5 Things You Should Know Before Opting for Gastrointestinal Surgery

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Bariatric surgeries are surgical weight loss solutions to treat severe obesity. When non-surgical solutions such as diet & exercise fail to put a halt to the increasing BMI, or an individual has developed obesity-related diseases such as type-2 diabetes, the doctors then recommend a surgical approach. A majority of bariatric surgeries involve making changes to the digestive system. Surgeries undertaken to treat diseases related to the digestive system including the stomach, intestine and rectum are collectively referred to as gastrointestinal surgeries. It is crucial to note that gastrointestinal surgeries are not restricted to providing weight loss solutions, they are also used for treating hernia, kidney disease, pancreatic diseases among other conditions. But, when looking for the best possible weight loss options in Dallas, you should consider bariatric gastrointestinal surgery in DFW. But before that, go through this blog to learn five things to consider before going for a gastrointestinal surgery.

1. Checking your eligibility

When it comes to opting for surgical weight loss solutions, eligibility turns out to be an important factor. One of the basic parameters, you can calculate your BMI by dividing your weight (in lbs) by height (in ft), to check whether you meet the basic threshold requirement for a gastrointestinal surgery for weight loss. Generally, a BMI over 32 for patients with underlying diseases and a BMI over 37 without underlying diseases is considered alright for weight loss surgeries. But keep in mind, BMI alone doesn’t determine whether the doctor will prescribe you a surgery or not, other factors such as underlying diseases and obesity-related diseases are also considered for the same.

2. Identifying the right doctor

Another important aspect when considering gastrointestinal surgery is to consult a doctor that would understand your situation, ask appropriate questions, assess with utmost attention, and prescribe the right surgical option for you. A certain set of qualifying criteria has to be met to be eligible for gastrointestinal surgery involving proper health checks. You should consult a surgeon who has experience in conducting successful weight loss related gastrointestinal surgeries like sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y. If you are a resident of Dallas, search for ‘Sleeve gastrectomy surgeon in Dallas’ or ‘Gastric sleeve surgery in Dallas Tx’ to get a list of top weight loss surgeons near you.

3. Selecting the right hospital

Hospitals are meant to save lives. This is not only achieved by 24x7x365 seamless service but also by having the right tools, equipment and infrastructure. Gastrointestinal surgeries whether or not related to weight loss procedure require special medical care before and after the surgery, which is why you should select a hospital that has robust in-house services and facilities and not outsourced equipment. Search for a hospital that has all the necessary facilities such as adequate beds, ICU theaters, CT scan machines, and important medical supplies such as blood, medicines, drugs, and other items. Check whether the hospital also conducts advanced robotic procedures. Surgeries also carry risk of complications that can be fatal in extreme cases for some patients, which is why it is important to choose a hospital that has been acknowledged by international or national authorities such as the USFDA, Surgical Review Corporation, ASMBS, and so on. Most importantly, choose a hospital that not only has the adequate surgical capacity to handle your case but also provides you ample time to get the treatment. Get references from friends and family and check reviews online, for instance by searching the ‘Gastrointestinal Surgery DFW’ for a list of top hospitals near you.

4. Understanding the ins and outs of the surgery

Anything that goes wrong with our body is concerning and here with gastrointestinal surgeries we are talking about removing, bypassing, stitching and stapling of organs like intestines and stomach. Though your doctor will explain everything about the surgery you are about to undergo, it is equally important for you to ask important questions such as what to expect from the surgery, probable side effects, rate of complications and mortality, and lifestyle changes required to be adopted post surgery. One misunderstanding or miscalculation can lead to lifelong complications. Research about the surgery will help you prepare mentally and physically for the surgery and plan your return after recovery.

5. Appointing a team and not just a single person

Our digestive system is like delicate machinery, requiring the utmost care and precision when being interfered with. Undoubtedly, when the stakes are sky-high, making wise decisions is very important for a smooth surgery and recovery. As gastrointestinal surgeries require multi-dimensional healthcare pre and post the surgery, it is important that you pay attention to not just selecting the best doctor but appointing the best team of dieticians, pathologists, and physicians. Choose a bariatric surgeon who provides a skilled team for your entire weight loss journey.

Conclusion

Right decisions lead to positive outcomes and gastrointestinal surgeries are no exception. Apart from the aforementioned pointers, one of the most important things to keep in mind when considering gastrointestinal surgeries is to select an expert surgeon nearby. It will help you get consultations easily and comfortably. If you are looking to opt for gastrointestinal surgery in Fort Worth TX for weight loss, consult a leading bariatric surgeon that can understand your condition and suggest possible medical solutions for you.