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Answers to your Weight Loss Surgery Questions
Having weight loss surgery is a very important step in one’s life. The results are life-changing and patients are required to keep up with a mandatory dietary and exercise plans to maintain their weight and decrease health risks. Therefore, it is important to have knowledge of what to expect before, during and after the surgery.
1800mySurgeon has put together a list of question and answers to the most frequently asked weight loss surgery questions.
It is required that patients have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more or approximately 100 pounds overweight (for men) and 80 pounds overweight (for women). For those who have a lower BMI, they need to have serious health problems such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes. Before turning to weight loss surgery, a patient should try to lose weight through non-surgical methods (dieting and exercising) and understand the risks fully.
How does weight loss surgery result in weight loss?
Both types of weight loss surgery helps patients lose weight in their own ways.
- Restrictive surgeries, such as adjustable gastric banding, restrict the size of the stomach to hold only one ounce of food and therefore the quantity of solid food a patient can eat is limited.
- Malabsorptive surgeries, such as gastric bypass, change the digestive system by removing parts of the digestive tract. This creates a shortcut for the food to be digested, allowing fewer calories to be absorbed.
What are the possible risks?
- Vomiting and nausea may occur if too much food is consumed too quickly or not chewed well
- Constipation and bleeding in the stool
- Nutritional deficiencies such as anemia and osteoporosis
- Wound infections
- Gall stones
- Ulcers
- Hernia
- Scarring of the stomach pouch
- Blood clots in the lungs (very severe and could be cause of death)
Does weight loss surgery improve my overall health?
It is reported by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons (ASMBS) that weight loss surgery can improve health conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Migraines
- Depression
- Asthma
- Cardiovascular disease
- Degenerate joint disease
- Cholesterol
Does weight loss surgery affect nutrition?
After surgery, the body may not be able to absorb essential nutrients such as Calcium, Vitamin D, Iron and Vitamin B-12. Patients must be sure to take daily multi-vitamins to make up for any deficiencies.
According to the ASMBS, it is essential for patients to make dietary and exercising changes to their current lifestyle to ensure long lasting results with surgery. The ASMBS recommends patients to:
- Eat small meals, chewing slowly and well
- Eat foods that are high in nutritional value
- Exercise regularly to prevent weight regain
How much does weight loss surgery cost?
Weight loss surgery can cost anywhere between $20,000 and $35,000. Most insurance companies ask to see documentation of a patient’s obesity before covering the costs of surgery, including proof that the patient tried to lose weight through diet, exercise and counseling for at least 5 years. Some patients may prefer to finance weight loss surgery.
Patients are advised to avoid pregnancy for at least 2 years after weight loss surgery. The first 2 years of surgery are when weight loss occurs and nutritional deficiencies may pose a threat to both mother and child.
How can I find a qualified weight loss surgeon?
Finding a qualified weight loss surgeon to perform your surgery makes a big difference in the outcome of the procedure. Patients should look for a surgeon who specializes in weight loss surgery and performs it regularly. 1800mySurgeon has prescreened Board-Certified Surgeons in their network and can find patients a qualified Board-Certified Surgeon in their area.
It is important not to rush into weight loss surgery. Thinking about it thoroughly and having all your questions answered will help prepare yourself emotionally. Consult with a Board-Certified Surgeon in your area and get all the answers you need for a successful outcome.
