Thinking about weight-loss surgery? 4 things to consider
Mayo Clinic News Network (TNS)
Anyone who has struggled to achieve or maintain a healthy weight has probably heard comments such as “If you want to lose weight, just eat less and exercise more” or “Losing weight is all about willpower.” However, losing weight is a lot more complicated. Genetics, socioeconomic status, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, and certain medications can all have an impact on your ability to lose and maintain weight loss.
As a result, losing weight requires a multifaceted approach that includes nutrition education, consulting with a dietitian, joining a support group, and possibly taking medications or undergoing weight-loss surgery.
Are you prepared?
You must be mentally prepared for weight-loss surgery. Some people reach a tipping point when they can’t bend over to pick up a child, when they have to request a seat belt extension on an airplane, or when they are hospitalized. People’s reasons for considering weight loss or bariatric surgery are as unique and varied as they are.
You may have considered weight-loss surgery for years, but it takes that tipping point to convince you to consult with a healthcare professional. Here are some things to think about if you’ve reached that tipping point.
What does weight loss surgery entail?
Weight-loss surgery helps you lose weight and lowers your risk of obesity-related medical problems, such as:
— Leukemia
— Cardiovascular disease
— Hypertension (high blood pressure)
— Excessive cholesterol
— Fertility problems
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
— Attempt
— Diabetes type 2
Candidates for surgery have typically attempted to lose weight through improved diet and exercise habits.
The Process of Weight Loss Surgery
The surgery aids weight loss in two ways:
— By physically limiting the amount of food your stomach can hold, you can eat fewer calories.
— By shortening or bypassing the small intestine, your body’s ability to absorb calories and nutrients is reduced.
The two most common types of bariatric surgery are:
Following this surgery, swallowed food will be directed into a small stomach pouch and then directly into the small intestine.
Sleeve gastrectomy: This surgery removes approximately 80% of the stomach, leaving a tube-shaped stomach about the size of a banana.
Both procedures are done laparoscopically, which means that surgical instruments are inserted through multiple small incisions in the upper abdomen. No bariatric surgery is without risks, which can include infection, blood clots, and anesthesia reactions.
Preparing for Surgery
The following are some of the advantages of weight-loss surgery:
— Significant weight loss, with patients frequently losing 60% to 80% of their excess body weight within the first year of the procedure.
— Better overall health, as well as a reduction or resolution of obesity-related health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint pain.
— Improved quality of life, including increased energy, self-esteem, and the ability to participate in previously avoided activities.
You must understand that bariatric surgery is not a quick fix, and you will not achieve your desired weight overnight. Even after surgery, your body mass index, or BMI, may still be considered overweight, but this does not imply that the surgery was ineffective. Significant weight loss is still transformative and life-changing.
Weight-loss surgery may also have a financial cost. The surgery is usually covered by insurance. Most insurance policies do not cover the removal of excess skin from the stomach and arms. However, additional surgery performed by a plastic surgeon can significantly boost your self-esteem and body image.
Bariatric surgery provides a tool for long-term weight management, but it also necessitates a commitment to lifestyle changes such as a balanced, nutritious diet and regular exercise. Because the surgery may limit the amount of food your body can handle, you’ll need to keep track of not only what you eat but also how much you eat.
People typically keep off 50% of the weight they lost five years after surgery by adopting a new lifestyle and eating habits, as well as staying active.
If you’ve been thinking about having bariatric surgery, talk to your doctor about whether it’s a good option for you. Once you’ve decided, they’ll put you in touch with a weight management team that includes a dietitian, behavioral health, and exercise physiology experts to help you through this life change.
Dr. Kathriena Greenwell practices bariatric surgery in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Mayo Clinic News Network, 2023. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network at newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org.Tribune Content Agency, LLC is in charge of distribution.
