Understanding Weight Loss Surgery
In Michigan, weight loss surgery can be a powerful tool for fighting obesity, but there are also many misconceptions about bariatric procedures. Is it safe? Is it easy? Is it a quick-fix for people who don’t want to work hard to lose weight? Get the answer to these and other questions about weight loss surgery with Dr. Jamokay Taylor.
Different Types of Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery refers to any surgery that is designed to help a person lose weight and treat or prevent other health problems associated with obesity. There are multiple types of surgery that work in different ways to produce weight loss.
There are two main types of weight loss surgery techniques:
- Restrictive – these techniques reduce the amount of food that can be eaten at one time. Lap-Band is one example of restrictive weight loss surgery.
- Malabsorptive – these surgeries change the way the body digests food so that fewer calories are absorbed from each meal. Gastric Bypass is one of the most common types of Malabsorptive weight loss surgeries.
Before choosing a weight loss surgery, talk to your doctor about how the surgery will work to assist weight loss. This will help you understand what lifestyle changes you’ll need to make after surgery. For example, people who have malabosprtive surgeries may need to eliminate certain types of food from their diet, such as fats or sugars.
Weight Loss Surgery Consultation – The First Step
Meeting with a bariatric surgeon is the first step towards weight loss surgery and deciding which procedure is a good option for you.
During this consultation, you will:
- Discuss the different types of weight loss surgeries that may be best for you.
- Undergo a physical exam to determine if you have any health problems that may complicate a surgery.
- Learn more about what to expect after having weight loss surgery.
- Learn more about your potential surgeon’s experience.
Remember that you have many options available to you when it comes to weight loss surgery. Take the time to choose the procedure, facility, and healthcare provider that are the best fir for you.
What to Expect During Weight Loss Surgery
Although the technical aspects of your surgery will vary depending on which weight loss surgery you choose, there are some similarities among most types of procedures.
All weight loss surgeries are performed under general anesthesia, which means you’ll be asleep during surgery and will not feel any pain. Many weight loss surgeries can be performed laparoscopically, using special surgical instruments and a few very small incisions in the abdomen. Weight loss surgery can take one to four hours to complete and generally only requires one night in the hospital after surgery.
Weight loss surgery has proven to be a very safe treatment option for obesity. While there are always risks associated with surgery, medical and technical advancements have greatly reduced the risks of complication and death associated with weight loss surgery. Your bariatric surgeon can work with you before surgery to discuss ways to minimize your individual risk further.
After Weight Loss Surgery
One of the biggest misconceptions about weight loss surgery is that it is a quick-fix for obesity. Weight loss surgery is one part of a long-term weight loss plan. In order to achieve long-term success, you will need to commitment to permanent lifestyle changes before and after weight loss surgery.
Some changes you may need to make after surgery include:
- Dietary changes – you will need to change how and what you eat. Specific changes will depend on the type of weight loss surgery you chose.
- Increased physical activity – improving your overall health and treating comorbidities will require a combination of diet and exercise.
- Developing new coping skills – you may find that you have used food to deal with stress, sadness, and other emotions in the past. Developing coping skills that aren’t associated with food will be an important part of your success.
Dr. Taylor and the team at Taylor Bariatric are committed to supporting you during this ongoing process. A strong support system and professional guidance can help you make these important changes after weight loss surgery.
