Surgery can be a very effective way to get rid of excess and unhealthy weight. But it should never be seen as an easy option, or as an alternative to adopting a healthier lifestyle.
Here are just a few of the most important questions you should be considering if you are wondering if weight loss surgery might be a solution for you.
- Is This Kind of Surgery Safe?
Like any surgeries, weight loss procedures carry an element of risk, but the development of minimally invasive laparoscopy techniques has significantly improved safety in recent years.
The risks of surgery must in any case be balanced against the health risks of continued obesity which may include serious cardiovascular problems, type 2 diabetes and many others.
A suitably experienced and certified weight loss surgeon Houston will be very happy to discuss these and any other concerns you may have before proceeding.
- How Quickly Can I Have My Surgery?
It’s important to understand that weight loss surgery is not a quick fix. A reputable practitioner will advise a preparation period of at least six months before a procedure.
This is to allow time for you to get both physically and psychologically ready for what will be a life-changing event. A good weight loss surgeon will want to be sure that your underlying health is sound, that you are making any necessary lifestyle changes, and that you are aware of the importance of maintaining this process after surgery.
All of these things are crucial if you are to maintain a stable and healthy weight in the months and years following your procedure.
- What Should I Expect After Surgery?
Whether you have had a gastric bypass or a gastric sleeve procedure, the capacity of your stomach will be significantly reduced after surgery and most patients experience a rapid and significant loss of excess weight in the 12 – 18 months after their operation.
A common side effect of this weight loss is an accumulation of excess skin. The amount will vary depending on the amount and speed of the weight loss, and your underlying physical condition. Improving muscle tone with a program of exercise under the direction of your medical advisers is the best way of minimizing this issue.
A highly nutritious diet is crucial to staying healthy during the period of rapid weight loss. You will obviously not be able to take in as much food as before, so it’s important to make sure that the food you do eat is densely packed with the vitamins and minerals you need.
A program of supplementation may also be advised by a specialist weight loss dietitian.
- Will I Put the Weight Back On?
This can happen, but it is rare provided that you have prepared properly for surgery with the appropriate medical guidance. Renewed weight gain may occasionally be due to a problem with the procedure or a post-operative complication, so you should always consult your surgeon if you find this is happening.
Weight loss surgery is a complex field which involves a wide range of highly individual health considerations. So if you would like more information or advice about any of the issues raised in this post, please don’t hesitate to contact 1st Choice, your local weight loss surgeon Houston. We’ll be pleased to help.