{"id":638,"date":"2022-01-11T23:04:25","date_gmt":"2022-01-11T23:04:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/devkpchl.wpengine.com\/options\/?page_id=9"},"modified":"2022-01-11T23:04:25","modified_gmt":"2022-01-11T23:04:25","slug":"before-surgery","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/centerforhealthyliving-southern-california.kaiserpermanente.org\/options\/before-surgery\/","title":{"rendered":"Before Surgery"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Before surgery<\/span><\/h1>[vc_column_text]Whether you are just exploring metabolic and bariatric surgery or preparing for surgery, Kaiser Permanente is here to support you. Learn more about important considerations and explore common questions before surgery. [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Common questions<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” local_scroll_id=”top-10″][vc_column offset=”vc_col-md-4″][vc_column_text]\n

The top 10 factors to consider<\/span> before having metabolic and bariatric surgery<\/h2>\n

One of the most important goals of the Options program is to prepare you for a safe and effective surgery if you decide surgery is right for you. Surgery can change your life in a lot of ways, and it\u2019s important to be aware of these up front. We asked Kaiser Permanente members who have had the surgery to share some of the most important decision-making factors when it comes to metabolic and bariatric surgery. Here are the top 10 considerations that came from those conversations.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-md-offset-1 vc_col-md-6″]

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1. Surgery is just a tool<\/a><\/div>

Surgery is just a tool. Tools are only as effective as you allow them to be. On average, you will see the greatest effects within the first 18 months after surgery. After that, the ability to maintain weight loss will depend on long-term lifestyle changes (sleep, physical activity, healthy eating, and mental health). <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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2. Pre-surgery weight loss<\/a><\/div>

To improve the safety and effectiveness of your surgery, surgeons ask you to lose some weight before surgery.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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3. Lifelong changes to the way you eat and drink<\/a><\/div>

Surgery changes your digestive system, making it necessary to change the way you eat and drink. You will only be able to eat small amounts at a time. You must also separate what you eat and drink by 30 minutes. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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4. Vitamin and mineral supplements for the rest of your life<\/a><\/div>

Surgery changes your digestive system, and some vitamins and minerals will no longer be absorbed as well. To stay healthy, you will have to take vitamin and mineral supplements every day for the rest of your life. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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5. Relationship changes with self, food, and others<\/a><\/div>

Surgery can lead to major lifestyle adjustments (for example, how and what you eat and drink) and body changes (for example, extreme weight loss and loose skin). This can also impact how you think about yourself, your relationship with food, and your relationship with other people. Taking care of your whole self, including both your mental and physical health, is an important part of the pre- and post-surgery experience. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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6. Sleep<\/a><\/div>

Sleep is key for overall health. Many people have sleep apnea before surgery. While it can improve with weight loss, it\u2019s important to continue treatment for sleep apnea after surgery. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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7. Fitness before and after surgery<\/a><\/div>

Being able to walk for at least 15 minutes before surgery is aimed at making sure you\u2019re able to move after surgery to reduce complications like blood clots and lung infections. Gradually increasing your fitness toward a goal of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week will help keep your weight off long term. Finding a fitness routine that works for you after surgery is key to long-term success.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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8. Tobacco<\/a><\/div>

Smoking or chewing tobacco or using other nicotine products (vaping devices, e-cigarettes) harms every organ in the body and has been linked to ulcers, blood clots (the leading cause of death after metabolic and bariatric surgery), heart disease, stroke, lung disease, increased risk for hip fracture, cataracts, and certain cancers.<\/p>\n

Need support quitting tobacco?<\/strong> Check out our Center for Healthy Living resources, including Freedom from Tobacco workshops<\/a> and Wellness Coaching by Phone<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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9. Alcohol<\/a><\/div>

Alcohol is not recommended after surgery. Surgery changes the way your body absorbs and processes alcohol. Alcohol contains calories that will work against your weight loss goal, and it may cause ulcers. Alcohol is also more addictive after surgery. One in five patients develop alcohol-use disorder within 7 years after surgery.<\/p>\n

Need support to lower your drinking risk?<\/strong> Check out our Center for Healthy Living resources on alcohol and your health<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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10. Family planning\/pregnancy<\/a><\/div>

It\u2019s recommended to avoid getting pregnant for 18 to 24 months after surgery. This allows you to have maximum weight loss and reach a stable weight. Your nutrient intake will also be very limited for quite some time after surgery, which can affect a baby\u2019s development. Weight loss can improve fertility, and it may be easier to get pregnant after surgery.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”block-faqs” local_scroll_id=”questions”][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n

Common questions before surgery<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text]