Bariatric surgery helps obese people lose weight and become healthy again. Here in Lima, Peru, we are honored to work with Dr. Miguel Li, our specialist in weight loss and bariatric surgery.
Patients from all over the globe come to Lima to take their surgery with him because:
- He is a board-certified specialist
- Has decades of experience
- Qualified expert in laparoscopic surgery
- Modern clinic with all protocols and international standards met
- Team of professionals with a high level of English
- English-speaking Coordinator (from England!)
Let’s run through some of the most frequently asked questions when someone considers taking this type of surgery.
Firstly, what is bariatric surgery?
The purpose of these treatments is to decrease the absorption of food and the amount of food eaten, which in turn promotes rapid weight-loss.
In a case such as the Gastric Sleeve, the size of the stomach is reduced by up to 80%. However, with Gastric Bypass surgery, food ‘bypasses’ most of your stomach and the first section of your small intestine. Instead, it enters directly into the middle part of your small intestine.
What risks should I be aware of?
Bariatric surgery has now been tried and tested for many, many years. Thanks to long-term studies and ultra-modern technology, we now know that these surgeries are now extremely safe.
The preparation of the patient before the operation is thorough and extremely detailed. Many pre-operative exams are performed in the first days, after consultation. Importantly, all of them must come back with the right results in order for the surgery to be scheduled.
Throughout the entire process, our doctors and nursing staff follow strict protocols.
What preparation does bariatric surgery require?
Firstly, we need to see you for the initial consultation with Dr Li to discuss your goals. In order to optimize the surgery, x-rays, endoscopies, esophagus, and stomach function tests, plus laboratory blood tests are all ordered. These exams are imperative to know whether the patient is a candidate for bariatric surgery, or not.
What do I need to do to have surgery?
If Dr Li considers that the intervention is appropriate, then he will ask the patient for a clinical and psychological evaluation. The analysis of these preoperative examinations is a fundamental and legal requirement.
What contraindication is there for this surgery?
Without going through all the examinations described above, the operation cannot be performed. It is also not convenient to perform these delicate surgeries in patients with untreated illnesses. These can include psychiatric problems or addictions including alcoholism and smoking.
The patient must be aware that this surgery is the first step in a full lifestyle change.
Is follow-up needed after bariatric surgery?
Obviously, the goal of the surgery is to achieve results. The patient naturally loses weight as the weeks and months pass by. Efforts must be made to maintain this new, healthier lifestyle. Therefore, periodic check-ups are required to monitor progress.
Will my appetite decrease after surgery or will I still be hungry?
One of the reasons that bariatric surgery works so well is because it promotes metabolic changes that decrease appetite. Likewise, eating and drinking healthier fluids should become a conscious habit.
How is the recovery from surgery?
A requirement of bariatric surgery is that the patient stays at least two nights in the clinic following surgery. Most people do not report significant pain and recovery is fast. Under normal circumstances, the patient is discharged on the third day after surgery.
This initial period of monitoring the patient is extremely important. Your comfort and condition are constantly checked during this first 48-hour period.
How long until I can go back to work?
Most patients return to work in about 2 weeks, as long as it is an office job or another which requires little physical exertion. After 4 weeks, patients can return to any other type of activity or job.
Got Questions? Contact us
For more information about individual treatments, you can click here: Bypass or Sleeve?
To schedule an appointment with one of our Specialists, please contact us. Leave us a message asking for a video call or a regular call, and we’ll be back with you shortly.
On the other hand, if you use WhatsApp, then this is safe, fast, and effective for rapid communication.