Weight-loss surgery can be a life-changing option for individuals who have struggled with obesity and related health conditions. It is typically recommended for those with a BMI of 35 or higher or a BMI of 30 with obesity-related health issues.
According to the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), “metabolic and bariatric surgery is currently the most effective evidence-based treatment for obesity across all BMI classes. With long-term follow-up…metabolic and bariatric surgery produces superior weight loss outcomes compared with nonoperative treatments.
Recovery times vary depending on the procedure. Sometimes, a patient can go home that same day. Those with co-existing medical issues may need to stay a day or two. Patients can expect to return to normal activities in a week or two. Recovery from duodenal switch surgery can take between four and six weeks. Our team will provide a detailed recovery plan to support your journey.
Weight loss varies by individual and procedure. On average, patients lose about 25-40% of their excess weight within the first year after surgery.
Yes, following a healthy diet and lifestyle will be a significant part of your success. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized plan that supports your weight-loss goals.
You can start exercising right after surgery by taking easy walks. Go slow, listen to your body and doctor. For the first month, you will need to stick to low-impact activities if you normally do rigorous exercises or play sports.
Physical activity plays a crucial role for many patients in managing stress, controlling appetite, and burning calories post-surgery.
As we grow older, a lack of physical activity can lead to being frail, posing significant risks to overall health.
Maintaining healthy bones and preventing muscle loss largely hinges on engaging in regular exercise routines.
Regular, moderate activity yields more long-term benefits. It’s essential to collaborate with our program to discover a variety of suitable activities tailored to your needs.
Several insurance providers mandate patients to follow a weight loss program before becoming eligible for surgery.
Many bariatric surgeons implement a specialized pre-surgery diet regimen, typically lasting 2 to 3 weeks just prior to the operation. The purpose of this pre-surgery diet is to shrink the liver and decrease abdominal fat, facilitating the procedure and enhancing safety.
Certain insurance companies necessitate a physician-monitored diet spanning three to six months before surgery as part of their coverage prerequisites. These diets differ significantly from short-term dietary plans and typically focus more on nutritional education and demonstrating commitment to appointments and learning.
Not necessarily. Many associate a “diet” with feeling hungry, but that’s not typically the case after surgery.
Over time, most patients experience a return of some appetite, usually within 6 to 18 months post-surgery. However, their appetite tends to be weaker and easier to satisfy compared to before.
This doesn’t imply unrestricted eating. Opting for healthier food options is crucial for optimal outcomes, although many patients still indulge in tasty foods and occasional treats.
Most patients experience the best results by following our comprehensive medical weight management program. Post-operation we will refer patients to our weight management team for a consultation.
Many obese individuals struggle to lose weight and maintain it solely through diet and exercise, likely influenced by factors such as food availability and genetic predispositions.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Expert Panel has highlighted that for those severely affected by obesity, achieving long-term weight loss without surgery is nearly impossible. Studies indicate minimal long-term success with diet and exercise alone. Weight loss surgeries prove effective in sustaining long-term weight loss, partly because these procedures alter the body’s natural responses to dieting, which typically make weight loss challenging.
When individuals embark on a diet, their bodies tend to produce more hormones that heighten hunger and reduce calorie expenditure. This reduction in calorie burn exceeds the decrease in body size, resulting in significant metabolic differences between someone who has lost weight through dieting and someone of the same size who hasn’t.
Unlike dieting, weight loss procedures induce biological changes that aid in reducing food intake. Surgery limits stomach size and absorption, leading to decreased energy intake. Moreover, it alters the production of certain gut hormones, which signal the brain to decrease hunger, appetite, and enhance feelings of fullness. These factors contribute to the long-term weight loss achieved through weight loss surgery, setting it apart from traditional dieting methods.
Typically, it’s recommended to wait 12-18 months post-surgery before attempting pregnancy.
Following surgery, many women experience increased fertility, even with moderate weight loss.
Birth control pills may be less effective in overweight patients, particularly during periods of weight fluctuation. Therefore, relying on methods like an IUD or barrier protection is necessary. Menstrual cycles can become irregular post-surgery, increasing the risk of unexpected pregnancies.
Yes.
Following surgery, the likelihood of encountering complications during pregnancy and childbirth significantly decreases. Additionally, there are fewer instances of miscarriages and stillbirths compared to women with obesity who haven’t undergone surgery and weight loss.
Children born after their mother’s surgery are at a lower risk of developing obesity later in life, attributed to the activation of specific genes during fetal development. Furthermore, the likelihood of requiring a Cesarean section is reduced.
Most patients typically resume work within one to two weeks post-surgery.
It’s common to notice some hair loss within 3 to 6 months after surgery, but it’s typically temporary.
The exact causes of this hair loss aren’t fully understood. Even if you adhere to all recommended supplements and meet protein needs, hair loss may still occur until the follicles regenerate. Ensuring adequate intake of protein, vitamins, and minerals can support hair regrowth and help prevent long-term thinning.
No, the vast majority do not. While a small percentage of patients may regain weight, most achieve significant weight loss and maintain it successfully.
You will need to take a multivitamin indefinitely.
You may require higher doses of specific vitamins or minerals, particularly Iron, Calcium, and Vitamin D. Regular lab tests, at least annually, will also be necessary. Insurance coverage for vitamin and mineral supplements is rare, but lab tests are typically covered. You can use funds from a flexible medical account to purchase supplements.
It is uncommon for patients to develop health problems from vitamin deficiency as long as they take their prescribed vitamins appropriately.
Weight loss surgery can result in decreased levels of vitamins and minerals because of reduced food intake and potentially decreased absorption in the intestines. Different types of weight loss surgeries affect vitamin and mineral levels differently based on their impact on absorption. Deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and protein can have adverse effects on health, including fatigue, anemia, bone and muscle loss, impaired night vision, weakened immunity, loss of nerve function, and cognitive deficits.
Fortunately, nutrient deficiencies post-surgery can be easily prevented with a balanced diet and the use of supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and sometimes protein supplements. Patients are educated about the necessary diet and vitamin supplementation before and after surgery. Most weight loss surgery programs require regular monitoring of vitamin and mineral levels post-surgery. Health issues stemming from deficiencies typically arise in patients who fail to adhere to regular follow-up appointments to monitor their nutrient levels. It’s essential for patients to maintain communication with their weight loss surgery team for optimal outcomes.
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