Weight Loss Surgery

Weight gain and obesity is an increasing medical concern that impacts overall health and long-term physical problems.  The standard Western diet includes too much fat, oils, and sugar.  People no longer eat enough fruits, vegetables and raw nuts and seeds.  And it seems that many people are looking for answers that are quick, painless and easy.   Surgical intervention to address weight loss is an option that might be a consideration for some, depending upon whether or not they meet the necessary criteria.

Weight loss surgery is not designed for those who are only slightly overweight, but instead for those who are morbidly obese.  Clients who have faced obesity for years, tried medications and diet plans may find that weight loss surgery is an alternative solution.

There are several different types of surgery intended to assist in weight loss.  Your surgeon is your best resource as to the procedure that may work best for your body type, intended weight loss and lifestyle.  Be sure to ask you doctor all of your questions and make him aware of all of your doubts.  Once the surgery has been completed there will be a follow up processes that must be followed to have a successful outcome.  If your doctor knows your doubts and concerns he can help you make a better choice of the particular surgical intervention that is right for you.

Before you undergo any surgery you are required to sign an informed consent form that says you understand the surgery, the consequences and the possible side effects and risks of the surgical procedure.  Although the success rate for most weight loss surgery is high there are risks and complications that you should discuss with your doctor.

You and your physician will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of liposuction, bariatric surgery, vertical banded gastroplasty, laproscopic gastric banding, Roux-en Y gastric bypass, and biliopancreatic diversion; which all have their own list of possible complications and post surgical care.

There are specific criteria to be considered for any weight loss surgery.  If you don’t meet these criteria then it can reduce your risk/benefit ratio and increase potential problems compared to possible improvements.

Clients considering a weight loss surgical procedure should be morbidly obese.  That means that a client should be at least 100 pounds over the ideal body weight.  Weight loss surgery should not be considered for people who have less than 100 pounds to lose.  There can also be underlying medical problems associated with obesity such as diabetes, swelling or pain that will not disqualify a client, but rather improve their qualifications for a weight loss surgery.

Clients should have been actively attempting weight loss for five or more years with a body mass index of 40 or greater.  You should be able to demonstrate to your doctor that you have not been able to lose weight by other more conventional methods.  Your doctor may ask that you make another attempt to lose weight using other methods for six months while keeping a calendar or diary to record your efforts.

Clients will want to check with their insurance company for coverage since most companies do not cover weight loss surgery.  With this knowledge, the client can negotiate a preset rate with the hospital and doctor before the procedure to keep the client cost down.

Prior to any weight loss surgical procedure the doctor will be very clear about the potential risks and complications.  They may also ask you to undergo a quick examination by a psychiatrist to be certain that you are mentally stable to withstand the stressors and make the changes necessary to your lifestyle and behavior following the surgery.

These surgical procedures can be an option for people who have been morbidly obese for more than five years and have had little to no success using other methods to lose weight.  Although the success rate can be high the client must also be prepared to make the necessary lifestyle and nutrition habit changes to lose weight.

Following surgery weight loss occurs the same way it does with any other program – you eat less than you burn.  With surgery you have the added advantage of decreased hunger pangs and feeling full faster.  It does not, however, remove food cravings or your relationship with food.  Those issues must also be addressed to make this program a success.