Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, encompasses all surgical procedures for morbidly obese patients. These procedures include gastric bypass and gastric banding procedures. Anesthesia poses a risk to obese patients undergoing surgery. It is important to understand and discuss the anesthesia process and any questions or concerns you have with your doctor and anesthesiologist prior to surgery so that you are aware of the potential risks and know what to expect.
Before Surgery
Discuss any questions or concerns you have about the anesthesia process with your doctor prior to your surgery date. Many hospitals and bariatric surgery clinics will even allow you to meet with your anesthesiologist before your procedure. Disclose any other medical conditions you have to your doctor, including heart problems, liver problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and degenerative joint disease. Make your doctor aware of any drug allergies you have. Discuss any over-the-counter or prescription medications, vitamins and supplements you take with your doctor before your surgery. Some medications may interfere with the anesthesia and your doctor may advise you to stop or change the dosage of certain medications before your operation.
Anesthesia Process
General anesthesia is used for bariatric surgery procedures. This means you will be completely asleep during the operation. When you arrive at the hospital or clinic for your procedure, a nurse will place an IV in your arm or hand. The anesthesia will be delivered through your IV. Your IV will also be used to give you antibiotics, muscle relaxers, pain medication and anti-nausea medication during and after your surgery.
Once you are in the operating room, the anesthesia professionals will attach you to monitors to record your heart and lung function. A machine called a BIS will be attached to your forehead to monitor and control the depth of your anesthesia during the procedure. You will be given pure oxygen through a breathing mask and the anesthesia will be administered via your IV. Usually, a breathing tube will be placed in your windpipe so that you can safely get oxygen during the surgery. The breathing tube is usually removed before you wake up, but in some cases, the anesthesia professionals will leave it in to assist you with breathing after your surgery is complete.
Most bariatric surgeries last from 75 to 90 minutes. You will be asleep for the entire procedure. Once your surgery is complete, the anesthesia will be stopped and you will begin to wake up in the recovery room.
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