Options Available To Help You Fight The Weight Loss Battle

For many overweight people, losing weight can at times be a battle that they struggle with for years and it doesn’t help that in today’s society, media has put a lot of pressure on people to be a perfect size. It is often the case, that many overweight people have tried weight loss programs, but unfortunately with no avail. A possible solution for patients is to undergo weight loss surgery. The aim of this treatment is to limit the quantity of food that is digested at once and therefore reduce the amount it takes from them to feel full.

Suitability for Surgery

Weight loss surgery should only be considered when other methods of losing weight such as dieting and exercise have failed. Surgery is not suitable for everyone and it may be possible for some patients to reduce weight by simply altering eating and lifestyle habits.

It is only after you have tried all other methods that you should consider undergoing the surgery. Before considering surgery, it is important to consider its risks and benefits. In most cases, the surgeon will hold a consultation session where you will be informed about the procedures to be done, your expectations, and the recovery process.  The main importance of these sessions is that it provides you with the opportunity to ask questions and for the surgeon to check that you have realistic goals.

Types of Weight Loss Procedures

Lap Band

There are various weight loss procedures available today, the most common ones being lap band and gastric bypass surgery. In lap band surgery, an adjustable gastric band is inserted to reduce the size of the stomach. This band is tied on the top part of the stomach, thus forming a smaller pouch that opens to a wider pouch. The aim of this is to reduce the quantity of food that passes through the small intestines to the stomach. It is possible to adjust the band’s tightness to adjust the passage width of the two pouches.

Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery, also known as Roux-en-Y, involves reducing the size of the small intestine and the stomach. During this procedure, the stomach is reduced in size and a Y shaped portion of the small intestine is directed to it. This enables food to bypass the rest of the stomach and enter the newly created small stomach. The result is that a reduced amount of calories and nutrients are allowed into the stomach, which makes the person feel fuller much quicker. In the end, less food is eaten and this helps the individual to lose weight.

After undergoing surgery for weight loss, it is important to adhere to the advice given by the surgeon regarding lifestyle changes that are designed to prevent future weight gain.

Any information in this article should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or relevant health professional.