Our protocol in a surgical intervention

A clinical history and examination will be conducted, analyzing the patient’s family and personal background (weight progression, onset of obesity, dietary habits, physical activity, obesity-related diseases, allergies, psychological state).

The tests to be performed in all cases include: blood analysis, chest X-rays, barium study of the stomach, abdominal ultrasound, respiratory study, metabolism and body composition assessment, psychological evaluation.

In certain cases, additional tests will be conducted.

Once assessed by the endocrinologist, the patient will be seen by the surgeon and the anesthesiologist, and will be provided with a written consent document.

A clinical history and examination will be performed, analyzing family and personal history (weight progression, onset of obesity, dietary habits, physical activity, diseases related to obesity, allergies, psychological state).

Compression stockings will be applied during the surgery and after the surgery, they will be worn until the following day.

The procedure is performed laparoscopically, introducing surgical instruments through 5 small skin incisions of 1.2 cm each. Sometimes during the procedure, bleeding from gastric vessels or spleen injury may occur, and blood transfusion may be required. Once the procedure is completed, an intra-abdominal drain is placed near the stomach, and sometimes additional subcutaneous drains are left in place. Urinary and nasogastric catheterization is carried out during the procedure and is removed at the end of it.

As the stomach capacity is greatly reduced, one must get used to eating very small portions frequently. It will take several months to adjust to this new diet. Initially, only liquids will be consumed (for 4-6 weeks), then mashed or pureed foods, and finally, solid foods. After 6 months, almost all types of food can be consumed.

It’s important to remember that tolerance to foods and the adaptation period can vary greatly. The most difficult foods to eat are often meat, bread, rice, and vegetables with fiber.

Restrictive techniques require special cooperation since they limit the intake of certain foods more significantly. If one forces the intake, vomiting may occur.

In any case, it will be necessary to restrict calorie intake to continue losing weight. Thanks to the surgical procedure, it will be easy to lose weight without much hunger and maintain this loss for a long time.

However, one must not forget that if there is an overconsumption of high-calorie foods (such as pastries, chocolate, etc.), it will be difficult to lose the desired amount of weight.

You may progressively resume your activities. You may start driving 3 weeks after the surgery.

During the first weeks, you should avoid making efforts or lifting heavy objects. By the 6th week, the wound will be healed, and you will be able to resume normal physical activity (including returning to work).

It is necessary to start a regular exercise program at 4-6 weeks, which will help with weight loss. You may begin with walking or engaging in swimming or cycling. It’s advisable to start gradually, initially about 30 minutes a day.

You should continue taking the same medication as before surgery, although sometimes adjustments in dosage or method of administration are required as you lose weight.

Over time, you may find that you no longer need certain medications as obesity-related conditions (such as diabetes, hypertension, etc.) disappear.

Vitamin and mineral complexes (including iron) are generally prescribed for 12-18 months and can be discontinued if a varied diet is followed. In other cases, gastric protectors, fiber, mild laxatives, and so on may be necessary…

With simple techniques, there is a loss of 30% of the initial weight (30-40 Kg), with complex ones, a 40-50% loss (50-60 Kg), although not everyone loses the same amount. In general, men and younger patients lose more weight.

The maximum weight loss occurs before the first 18 months after surgery; sometimes, there is a slight weight regain (about 5-8 Kg) by the two-year mark.

One must not forget that the success of the surgery largely depends on the proper adherence to dietary guidelines and engaging in physical exercise. It is imperative to change lifestyle habits.