If you’re unhappy with your weight and have struggled to shed unwanted pounds, bariatric weight loss surgery can be the solution you’ve been searching for. Having weight loss surgery is a serious decision that must be considered carefully.
There’s no point in sugarcoating—it will take hard work before and after the surgery to follow healthier eating and lifestyle habits and keep the weight off. However, if you’re willing to put the work in, weight loss surgery is a safe and effective solution that has helped thousands of people live healthy, happy lives.
What are the Different Types of Bariatric Surgeries?
There are generally two primary types of weight loss surgeries, but they’re not one-size-fits-all solutions. It’s really important to consult with your doctor to find the right method for your particular circumstances. Both methods include several different techniques but, essentially, they change the way you consume food.
Bariatric surgery is a proven, safe way to shed unwanted pounds, and with some hard work and changes to your habits and general lifestyle, you can keep the weight off for good.
- Restrictive Surgeries
Restrictive surgeries work by physically restricting your stomach’s size, causing your digestion to slow down and resulting in weight loss. When you choose a restrictive technique, your stomach may only be able to hold a single ounce of food right after the surgery.
You will need extensive aftercare to help you change your eating habits, but restrictive surgeries provide excellent results. Restrictive surgery techniques include adjustable gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, and the intragastric balloon system.
- Malabsorptive/Restrictive Surgeries
The malabsorptive mixed with restrictive surgery methods work by altering the way you consume food. The surgeon will shrink your stomach down to a smaller size and remove or bypass part of your digestive tract entirely. The malabsorptive and restrictive technique makes it much more difficult for your body to absorb and digest calories, resulting in weight loss.
This method mixes both malabsorptive and restrictive surgery techniques since doctors won’t typically use only the former method due to the risks involved. Some of the malabsorptive/restrictive surgery types include gastric bypass surgery and biliopancreatic diversion.
Signs You May be a Suitable Candidate for Bariatric Surgery
Weight loss surgery does not work for everyone. If you’ve tried many times to lose weight with diet and exercise and are still having trouble shedding the extra pounds, you may be a suitable candidate for bariatric surgery. However, it still depends on your health and body type. There are a few different qualifiers for bariatric surgery, including:
- If your Body Mass Index (BMI) is over 40
- Or, if your BMI is over 35 and you have accompanying severe health conditions
- If you are more than 100 lbs. over your ideal weight
- If you have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise to no avail
- If you have lost weight through diet and exercise but always regain it.
There may be other criteria that make you a suitable candidate, so consult with your physician today if you think bariatric surgery might be the right solution for you.
Important Considerations
Bariatric surgery is not something to be taken lightly. It’s a serious procedure, though technology today has allowed for minimally invasive procedures. You may have the misconception that all you have to do is have a quick surgery and you will lose weight like magic.
Bariatric surgery takes commitment and dedication before and after the procedure to keep the weight off. However, with the right surgeons and aftercare program, you will be able to shed your unwanted pounds and keep them off for good. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind when preparing for bariatric surgery.
Prepare Emotionally and Mentally
Losing a lot of weight is an emotional and life-changing journey. It will be a long process, and when it’s finished, you will likely be both happier and healthier. However, getting to that point will require mental fortitude and an iron will. You will need to prepare for significant lifestyle changes and be willing to leave old habits in the rearview mirror.
Follow All Your Aftercare Instructions Carefully
Possibly the most essential part of weight loss surgery is following aftercare instructions. You need to follow your doctor’s advice about eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. Another lifestyle change is taking vitamins and nutrients every day since your body will have more difficulty absorbing them from the food you eat.
Quit Smoking
If you’re considering weight loss surgery, you will need to quit smoking at least four weeks before you have the procedure. Smoking is terrible for your health and is not allowed after you have the surgery.
However, with all the regular exercise, you most likely wouldn’t want to smoke anyway. Besides, you will feel much better and healthier once you quit, and your clothes won’t smell like an ashtray anymore.
Make Some Lifestyle Changes Before Surgery, Too
Before undergoing weight loss surgery, your physician will provide a comprehensive and detailed diet plan for you to follow. This plan will be tailored to suit your specific body type and health issues, but you should follow these general rules to prepare for surgery.
- Reduce your intake of all fatty, sugary, and high-carb foods
- Stop smoking
- Don’t drink alcohol
- Don’t binge eat
- Consult with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications.
You need to follow the pre-and post-surgery diet instructions given to you by your doctor. Failure to do so can result in very severe health issues. If you have any questions or concerns, call your doctor right away to avoid complications.
Bariatric Surgery May be Right For You
If you have been trying and failing to lose weight, bariatric weight loss surgery could be an excellent option. You may be a candidate if you are more than 100 pounds overweight or your BMI is in the 35-40 range. Though any surgery is a serious procedure, most bariatric surgery methods are minimally invasive with the modern technology available today.
With some hard work and effort towards making healthy diet and lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery can be life-changing. Consult your doctor today to find out if bariatric surgery can be a path to a happier and healthier life.
Where to Find an Accredited Facility?
The most crucial part of deciding to apply for weight loss surgery is finding a doctor you feel comfortable with and trust. Look for an accredited facility with a team of expert surgeons who will accompany you through every step of your weight loss journey.
The Obesity Control Center is an excellent choice. They are one of the world’s leading bariatric surgery centers, and their surgeons have over 50 years of combined experience performing thousands of successful surgeries.
They use cutting-edge, modern technology and their exclusive improved gastric sleeve, developed after years of experience and research, for minimally invasive procedures. They provide an intensive aftercare program post-surgery to help you navigate your new life and achieve all of your weight loss, diet, and exercise goals.
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