Why My Weight Loss Procedure Can Fail?

The first and most important step to minimize the chances of failure from a Bariatric procedure and to increase your success rate is to be well informed about each one of the surgeries before you choose any of them.

What should you know about Weight Loss Surgery?

• How does each procedure work? How will they assist in weight loss?
• What should you expect from the Lap Band, Gastric Sleeve, or Gastric Bypass procedures, in terms of weight loss and/or Type 2 Diabetes
• The difference in short and long-term benefits for each procedure
• The operative risks and complication rates for each procedure
• How much follow-up and support will you need for each procedure
• How much of the Total Patient Care (TPC) program services will you need
• What kind of adjustments will you need following surgery?
• What kind of commitment is expected from you, for each procedure
• What should you expect from the Doctor or Bariatric Group that you choose
• The surgical options you have for each of the procedures in case of a failure
• Finally, the cost of each procedure

What should you know about the Doctor or Bariatric Group?

You have to be well informed about the Doctors and medical team performing the Lap Band, the Gastric Sleeve or the Gastric Bypass.  Choose your surgeon and medical team wisely in order to ensure the best results for your weight loss success.

• Ask about their education and training credentials if you are planning to go to a Latin Country. Look for Medical Degrees in Private Colleges like Monterrey Tech, University of Monterrey, or LaSalle School of Medicine, or other reputable medical universities.
• Ask about where they received their Surgical Training. There can be a big difference in the treatment you will receive between doctors trained in well-known Private Hospitals, rather than in the Social Governmental Health Care System.
• Ask about their Diplomas. Did they have to write a Medical Tests to join the Medical Society or Surgeon group, or did they just pay a subscription fee to become a member?
• Check the number of Revision Surgeries they have been involved with. This may give you an indication of the quality of their work.
• Check their Surgical Staff for credentials and experience. Consider the Anesthesiologist and any other assistant surgeons. It is important that they have experience in Bariatric surgery.
• Double-check the Ethics and Professionalism of their Promoters or Coordinators.
• Finally, check the Follow Up and Support they would provide you after your surgery.

Diet Rules to Follow (Regardless of the Weight Loss Procedure you Choose)

For any weight loss method to be successful and effective, you have to make some healthy lifestyle choices regarding the foods that you eat.  Bariatric surgery is an effective way to increase the rate of weight loss, but the best results can only happen when you make healthy choices.  After Bariatric surgery, you will feel full with a smaller amount of food – make sure to choose foods with the most nutritional value to help you on the journey to a new, healthier you!

• Follow the Diet Steps recommended by your Doctor or the Nutritionist after surgery.
• Chewing very well will help to maintain the pouch size, preventing stomach stretching and decreasing the risk of blockages and reflux in the esophagus or stomach.
• Eat 6 small meals a day.
• Eat slowly; take your time at the table.
• Preferably, hydrate or drink beverages between meals.
• Avoid Gastric Irritants like Alcohol, Coffee, Hot or Spicy, Vinegar, Soy Sauce or other Acid Beverages.
• Limit high calorie foods like chocolate, cream and full-fat dairy products.

Failure Features Characteristically observed with Bariatric Procedures

These “failures” can be a result of a number of different circumstances or actions, or may develop slowly over time.  Therefore, it is important to have regular follow-ups to monitor your weight loss and the status of your lap band, sleeve or gastric pouch.  Remember: If you have any concerns, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor.

• Big Gastric Pouches
• Mega- esophagus
• Wide Gastric Sleeve
• Excessive tightness of the Gastric Band
• Wide outlet of the Bypass Gastro-Yeyuno
• Very Short common limb of the Gastric Bypass

 

Arturo Rodríguez, MD

http://www.thebariatric.com

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