Learn more about your weight loss surgery options.
If you’ve reached a point where weight loss surgery is something you are considering, you’ll soon discover there are several different weight loss procedures available.
Each surgical solution may lead to meaningful results if you are a candidate and meet the qualifications for your desired surgery. Nonetheless, there are important factors you’ll want to consider when making your choice.
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How Much Weight Do You Expect to Lose? *
Start by determining how much weight hope to lose. To be considered for any type of weight loss surgery, you’ll have to be overweight or obese with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or 40 and above. Consider why you want to lose weight. If it’s because of serious weight-related health issues such as diabetes or chronic high blood pressure, you may want to opt for a procedure likely to result in a faster, more substantial loss of extra weight.
Are You Ready to Make Permanent Lifestyle Changes?
Gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are reliable weight loss surgeries that involve structural changes to your stomach and digestive system that cannot be reversed. If you’re not sure if you can commit to the necessary lifestyle changes you’ll need to make, you may want to opt for gastric banding or another reversible or temporary procedure.
How Reliable Are Typical Results? *
Typically losing about 70 percent of their pre-surgery weight, gastric bypass patients tend to achieve the most substantial and consistent results. According to stats cited by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, gastrectomy patients shed about 60 percent of their initial weight and lap-band patients generally lose about 50 percent of their starting weight.*
Do You Want to See Fast Results? *
Some patients expect “immediate” results when they choose to have weight loss surgery. Some types of surgery do produce faster results than others. Gastric bypass and sleeve patients often lose several pounds each week during the first few months following surgery, although results may vary. It typically takes about a year or so to achieve the expected weight loss. Gastric bypass and sleeve procedures are typically provide the quickest results that you can safely get for any weight loss surgery.
Do You Prefer Slow, Steady Results? *
Not everyone who has weight loss surgery wants the weight to drop quickly. Some patients prefer a more gradual approach to weight loss so they can get used to dietary and lifestyle changes in smaller steps. Gastric banding typically results in a loss of about one to two pounds each week following surgery. This gradual weight loss often continues for a few years after the operation.
What Are the Odds of Enjoying Long-Term Results? *
There is no guarantee any weight loss surgery will produce the desired results, although steps can be taken to increase your odds of enjoying lasting health and quality of life improvements. Multiple studies from credible sources suggest gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding often produce reliable long-term options. Long-term results for any type for surgical weight loss are based on several factors, including:
- Initial weight prior to surgery
- Ability to make dietary and fitness changes
- Underlying health issues prior to surgery
- Metabolism and other physical and psychological issues
How Much Follow-Up Care Can You Manage?
Gastric banding will require regular follow-up appointments so the band can be adjusted. Lap-Band patients are generally seen with greater frequency than gastric bypass or sleeve patients, especially during the first year after the procedure. If it’s going to be difficult for you to keep frequent follow-up appointments, you may want to choose a procedure with fewer post-surgery requirements.
Do You Have a Fear of Needles?
Gastric band surgery includes the placement of an accessible a port site just above the belly button. A needle will be inserted in this port to fill the band and make adjustments. If you have an extreme fear of needles, another procedure may be better for you.
Other Factors
Any type of weight loss surgery will likely produce some degree of loose skin, so you’re not going to avoid that altogether with any procedure. Other common fears can usually be addressed by talking to your doctor to understand what’s involved with each procedure you may be considering. When properly prepared and motivated, both reversible and permanent weight loss surgeries can have positive long-term benefits for patients.
Together, you and your doctor can find the surgical weight loss option that is the best fit for you. Schedule a consultation today to get started.