Robotic Bariatric Surgery Dallas | Benefits, Cost, Results & Preparation

Robotic Bariatric Surgery in Dallas

Robotic bariatric surgery is a bariatric surgery that is performed with the use of a robot known as da Vinci Robotic System. Robotic surgery is less invasive and uses small incisions instead of traditional large abdominal incisions.

Da Vinci Robotic System is a surgical assistance tool with which surgeons use in performing bariatric surgeries using computer-guided, magnified, 3-D visualization.

Surgeons can perform sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass using da Vinci Robotic System. With the use of this robotic system, bariatric surgeries have been made easier with records of lower risks or complications.

Who is an ideal candidate for robotic bariatric surgery?

An ideal candidate for a traditional bariatric surgery is also an ideal candidate for robotic bariatric surgery. Patients who are overweight with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 and above are ideal candidates for robotic bariatric surgery.

Patients with BMI is 35 and above with known medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure may also be right candidates.

Before undergoing robotic bariatric surgery, you should first consult with your doctor to know if it is the best option for you.

Preparing for robotic bariatric surgery

Like other traditional bariatric weight loss procedures, you need to first consult with your doctor, dietician, and psychologist.

Your doctor will provide you with the necessary instructions you need to follow before the surgery.

You may need to follow a special diet, specific lifestyle and medical guidelines.

For some weeks or days before the surgery, you may need to be taken special medications, vitamins, minerals and dietary supplements.

You may be restricted from eating some kind of foods and drinks.

Inform your doctor of any medical condition you may have. If you are any medications, you need to also inform your doctor.

The night before the surgery, you may not be allowed to eat or drink anything.

Arrive at the hospital early and come with someone that will drive you back home after the surgery.

How robotic bariatric surgery is done

Robotic bariatric procedure is not done by all surgeons. It is a relatively new procedure and can only be done by surgeons who are experienced in using da Vinci Robotic System in performing bariatric surgeries.

Gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and other bariatric surgical procedures can be performed using da Vinci robotic system. Before the start of the surgery, you will be given general anesthetic to make you sleep and unconscious all through the duration of the surgery.

The surgeon makes small incisions on your abdomen and maneuver the robot through the small incisions. The robot has four robotic arms with which the surgeon uses to make movements.

The surgeon will sit at a console close to you and operate the robot by making movements. The surgeon is able to see the inside of your body with the help of a camera that provides high-definition, 3D magnified view on a screen.

When the surgeon makes hand movements and rotations, the robot translates these movements in real-time into ultra-precise movements inside your body.

Hence, any movements and rotations the surgeon make, the robot does the exact same thing.

After the surgery

After the surgery is completed, you will be taken to a recovery room and monitored for some time. You may need to remain at the hospital for some days so that the doctor and nurses can monitor you better.

You can go home after 2 or 3 days when the doctor feels you are strong enough.

You will be given instructions to follow and medications that you should be taking.

You will need to follow a special diet until you are totally healed.

For a few days after the procedure, you will be allowed to drink only clear liquids.

After a week or two, you can start taking soft food as you gradually heal.

At the third week or fourth week, you can begin to take solid food depending on how fast you are healing.

All through this period, you will be taking vitamins, minerals and dietary supplements to compensate for lack of food in your body.

After you are fully recovered, you need to engage in regular less strenuous exercises. You need to be committed to a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Benefits of robotic bariatric surgery

When compared with traditional bariatric weight loss surgical procedures, robotic bariatric surgical procedures provided more benefits.

Surgeons who are experienced in da Vinci Robotic System are able to perform bariatric surgeries in a more precise and controlled way. This reduces the risk and complications that may arise during and after surgery.

Benefits include:

• Fewer rate of complications
• Short stay at the hospital
• Quicker recovery rate
• Less trauma
• Quicker return to work and daily activities
• Lower rate of infection
• Lower risk of needing follow-up after surgery
• Lower risk of having gastrointestinal leaks

Success of robotic bariatric surgery

Like every other weight loss procedure, the success of losing excess weight depends on how committed a patient is to a healthier lifestyle.

A patient that engages in regular exercise, eat healthy diets free from calories and fats will experience greater weight loss than a patient that is not committed.

Patients who are not committed to a healthy lifestyle and still eat fatty foods high in calories may not lose weight or may regain weight.

The key to losing excess weight and achieving a long-lasting result is by eating foods that are free from fats and calories. Eat foods that are high in protein. Follow the recommended diet given to you by your dietician.

Engage in regular exercises to keep you fit and healthy.

Drink a lot of water to stay hydrated at all times.

Cost of undergoing a robotic bariatric surgery

Undergoing a robotic bariatric surgery will generally cost you more than undergoing traditional bariatric surgery. The cost of robotic bariatric surgery in Dallas & Fort Worth is, however, not fixed.

The cost of purchasing a robotic system is estimated at $1.5 to 2.2 million dollars. Other related instruments also add to the cost.

The surgeon fee and location are other factors that influence the cost. The type of bariatric surgical procedure you want to do also determines the cost.

Want to know about Robotic bariatric procedure?