There are vast differences between life before and after bariatric surgery. Essentially life can go from a struggle, with feelings of hopelessness around health and wellness and body image to one where the patient experiences improved health and a healthier relationship with food. Most importantly, Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding reminds patients, the patient is able to experience much more of the joys of life after the surgery. That said, there are also matters that must be attended to before and after surgery.

Before Surgery

It is important that patients prepare prior to surgery. Preparation is an important step prior to any major life change. And bariatric surgery is definitely life-changing.

The first thing patients should schedule is an endoscopy to look at the stomach. This will assess the stomach in a non-intrusive manner but give the surgeon an appropriate look at the stomach and alert them to any health concerns with the organ.

Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding has patients who are diabetic and over age 60 go for a stress test to make sure their heart is healthy enough for the surgery.

All patients must be medically cleared by all of their doctors and specialists if they have any of the following: severe cardiac disease, diabetes, lung disease, blood clotting issues. These health issues require special attention during and after surgery. Knowing about them allows your surgeon to make the most informed surgical and after-care program for you.

Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding also encourages diet changes prior to bariatric surgery. Most obese patients, and especially those who are diabetic, have a large, fatty liver. Livers in the obese are often heavy and bleed easily. The liver, however, can reduce in size by two inches in length and depth in just two weeks, making the surgery easier and the liver healthier. To achieve maximum results a low calorie, high protein diet for the two weeks leading up to surgery is what Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding suggests.

What Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding Wants Patients To Know For The Day of Surgery

All patients are nervous on the day of surgery — this anxiety is perfectly normal. Give yourself plenty of time so that you don’t have to rush once at the hospital. Have loved ones who are supportive and calm with you and write down your questions leading up to surgery and bring them with you so that you ease your mind. Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and all other surgeons are always happy to answer questions and put your mind at ease.

The surgery begins with walking into the OR, lying down, and breathing oxygen while thinking of something peaceful. You’ll drift off to sleep and wake up after the surgery in the recovery room.

After surgery things can be a little rough. Most patients experience nausea and pain but the hospital will attend to this and often you’ll go home after one night in the hospital, once you have passed gas, to recover in the comfort of your own home. Follow up appointments with a bariatric surgeon like Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding will help you on the path to better help post surgery.

Life After Bariatric Surgery

As shared last week, you’ll be on a diet that starts with liquids and slowly transitions to regular food. You likely not be hungry and will fill up quickly. Loved ones may be anxious that you aren’t eating enough but this is perfectly normal. Just keep sipping liquids to stay hydrated and aid in healing. This is vital according to Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding.

When patients are back to eating real food they should stick to proteins first and then something green while avoiding carbs, regular soda, and added sugar. A low carb client that only drinks diet soda occasionally is the best and while it’s a little hard to get used to the payoff is worth it.

A Note on Added Sugar

Many patients who slip and eat sugar after transitioning experience the unpleasant chemical reaction due to changes in blood sugar called dumping. When you eat something very sweet your blood sugar goes up. In response your body makes insulin which responds to the sugar, bringing your blood sugar back down. If it drops too much you’ll feel awful, sweat, and experience a racing heart. Consider this a reminder from your body that you should avoid added sugar. Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding suggests patients avoid soda and any foods with added sugar as hard as the temptation is.

Exercise should be a part of everyone’s routine but it is difficult for obese people. Simply getting more movement into the day is a great start and exercise will become easier and easier as patients lose weight. Switch out the elevator for stairs, park farther away, walk the dog, go for an evening walk while listening to a podcast or book on tape. Consider joining a gym or local fitness group — many communities have beginners’ running and walking clubs. In addition to moving more try to build muscle by doing some strength training. Muscle burns more calories than fat so it will boost your weight loss.

Take a daily vitamin and iron. You may think you are eating and feeling well enough not to but if you don’t, you will start to feel less great.

While you’ll want to take a daily vitamin and iron, you will likely stop taking your other medications like those for high blood pressure and diabetes. This is a journey and sometimes things need to be adjusted. If you notice dizziness upon standing your blood pressure might be too low — you should see your doctor. Your blood sugar should be very closely monitored if you are diabetic. The resolution of diabetes can come quickly. Dr. Christine-Ren Fielding has seen patients at NYU Langone who came into the surgery on on insulin infusion pumps leave without them.

Stay aware of your body and be sure to go to the ER if you experience sudden bouts of sickness.

The surgery is life changing and life saving. You can learn more about what Dr. Christine-Ren Fielding and the staff at NYU Langone does here.