Obesity Surgery ..what are your options?

Weight Loss Surgery, also known as Obesity Surgery is an increasingly popular choice for people desperate to shift excess weight. It is often a last resort for those people with chronic weight problems which can lead to serious or even life threatening illnesses.

Many people have tried diet, exercise, slimming or weight loss medications but have found that they either didn't work or that the weight crept back on again. They have also found that excessive weight is restricting their life to the extent that they are unable to do the normal everyday activities that many of us take for granted.

Diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, breathlessness, depression…these are just a few of the problems associated with obesity. And, the problem is getting worse.

Many celebrities as well as us mere mortals are choosing to have surgery as way of shifting excess weight and this has led to it becoming a regular news item in the media.

So, what is weight loss surgery and what does it involve?

What is Weight Loss Surgery?

Weight loss surgery forms part of an overall speciality called ‘bariatrics': this is a branch of medicine which deals with the causes and treatment for obesity and other weight related issues.

Weight loss surgery is not a cosmetic procedure. It is major surgery which carries some risk and should not be undertaken lightly. It is not a magic cure; it is a last resort for those people who are experiencing physical or mental health problems as a result of excessive weight. No surgery is risk free and the risks are greater for people who are obese so it is something which needs to be thought about very carefully.

This surgery has both benefits and risks and you need to be aware that it forms part of a complete lifestyle change. Along with diet and exercise plus regular evaluations, it forms part of a holistic approach to the treatment of obesity.

This is a long term process which starts from an initial consultation through to surgery and then after care. Having surgery doesn't mean that the problem has gone away. You will have to follow an organised diet and exercise regime and, if you have had a gastric bypass, will also need to take dietary supplements on a daily basis.
What can help is talking to other people who have gone through this type of surgery. In fact, many bariatric teams will recommend that you do so. The British Obesity Surgery Patient Association (BOSPA) was set up in 2003 to provide help and support to people in the same situation.

They have a network of support groups and can advise on such issues as finding a surgeon, information about nutrition and exercise and generally, are there if you just need someone to talk to. They can offer support before, during and after surgery.

Weight loss surgery is designed to reduce your food intake which means a lower calorie intake as well. This reduction means that you will start to burn off your fat stores and so lose weight.

Before you undergo this surgery you need to fully understand what it entails, the risks and benefits and what your life will be like after the surgery. You must be willing to change the way you eat which means that those naughty but nice high fat foods are off the menu.
As well as following a healthy eating plan you will also have to exercise. It does not matter what you do as long as it helps you to lose weight and stay fit and healthy.

Many of us have slipped up and eaten things which we know are bad for us or have not bothered to go to the gym because we don't feel like it. You are only human and will make mistakes BUT this type of surgery is a drastic measure which means that lifestyle changes have to be made. Many people who have undergone this surgery find that they have to follow a set eating plan for the rest of their lives. But, when weighed up against the risks of obesity related illnesses and a reduced life expectancy then surgery is the preferred option.

If you choose this surgery then you are in for the duration…

Types of Weight Loss surgery

There are two types of weight loss surgery:

Restrictive
Restrictive/Malabsorptive

The three most popular types of weight loss surgery are gastric banding, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.

Restrictive

This refers to procedures in which the stomach is reduced in size which means that you will consume less food and will feel fuller a lot quicker. Reduced food intake means fewer calories which results in weight being lost.

There are two procedures which fall into this category: gastric banding (sometimes known as lap banding) and sleeve gastrectomy.

Obesity Surgery ..what are your options?

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