Obesity has become an epidemic in the United States today and everyone is looking for the easy way to change the way they look. There are no magic pills, powders, or vitamins that will quickly take off the weight.
However, there are several surgical procedures that can do just that. Surgical intervention is also called bariatric surgery.
Weight Loss Surgery Options
There are several different types of bariatric surgeries available today. The most common type is called gastric bypass.
Gastric Bypass
In this type of operation the surgeon essentially makes the stomach very small so that only small amounts of food are accepted and then the food that is eaten ‘bypasses’ the small intestines resulting in rapid weight loss.
In this procedure a small area of the stomach, about the size of a fist, as used to make a small food pouch, the pouch is then connected with the middle part of the small intestines.
Gastric bypass is performed by making an abominable incision and then further separating the stomach for the bypass.
While the surgeon is in the abominable cavity other organs are being moved around and irritated which can increase the discomfort after surgery.
This type of procedure will usually result in more than 60% of excess weight being lost.
Gastric Band
The gastric band, also called a lap band is an adjustable device that is put around the top portion of the stomach creating a smaller stomach and slowing the process in which food travels to the intestines for digestion.
The smaller food portion along with the slower food digestion results in dramatic weight loss. With the type of weight loss surgery additional procedures will be necessary as the patient begins to lose weight. The band is filled with saline to adjust for the shrinking stomach.
The gastric band is put into place using laparoscopic techniques. The patient can expect to lose approximately 1 -2 pounds per week and will have to have the band adjusted as the weight comes off.
The adjustment does not require additional surgery just a visit to the office during which a saline solution is injected into the bad to fill it up and continue causing the restrictions on the stomach which takes roughly two minutes
Gastric Sleeve
In the world of gastric surgeries, the gastric sleeve is a relatively new procedure in which the surgeon actually removes a large portion of the stomach leaving behind a piece that resembles a tube. The tube is then stapled shut.
Choosing the gastric sleeve procedure can be a good one for the person who has a lot of excess weight to lose, as this procedure can result in up to 80% of excess weight to be shed within the first year.
This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and requires a few day hospital stay post-surgery. Since a portion of the stomach is being removed the remaining pouch will be very sore and tender for several days.
That combined with the pain and discomfort that accompany general abdominal surgery makes for a painful procedure. However, the end result and quality of life achieved is well worth a few days of pain.
Weight Loss Surgery LifeStyle Changes
Key to any of these surgeries working is the change of lifestyle commitment. Regardless of how small your doctor makes your stomach or food pouch, if you pick up your old eating habits the stomach can, over time, slowly stretch back out and you are right back where you started from.
Seek Guidance from A Counsellor
Therefore it is vital that prior to this type of drastic weight loss decision the patient meet with a psychologist to ensure that they understand and are mentally prepared for the changes that will take place with their bodies.
Counseling with diet and nutrition experts should be done prior to and consistently following the surgery to head off any problems before they get out of control. With the help and support of doctors, family and friends success is yours.
Requirements For Weight Loss Surgery
With all the surgical intervention talked out there are specific requirements that patients must meet in order to be eligible for weight loss surgery. First and foremost you must be considered obese.
Check Your BMI
Obesity is defined at having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30% or greater; most people who qualify for surgery have a BMI of more than 40%. There are some cases in which the BMI does not have to be as high if other conditions such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure and diabetes, co-exist with a BMI of at least 35%.
Body Mass Index refers to the portion of the body that is made up of fat cells. Next, the patient must have tried traditional methods for weight loss such as diet and exercise and had documented proof that traditional attempts were made.
Age Requirements
The patient must also be between the ages of 18 and 55 and have at least a five year history of obesity. Most important the candidate must be willing and ready to commit to a lifetime change if eating habits. Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines and requirements may vary by physician and/or insurance companies.
Weight Loss Surgery Complications
As with any surgery there are risks of complications; some minimal such as nausea, vomiting, infection at the surgery site and hernias and those that are life threatening such as a blood clot, heart attack, leaking at the connection site, and bleeding ulcers or even death.
After surgery you will experience mild pain and discomfort and have to be slowly reintroduced to solid food. Due to the food properly being digested and absorbed by the body it is vital that you take vitamins on a daily basis.
Is One Surgery Best?
You may ask if either surgery is better than the other. They are all slightly different yet have the same end result provided you follow your doctor’s orders and stick to your new eating regimen.
The gastric band is the least invasive procedure with the least severe complications, followed by the bypass and finally the gastric sleeve.
Does Insurance Cover These Operations?
Preparation for bariatric surgery goes way beyond visiting the doctor and scheduling a surgery date. The hardest part is to get your insurance company to pay for the surgery.
Usually requiring massive amount of documentation from several doctors that you have tried everything else over a period of at least five years and this is your only option for any type of healthy life.
Insurance companies are reluctant to pay for this procedure but with some persistence chances are you will eventually get their approval. Once you have that your doctor will require a psychological exam as well as require you to do things such as quit smoking to help reduce risks of serious complications.
Post Surgery Considerations
These procedures usually result in rapid weight loss that will leave you with a lot of excess skin that can be frustrating and leave you feeling like you went through all that for nothing. Removal of this skin requires another surgical procedure by a plastic surgeon.
Usually the last stop on the weight loss train, skin removal will finally give you the results you were looking for when you began your journey.
Regardless of which procedure you decide to take be sure and educate of the risks and benefits; choose your surgeon wisely and ensure that you have a strong support system in place.You will need it for a successful outcome.