Frequently Asked Weight Loss Surgery Questions
Posted: Aug 22 in Weight Loss Surgery by Staff
Bariatric surgery is recommended for obese patients that are at risk for serious medical conditions and early death. Answers to the following frequently asked questions can help in your decision to undergo weight loss surgery in Ft. Myers.
How does weight loss surgery help me to lose weight?
Two basic approaches provide weight loss help in bariatric surgery. First, restrictive procedures reduce the size and opening of the stomach to limit food intake and hunger. Second, malabsorptive procedures reroute the intestines so fewer calories are absorbed by the body.
What are my bariatric surgery options?
Gastric bypass surgery and adjustable gastric banding (Lap Band) surgery are the two most popular surgical procedures for weight loss help. Other surgical procedures include biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch, biliopancreatic diversion, vertical banded gastroplasty, and extend distal gastric bypass.
How much weight can I lose with weight loss surgery?
Gastric bypass patients lose up to 70 percent of their excess body weight within two years on average, with a 10 percent weight regain. Lap Band surgery patients see a slow and steady weight loss over a two to three year period before stabilizing or seeing a minimal weight regain. Both gastric bypass and Lap Band patients see about the same amount of weight loss at the five year post surgery mark.
What are the requirements and qualifications for weight loss surgery?
Bariatric surgery is not cosmetic surgery; it’s a last resort procedure to treat morbidly obese individuals. Patients must have been unsuccessful in losing weight after sincerely trying other non-invasive methods including dieting, exercise, commercial diet programs, dietary counseling, and medically-supervised programs for weight loss. To qualify technically, an individual must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more or a BMI of 35 or more combined with other obesity related health issues, which includes diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or heart disease.
Which weight loss procedure is the best choice for me?
Your weight and medical history will assist your Ft. Myers physician in making a recommendation as to which procedure is best for you. You should educate yourself on the different procedures so that you know the risks, benefits, and lifestyle changes to expect after surgery. It’s a good idea to talk to other patients who have had similar procedures. Support groups are a great way to connect with other people in your area who have gone through the same process that you are approaching. Once you are adequately informed, you’ll be better able to choose the procedure that is the best choice for you.