Weight Loss Surgery Procedures: How to Choose
Any weight loss surgery procedure is major surgery. Although most patients enjoy an improvement in obesity related conditions (such as mobility, self-image and self-esteem) after the successful results of bariatric surgery, these results should not be the overriding motivation for having the procedure. The goal is to live better, healthier and longer.
The three major types of bariatric surgery are:
Gastric Band
Gastric Bypass
Gastric Sleeve
You should make the decision to have weight loss surgery only after careful consideration and consultation with an experienced bariatric surgeon or a knowledgeable family physician. A qualified bariatric surgeon should answer your questions clearly and explain the details of the procedure, the extent of the recovery period and the reality of the follow-up care that will be required. You should also be made aware of the pros and cons of each procedure – gastric bypass surgery and gastric banding vary greatly in nature and scope. The surgeon may, as part of routine evaluation for weight loss surgery, require that you consult with a dietician/nutritionist and a psychiatrist/therapist. This is to help establish a clear understanding of the post-operative changes in behavior that are essential for long-term success.
It is important to remember that there are no ironclad guarantees in medicine or surgery. There can be unexpected outcomes in even the simplest procedure. However, weight loss surgery will only succeed when the patient makes a lifelong commitment. Some of the challenges facing a person after weight loss surgery can be unexpected. Lifestyle changes can strain relationships in the family and between married couples. To help patients achieve their goals and deal with the changes that surgical procedures and weight loss can bring, most bariatric surgeons offer follow-up care that includes support groups, dieticians and other forms of continuing education.
Ultimately, the decision to have the surgical weight loss procedure is entirely up to you. After having heard all the information, you must decide if the benefits outweigh the side effects and potential physical and emotional complications. This surgery is only a tool. Your ultimate success depends on your adherence to the recommended dietary, exercise and lifestyle changes.