Do you know that dietary changes and exercises are the basis for achieving a healthy weight? Healthcare providers recommend individuals substitute highly refined meals with nutritious foods. Engaging in regular physical activities like brisk walking is also key when it comes to a weight loss journey.
Nevertheless, these modifications do not always work optimally for everyone. In that case, the weight loss specialist will recommend bariatric surgery to shed the extra pounds. If you have other complications like dumping syndromes, you will want to undergo the Northridge general surgery to live fully. Below are things to do before your general surgery appointment.
Make Inquiries
To many, the mention of surgery is enough to send chills through the spine. However, when you know what to expect, surgery is nothing to worry about. Ask your surgeon what the procedure entails and how long it will take.
Besides, it would help if you asked why the procedure is necessary. Your surgeon will be ready to address every question that you raise to them. You will be confident and feel at ease by gathering the necessary information before surgery.
Prepare Logistics
In most cases, the surgeon will administer anesthesia before the surgery. The point here is to reduce pain associated with the incision made during the procedure. Unfortunately, the anesthetic effects do not always diminish immediately after surgery.
Vomiting and drowsiness are some of the effects that could be experienced afterward. Consequently, it becomes difficult for you to drive yourself back home. Before the procedure, you should find a reliable driver for a safe ride to and from the hospital.
Review Your Medications
Some medications can cause complications during general surgery. Anticoagulants such as aspirin can expose you to excessive bleeding during surgery. Before surgery, you should list your drugs and present them to your surgeon.
The surgeon will recommend that you suspend using drugs with potential side effects. Your provider will instruct you on alternative medications to continue suppressing the underlying conditions. Be sure to follow the correct prescriptions.
Fast
General anesthesia is vital in alleviating discomfort during surgery. However, the anesthesia can cause aspiration, especially when your stomach is full. This condition occurs when the stomach content flows to the lungs.
Although rare, aspiration can trigger respiratory distress syndrome and other complications. Therefore, you should avoid eating at least six hours before surgery. If you take any drug during fasting, you may sip water.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking has many lethal effects on your overall health. Cigarette constituents can narrow the blood vessels. This instance can retard the healing processes due to a reduced supply of nutrients and oxygen to the operated body part.
Besides, nicotine products can weaken your immune system. As a result, you will be prone to infections and other postoperative complications. Therefore, it would be best to quit smoking weeks before and after surgery.
Have you tried diet and exercise to achieve a healthy weight without bearing fruits? Worry no more since bariatric surgery has got you covered. Since this surgery involves reducing stomach size, you may develop complications like dumping syndromes. Your specialist will recommend general surgery to correct these complications,
It is good to prepare adequately for an optimal experience during and after this surgery. Ask relevant questions to know what to expect during the procedure. Preparing a safe ride to and from the hospital before surgery is also necessary.
