In a world obsessed with beauty and personal appearance, it is normal to want to look good, which includes not only wearing beautiful and fashionable clothes, but also taking care of your figure to get as close as possible to the beauty standards established by society..
Of course, this is not an easy task, as these standards are constantly changing and what is considered acceptable today is condemned tomorrow. Therefore, everyone, both young and old; Men and women are subjected to very great social pressure that, many times, leads them to do things that could threaten their own health and even their physical integrity.
Although there are a lot of things that can be done to lose weight, such as diets, exercises and the intake of slimming drinks, there are those who want to speed up the process by undergoing aesthetic operations that, in a couple of days, leave them with the figure that they want so much or, at least, very close to it, which makes the work that remains to be done easier and more bearable.
Of course, as expected, these aesthetic interventions have a value that not everyone can afford. Others are more accessible. But, it all depends on where you live and the clinic where you want to go to be treated.
Now, before making a decision, it is important that you are aware of the cost of the operation, so that you can manage a reasonable budget. The operations that have to do with the reduction of the stomach weight loss are called bariatric surgery, what is it like and how much does a surgery like this cost in Spain? Is it within your pocket? If you want to know, in this post I will be telling you this and more.
Instructions for bariatric surgery and how much it costs
Bariatric surgery, like gastric bypass and other weight loss-related surgeries, involves making changes to the digestive system in order to help a person lose weight.
These are performed when diet and exercise do not offer the expected results or when the person suffers from serious health problems caused by excess weight. Some of these procedures limit the amount of food that can be eaten. Others serve the purpose of decreasing the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. While other procedures take care of doing both.
Although it is true that these types of surgeries offer many benefits, they are important procedures that could have risks and other serious side effects. Some of them are:
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- The formation of blood clots.
- Lung problems and breathing difficulties.
- Leaks in the gastrointestinal system and
- In rare cases, even death.
Some of the long-term risks and complications are:
- Bowel obstruction.
- Rapid gastric evacuation syndrome.
- Gallstones.
- Malnutrition.
- Ulcers.
- Vomiting.
- Acid reflux.
- The need for a second surgery.
What do you need for bariatric surgery and how much does it cost?
Since this is an intervention that carries its risks, you need to know how to prepare for it. This involves undergoing various lab tests and other tests before surgery, having certain restrictions on what to eat and drink, and the type of medications you can take.
Your doctor may also ask you to start a physical activity program and stop using tobacco and other potentially harmful substances.
You should be aware that there are different types of bariatric surgeries, some of them are:
- Gastric bypass: this operation, in general, is irreversible. It is intended to reduce the amount of food that can be consumed in a meal, as well as reducing the absorption of nutrients. In this case, the surgeon is responsible for cutting the upper part of the stomach to isolate it from the rest and thus create a reservoir, which is the size of a walnut, which can only contain 28 grams of food. The surgeon then proceeds to cut the small intestine and sews it to a part of the reservoir so that food goes directly into the middle part of the small intestine.
- The gastric sleeve: with this sleeve it is possible to remove 80% of the stomach and, therefore, as it is smaller, it contains less food. It also produces less of the hormone that regulates appetite.
- Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch: This surgery has two parts. The first one is similar to that of the gastric sleeve, while the second involves connecting the final part of the intestine to the duodenum, in order to avoid most of the intestine. While it is true that this operation is very effective, since it not only limits the amount of food you can eat, but also reduces the absorption of nutrients, it is important to keep in mind that it also implies taking greater risks, such as malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies.
Depending on your particular situation, your doctor will determine which surgery is best for you. Some of the aspects to take into account are related to your body mass, you’re eating habits, previous surgeries to which you were subjected and other health problems.
In Spain, bariatric surgery costs around 15,000 euros. Of course, this lets us see that it is not an entirely accessible operation. However, this price includes the use of the operating room, anesthesia, and fees for the doctor and the operating team, the post-operative room, etc.
Also, as expected, the cost varies from one medical center to another. For this reason, before deciding where to hospitalize yourself, it is best to consult several clinics to determine which one has the best value for money, because you do not want to go into a butcher shop where you put your life at risk.
Tips for bariatric surgery and how much it costs
After surgery, you will not be allowed to eat for a day or two. This, with the purpose that both your stomach and your digestive system can heal well. Then, you have to undergo a specific diet, which will last for several weeks.
The diet begins only with the intake of liquids. Then move on to soft foods, like pureed, and eventually you’ll move on to eating regular foods. Sure, this may have certain restrictions as to how much you can eat or drink and what kinds of foods are permissible for you.
The first few months after weight loss surgery, you will need to attend frequent medical check-ups so that you can monitor your health. You may also need lab tests, blood tests, and other tests.
In relation to the results, these can be seen in the long term. The amount of weight you are going to lose will depend on the type of surgery you have undergone and the changes in habits you make in your life routine.
Within two years, you can lose half or even more of your excess weight, which means that excellent results await you. In addition, these surgeries can help you solve health problems that are related to being overweight, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, gastric reflux, osteoarthritis, fatty liver, etc.
Now that you know what bariatric surgery consists of and how much it costs to perform one in Spain, all that remains is to decide whether you will undergo it or not. Think, can I put more effort into a diet and exercise routine or do I need to go to the next level? Evaluate your circumstances, objectively, and make the best decision for you and your health.