Covid19 vaccine, sanitary protocol and surgery: everything you need to know
What are the healthy security measures at the hospital? Do you have any risk of getting infected before or after surgery? Read on and answer all your questions about the relationship between Covid19, vaccine, and bariatric surgery.
With a rebound in infections, the call to continue to protect ourselves at home and maintain a healthy distance abroad, the arrival of the Covid19 vaccine gives us a break and helps us maintain hope. However, new doubts arise about the implications of this vaccine and the relationship it may have with the bariatric process, before, during, and after Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Bypass surgeries.
This is a 10 FAQ on this topic. If you don´t see your concern reflected, feel free to leave us a message or contact us to answer any additional questions you may have in this regard.
Is the Covid19 vaccine high risk for bariatric patients or people with obesity?
Not. The coronavirus vaccine doesn´t represent a significant harmful risk to health in the general population, as well as in bariatric patients.
Do I need to take a test to know if I have Covid19 if I want to travel and have an operation?
Yes. According to the new health regulations, hospitals and clinics request as a mandatory requirement to present a negative test to Covid19 for elective surgery patients who are admitted.
What if I had Covid19 and I want to have surgery?
Your operation is possible, as long as Covid19 has not left lung sequelae that modify the anesthetic or operative risk. In general, it´s necessary to wait at least eight weeks after having suffered the disease to consider bariatric surgery.
How long does it take after I have recovered from Covid19 before I can operate?
The general recommendation is to allow at least eight weeks to pass.
What happens if I get SARS-CoV-2 after my bariatric surgery?
You should have the same care as the rest of the people who suffer from Covid19 without having surgery: hygiene measures, confinement, good nutrition and hydration, rest, and medications for general symptoms.
After a bariatric procedure, the immune system is weakened, does that increase the possibility to get infected with Covid19?
No, as long as you follow the general nutritional recommendations: hydration, vitamin supplements, and proteins.
What if I already have my surgery scheduled and I get Covid19?
The protocol indicates that it is necessary to reschedule your surgery for a later date. Remember that it´s necessary to wait at least eight weeks after having suffered the disease, to be able to perform your surgery safely.
What are the new health protocols in the hospital to avoid contagion?
We take the protection and prevention of infections very seriously. Temperature filters and symptoms are applied when you arrive at the hospital to avoid any risk. As we mentioned previously, patients are also required to present a negative test for Covid19; as well as the use of antibacterial gel/mats.
Of course, all medical personnel wears masks at all times. For now, companions are not accepted during hospitalization.
How might it affect my post-surgery recovery if I get infected?
If the symptoms of Covid19 are mild (as in the vast majority of cases – 90%) it should not affect at all.
How can I strengthen my immune system before my surgery to reduce the possibility of infection?
You can do it by taking care of your diet and hydrating. It is also highly recommended that you sleep between 6 and 8 hours a day, avoid junk food, alcoholic beverages, and don´t smoke.
Can the Covid19 vaccine have any side effects on my recovery after bariatric surgery?
Not at all. There is no medical evidence that indicates that giving you the Covid19 vaccine can cause any consequence that influences your postoperative process.
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Any other questions you have about bariatric procedures, feel free to send us a direct message through Facebook or Instagram. We will gladly answer it.
Be very careful and remember >> If you can do it, stay home.
