5 Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Getting Bariatric Surgery

Obesity is a severe condition that leads to many other life-threatening diseases and illnesses. When you are at an unhealthy weight, you put yourself at a higher risk of developing heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and joint issues, among other conditions. Therefore, finding a fast and efficient solution to your weight issues can improve your life in more ways than one.

Five Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor About Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery provided by the experts here at Bass Medical Group can help you lose weight faster and get you on the path toward a healthier and happier lifestyle. If you are considering weight loss surgery, there are several things you should ask your doctor before you make a final decision.

What Makes Someone a Good Candidate for Weight-Loss Surgery?

To be a good candidate for bariatric surgery, you will need to be between the ages of 16 and 70 and considered morbidly obese. According to the National Institute of Health, a morbidly obese person is 100 pounds or more over their ideal body weight or a Body Mass Index 40 or higher. There are a few exceptions to these rules, so talk to your doctor if you do not meet the requirements.

What Are the Different Types of Bariatric Surgery?

Bass Bariatric Surgery Center offers four types of weight-loss surgery: Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass, Gastric Band, and Duodenal Switch.

• With Gastric Sleeve, part of the stomach is separated and removed, making it smaller so that you feel full faster while eating.

• A Gastric Bypass partitions the stomach and creates an upper and lower pouch that reduces the stomach’s size and capacity. The procedure also causes the flow of food to be redirected so that you achieve weight loss throughout malabsorption.

• With the Gastric Band procedure, also known as lap band, the surgeon places a rubber ring that contains an inflatable balloon around the upper part of the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch.

• With a Duodenal Switch, the surgery involves the same process as a Gastric Sleeve but includes a valve that releases food into the small intestines and the upper portion of the large intestines, also known as the duodenum. The surgeon closes off the middle section of the intestines and attaches the last section directly to the duodenum.

How Much Weight Will I Lose?

The amount varies from one person to the next, but most people with gastric bypass surgery can expect to lose 30 to 40% of their excess body weight soon after surgery. Gastric band patients often lose 1 to 2 pounds a week and around 25 to 50 pounds within six months.

What Are the Risks Involved with Bariatric Surgery?

Some of the potential risks involved with bariatric surgery include developing kidney stones, not losing the desired amount of weight you intended, gaining weight back, and dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome is a condition that can develop after part or all of the stomach is removed. Those who have this condition experience abdominal pain and diarrhea within 10 to 30 minutes after eating.

What Can I Do Before Surgery to Lower My Risk of Complications?

The best thing you can do before your bariatric surgery is stick to your pre-surgery diet plan as close as possible. That will help you get a start on your weight loss goals, and by losing weight before your surgery, you will make things easier for both your surgeon and yourself.

Find Bariatric Surgery Near Me

Bariatric surgery has changed the lives of thousands of people who were struggling with obesity. Are you ready to make a positive change in your life as well? Get in touch with our experts here at Bass Medical Group today to learn more about our Bariatric Surgery options and schedule a consultation appointment.

‍