intestine. In addition, your surgeon will perform several preoperative screenings to determine if your body is at a healthy weight.
Preoperative visit
Gastric bypass surgery requires a preoperative visit. You should arrive at the hospital a few days before the procedure. Your preoperative visit will include an evaluation by medical specialists and a review of your medical history. You will also undergo an examination of your stomach, esophagus, and a portion of the small intestine. Then you’ll be transported to the operating room, where you’ll be given an IV.
You’ll also need to stay away from aspirin and other blood thinners at least a week before the procedure. If you’re taking any of these medications, be sure to discuss the risks with your surgeon before surgery. You’ll also need to complete all insurance requirements and fill out any clinical requirements. If you have medical insurance, you’ll need to submit these documents to your insurance company and get pre-approval.
Preoperative follow-up care
Gastric bypass surgery is often performed to reduce the size of the stomach. Before the operation, patients were carefully evaluated by the assigned bariatric surgeon and a team of doctors that included an anesthesiologist and internal medicine physician. In the months following surgery, patients underwent strict postoperative follow-up. They also had regular appointments at various intervals. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in April 2015 summarized the findings of this large cohort of patients.
The primary goal of preoperative follow-up care after gastric bypass surgery is to ensure the patient is physically and psychologically fit to undergo the surgery. One of the first steps of the workup is psychological clearance, which should include a full medical history. Patients should also be free of mental illness and any previous attempts at weight loss. Alcohol dependence should be addressed by referral to a rehab or detox center and a year’s abstinence should be achieved prior to surgery. Moreover, smoking should be discontinued before surgery to reduce the risks of postoperative complications.
Costs of gastric bypass surgery
If you don’t have any savings, you may be wondering how you will pay for your gastric bypass surgery. While most insurance policies cover gastric bypass surgery, some do not. If your insurance does cover this surgery, you should look into financing options. If you don’t have any savings, you can apply for a loan and pay back the money over time. You’ll also have to pay interest. If you’re not able to afford gastric bypass surgery, you may want to consider other options such as undergoing the gastric bypass surgery in a foreign country.
In a recent Canadian study, researchers assessed the costs of gastric bypass surgery for 100 patients. They examined the total annual costs of both groups after surgery, comorbidities, and follow-up care.
The average cost for each group was $23,000 per year, despite the difference in patient comorbidities. The break-even point for patients in the improved care group was at 3.5 years. But the costs may be lower, or higher, depending on the patient’s pathway and location.
