Are You Considering Weight Loss Surgery?
Diet and exercise are the preferred twin partner methods for losing weight and excess body fat. A proper diet and age-appropriate, regular enjoyable exercise will help almost anyone stay fit and in the correct weight range.
But, unfortunately for some, other methods are sometimes needed. The reasons are many, but sometimes there is just too much weight to lose and it is really, really hard to get off.
We have all tried fad diets and had them fail. Some do have success with vitamins and other pills but results vary. When you get to a certain point, the only true option is weight loss surgery.
There are many forms of surgery these days and all have pros and cons. The most important criteria are effectiveness, risk and side effects. Do your research wisely.
Surgical techniques have evolved over the past few decades, and most are effective, in the sense that they do typically lead to substantial weight loss. That loss comes about usually as the result of restricted caloric intake by eating less or by absorbing less of the food that is eaten.
Gastric bypass surgery was one of the first types of surgeries available. All or part of the stomach was removed and the digestive system reconnected. Originally extremely dangerous, it has evolved but still carries substantial risks. It is no longer the preferred method. Unless you want to take supplements for life as well as have a substantial risk of disease, consider other better approaches.
A similar method is stomach stapling. This is considered to be safer than gastric bypass surgery though it too has many of the same drawbacks. There are still substantial risks, however, as with any major surgery.
The procedure consists of opening the patient and clamping portions of the stomach with specialized surgical staples. Newer methods sometimes make possible laparoscopy, in which a small hole is created through which the surgeon works, but the patient isn’t opened up.
There are risks of bleeding, though small. Patients can become ill if they attempt to eat more than the recommended amount. They may also suffer from nutritional deficiencies that can be lifelong, requiring supplements.
The net effect is to create a smaller stomach, leading to a more rapid feeling of fullness. The patient simply eats less and therefore takes in fewer calories. The body uses its stored fat causing the body to lose weight.
A newer form involves installing an adjustable Lap Band around the stomach. This removes the need to puncture the stomach and enables the physician to adjust the effect as the patient loses weight.
Generally safe, the procedure can be done on an outpatient basis. Most consider it a minor inconvenience, though like any medical procedure it’s costly and insurance companies increasingly won’t pay for it. The band doesnt cause any pain.
Patients typically experience rapid weight loss, but at the same time (as fat comes out of adipose tissue) many hormonal changes take place. Close, regular medical observation is important for the success of the procedure and the health of the patient.
There are dozens of names for the various procedures, Biliopancreatic Diversion, Vertical Banded Gastroplasty, Adjustable gastric band, sleeve gastrectomy (with or without Duodenal Switch), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and others. All are termed bariatric surgery.
But whichever procedure an individual considers, careful thought should be given to weighing the risks and benefits. For many, a commitment to long-term weight loss diets and lifestyle changes is a better option. Always consult with your doctor to find out the best recommendations for you.