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It’s normal and natural to fear surgery, anesthesia, or physical changes. But before you let these fears prevent you from having weight loss surgery, you may want to take a few moments to better understand the facts.
This is a common fear. After all, weight loss surgery is major surgery performed while you’re under general anesthesia. Complications can occur. Keep in mind that you’ll have a team of healthcare professionals dedicated to your best possible care.
- Advances in weight loss surgical technique have significantly lowered the risk of operative mortality—especially when surgery is performed by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon.
- During the past decade, patient outcomes from general anesthesia have improved significantly, so that the mortality rate is down, from one in 10,000 to one in 250,000 patients. Each patient's anesthesiology risk during weight loss surgery is based on the patient’s overall health.
Compare the benefits of weight loss surgery to the risks, and then talk to your doctor about your options.
For people who have spent years living with morbid obesity, weight loss surgery sounds like a lifesaver. But, some people are concerned about changing their body. It’s understandable. Your surgeon will reduce the size of your stomach so that you are able to be satisfied with less food and, depending on the procedure, absorb fewer calories and nutrients.
Compare the benefits of weight loss surgery to the risks, and then talk to your doctor about your options.
Be sure to share your concerns with your weight loss surgeon and your weight loss program’s mental health professional. They will be able to provide you with information to help you deal with your concerns.
Weight loss surgery is a lifelong change. Even considering it is a healthy step, because it gives you an opportunity to examine your health and your life.
- Research surgeons and weight loss programs: Research your surgeon and program online. Attend different weight loss programs’ support groups and talk to patients to find out their take on the surgeon and the program.
- Talk to your surgeon: Be honest when speaking with your surgeon. Tell him or her about your fears. Ask about the weight loss program’s complication and mortality rates.
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