Preparing for the Operation
Once you report to the registration desk at the hospital, the surgical aspect of your weight loss journey will soon begin. After being escorted to the preparation area, your nurses will start you with an IV to administer a dose of antibiotics that will help to prevent any infections. Finally, you will be given an abdominal injection of Heparin, an anticoagulant that will help reduce your risk of developing blood clots.
Prior to entering the operating room you will be seen by Dr. Taylor and the anesthesiologist. You will also have an opportunity to meet with your family and ask any questions you have regarding your upcoming surgery.
As you proceed to the operating room you may begin to develop anxiety—this is normal. Anyone heading into the operating room, regardless of how well they’ve mentally prepared, is bound to feel some level of anxiety. Dr. Taylor will provide you with medication to ease anxiety during this time. Once in the operating room, your surgical team comprised of surgical assistants, nurses, your anesthesiologist and weight loss surgeon will accompany you. Take care in knowing your surgical team understands your anxiety and will do their best to put you at ease before following through with your weight loss surgical procedure.
The Operation
To further prepare for your surgery, your surgical team will connect you to machines that monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and vital signs. Soon after, you will be administered medication that will make you feel drowsy and your anesthesiologist will wait until you’re fully asleep to place an endotracheal tube into your mouth and down your windpipe. This tube will make sure your airway stays fully open so you can continue to breathe normally during surgery.
The anesthetic gas and medications administered during the procedure allow you to sleep throughout the entire surgery while experiencing no pain. During this time your oxygen levels and vital signs will be carefully monitored to detect any potential side effects of anesthesia. Rest assured that your surgical team is wholeheartedly devoted to your surgical success and health and will keep a cautious watch on each of your vital signs through the entire surgery.
The last step in the operating room is the actual operation. Depending on the weight loss surgical procedure performed, operating time will vary for each patient. Dr. Taylor’s expertise as a bariatric surgeon will allow him to complete all necessary steps for your specific weight loss procedure. Once the operation is complete, your tiny laparoscopic incision(s) will be dressed and your surgical team will transport you to the recovery room.
After the Operation
When you awake, you will be notified that you’re in the postanesthesia care unit where a nurse will check on you frequently to assess your heart rate, blood pressure and vital signs. Once you are fully awake, you will be moved to the bariatric surgery unit for further monitoring and assessment.
Suggested Reading
Long-Term Success with Weight Loss
Eating and Exercise Behavioral Changes to Lose Weight
Eating in Restaurants After Weight Loss Surgery
Also In This Section
- Bariatric Surgery May Restore Monthly Cycles in Obese Women
- Bariatric Surgery May Prevent Heart-Related Incidents
- For Diabetes, Surgery a Better Option than Standard Treatment
- Help Cholesterol by Losing Weight
- Speaking With Your Physician May Enhance Your Weight Loss Efforts
- Improve Migraines with Weight Loss Surgery
- Flu Shot Less Effective for the Obese
- Benefits of Weight Loss before Bariatric Surgery
- Keep Up with Weight Loss
- Warm Up Your Body Even In Cold Weather
- Life after Weight Loss Surgery
- Health Risks Associated with Obesity
- Ten Reasons You Should Lose Weight
- Bariatric Surgery Can Help You to Fight Obesity
- How to Begin Exercising After Gastric Bypass Surgery
- New Risk Calculator Assists Patients Considering Bariatric Surgery
