There are different paths to weight loss. As you choose which one is right for you, you may consider weight loss surgery. Before taking that route, though, it’s essential to know what it entails and what to expect from the procedure.
10 Questions To Ask Your Doctor
1. Am I a good candidate for weight loss surgery?
Generally, you’ll be considered for weight loss surgery if your BMI is above 35. If your BMI is between 30 and 35, you’ll fit the criteria if you also have an obesity-related condition such as sleep apnea, heart disease, or high blood pressure. Each doctor also has specific requirements so it’s best to hear about them from your doctor.
2. Which surgery would you recommend for me?
While there are different types of weight loss surgeries available, not all of them are right for you. Ask your doctor about the pros and cons of each procedure so you can be on the same page with your care.
3. What are the risks of weight loss surgery?
All surgical procedures carry some amount of risk. Weight surgeries can lead to infection, stomach obstruction, acid reflux, and the inability to eat certain foods. In some cases, you may end up gaining weight instead of losing it.
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4. Can the surgery affect any of my existing health conditions?
Typically, the aim of weight loss surgery is to bring you to a healthy weight so you can manage weight-related health conditions. However, there are rare cases where the side effects of weight loss surgery can exacerbate certain conditions.
5. What’s the recovery time?
It’s common to stay in the hospital for up to three days after weight loss surgery. It can also take four to six weeks for you to resume regular activity.
6. Will I have to change my diet?
You’re encouraged to adopt a healthy diet after weight loss surgery. You should also limit alcohol and caffeine. Sometimes, the surgery can affect how well you absorb vitamins and minerals so ask your doctor if you need to take supplements.
7. How long will it take for me to lose weight?
It’s common to lose a significant amount of weight within the first month or two of surgery. Things may slow down after that but most people hit their goals within two years.
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8. Will I need follow-up care?
The schedule may vary but you usually need to see your surgeon regularly for the first two years.
9. When can I start exercising?
This depends on the type of weight loss surgery that you have. In the least invasive types, you may be able to start some light exercise two weeks after the surgery. It can help to develop an exercise timetable with your doctor.
10. How likely am I to regain weight?
Depending on the type of surgery you had, there are differing odds of regaining weight. Your doctor will be able to give you a breakdown.
Weight Loss Surgery Options
There are three general types of weight loss surgery. The first is restrictive surgery where the doctor will shrink the size of your stomach to limit how much food you can eat. It also serves to slow digestion.
The second option is Malabsorptive/restrictive surgery, which involves making the stomach smaller and bypassing a part of your digestive tract. This type of surgery affects how well your body absorbs calories.
Finally, a surgeon can implant an electrical device that causes weight loss by interrupting nerve signals between the brain and the stomach.
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Why Some People Need Surgery
There are several reasons why you might need weight loss surgery. Doctors often recommend the procedure to people who are having trouble losing weight through diet alone and aren’t able to exercise well. Since weight loss surgery can help you get to a healthy weight, it can also ease the symptoms of conditions that are associated with being overweight. These conditions include heart disease, diabetes, joint pain, and high blood pressure. The surgery may also be recommended to persons who are having trouble getting pregnant because of their weight.
Weight loss surgery can be an effective tool in your journey to a healthy weight. However, it’s not right for everyone and can come with certain risks. It’s best to have a frank discussion with your doctor about the details of each procedure so you know what you’re getting into.
