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Weight Loss Surgery: What Does It Involve?

There are many health conditions you may suffer from due to being obese. Such health conditions include diabetes, stroke, and heart disease, among others. It is, therefore, not surprising that you may seek the services of a Houston weight loss surgeon to help you lose weight.

Types of Weight-Loss Surgeries

When you make an appointment with your surgeon, he will do a consultation with you. He must understand your condition well before making a recommendation. He will then give you different options while letting you know everything you can expect.

The doctor will typically recommend bariatric surgery, which will help reduce the amount of food you take. There are three basic procedures namely gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric banding

  • Gastric bypass is the most common. The surgeon will reroute your digestive system past your stomach, resulting in less hunger, and you feel full faster and longer.
  • Gastric banding incorporates the use of a band on the top part of the stomach to form a pouch. By reducing the size of your stomach, you cannot eat a lot of food, and you will feel full longer.
  • Sleeve gastrectomy is more complicated because the surgeon will remove up to 80% of your stomach. With only 20% remaining, there is only so much food you can eat.

 

What to Expect After the Surgery

You must expect some pain as you recover; the surgeon will recommend drugs that can help manage the discomfort. There is no set recovery time because it is different for every individual. You should, however, know that you will not be able to resume your normal activities for a couple of months post-surgery. Try and avoid any strenuous activities until the doctor gives you the ‘all clear’ sign.

Your eating habits will also drastically change. You may initially start with a liquid diet and then gradually introduce regular food. You must also be willing to stick to the diet recommendation if you are to continue to see the positive results of the surgery. Do not neglect to schedule regular follow-up visits with your doctor.

Are There Any Risks Associated With The Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a medical procedure just like any other, and there could be certain risks associated with it. Your surgeon should be able to advise you appropriately and allay any fears you may have. However, if you consider the health risks due to obesity, then it is a sound intervention for anyone who is not able to lose weight on their own.

 

Get Help Today

We understand how difficult it can be to shed off the weight without the necessary help. Sometimes dieting may not yield the results you want. A Houston weight loss surgeon should be able to advise you appropriately on the best option for you. It is time to start the journey towards a healthier life.