What is Weight-Loss Surgery? How does it work?
Weight loss surgery refers to the surgical procedures which change the digestive mechanism of the body so as to limit the food intake or absorption of nutrients by the body, there by resulting in weight loss. They are referred to as restrictive or malabsorptive procedures.
Restrictive procedures are Intra gastric ballooning, Lap Band and Sleeve gastrectomy. They limit the amount of food that the stomach can hold, but do not interfere with the body's normal digestion. Malabsorptive procedures like Gastric bypass, bypasses the small intestine so that less calories are absorbed by the body.
How much weight can I lose with the weight loss surgery?
Amount of weight loss is quite individualistic and depends on the procedure and the individual. With lap Band, you can expect to lose between 50-60 percent of the excess weight over a period of 2-3 years.
With gastric bypass, one can lose up to 80 percent of the excess body weight in one to two years. A regain of up to 10 percent of your excess body weight is common.
Your goal weight would be set by you and the surgeon determined by your height, lifestyle and other things.
Am I a Candidate for Weight-Loss Surgery?
You are a good candidate for weight loss surgery if:
- Your BMI (Body Mass Index)is above 40 or between 30 to 40 and you have other associated diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea or painful joint condition arthritis
- You are Obese for more than five years
- You do not have glandular diseases such as hypothyroidism
- Are not suffering from depression or other major emotional disorder
People with an inflammatory disease, severe heart or lung disease, esophageal, stomach or intestinal problems, cirrhosis or who are pregnant are not candidates.
How do I decide which type of weight loss surgery is best for me?
You would be asked to fill a questionnaire for the assessment by the surgeon and he shall accordingly guide you with option best suited for you.
How much does the bariatric surgery cost? Is it covered under insurance?
Weight-loss procedures cost from 3,500 to 9,000 dollars in India which is a fraction of what it costs in USA- between 25,000 to 35,000 dollars.
Some insurance companies do cover weight loss surgery. You need to check with your provider if they cover weight loss surgery. We shall help you with all the paper work.
Will there be improvement in my health with the bariatric surgery?
Most weight loss surgery patients find that their obesity related health conditions either improve or disappear completely as they lose weight. If you have medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea, and knee pain, you will see health improvements as you begin to lose weight. Most patients experience improvement in body image and reduction in the symptoms of depression have also been noted after weight loss surgery. Women have also experienced improved fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
How long would I need to stay at the hospital after bariatrici surgery in India? When can I resume my activities?
Non invasive procedure like IGB will be done on day care basis and you would be allowed to go home the same day. Other procedures would require you to stay for 2-3 days at the hospital and another week in India before you can fly back.
Most people are able to return to light work after ten days and to heavy labor after six weeks. The time of the return to work will depend upon the physical demands of the job and the rate of the recovery. Driving a car is usually permitted one week after surgery. Sexual activities may be resumed in week to ten days unless otherwise specified.
Exercise is important in the recovery. Walking is one of the most effective forms of exercise for this purpose. Begin with very short walks several times a day and gradually increase the distance. Walking also improves muscle tone while you are losing weight. Do not, at first, engage in strenuous exercise. About six weeks after surgery, you should be able to tolerate all but the most strenuous exercises.
What are the risks associated with the obesity surgery?
Weight loss surgery has the same risks associated with any other major abdominal operation. Life-threatening complications or death are rare, occurring in less than 1% of patients. Such significant side effects as wound problems, difficulty in swallowing food, infections, and extreme nausea can occur in 5-10% of patients.
What kind of diet am I expected to have after the surgery?
After surgery, the surgeon and dietician will slowly advance thru varying stages of the post-op diet. It is important to follow the doctor's recommendations in order to heal properly, be properly nourished, and avoid complications.
After the procedure, you need to sip fluids slowly, avoid getting overfull, and keep portion sizes small. The surgeon and dietician will go over to discuss new eating behaviors and appropriate food choices with you.
The first week or two after surgery you will be on a full liquid diet. This is to keep the stomach from working too hard. The first couple of days will be limited to clear liquids, such as diluted apple juice, chicken broth, beef broth, sugar-free gelatin, and artificially-sweetened non-carbonated beverages. Once you are able to handle clear liquids, full liquids will be added to the diet. Full liquids include cream broth and soups, protein shakes, milk, yogurt, and sugar-free puddings.
After a couple of weeks, you will progress to pureed foods. It is important to proceed slowly to see what the body will allow. Keep the meals small and focus on high-protein foods. Gradually you will be able to add soft foods such as oatmeal and eggs.
After 4 - 8 weeks, depending on how the body is responding and healing, you will be able to start eating normal foods. It will be important to choose healthy foods, eat slowly, chew food thoroughly, and to stop eating when you feel full.
How should I prepare myself for weight loss surgery in India?
Undergoing weight loss surgery is a life-changing procedure and is one that should be considered carefully. The following steps will help you prepare for surgery and the changes that you will go through.
- Educate oneself about bariatric surgery.
- Make lists of the following
• A complete diet history of all diet attempts.
• Medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) that you are on.
• Foods you like and dislike:
- Start making important changes in the eating and exercise habits. Doing this can help prepare you for life changes that you will need to make after surgery. These are some of the necessary dietary and behavioral changes that you need to start:
• Drink at least 64 ounces of water daily.
• Switch from caffeine to decaffeinated beverages
• Keep a detailed written food diary.
• Eat at least three meals per day and avoid snacking in between. Don't worry about the calories for now, focus on the behavior.
• Begin a walking program if able.
• Stop smoking. Smoking slows the healing process and may cause respiratory problems after surgery. If you need help, consult a specialist.
• Write down the feelings every day to remind oneself of the commitment to begin a new and healthier lifestyle and the alternatives if you
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