In a situation where you’re very obese and have tried all weight loss programs, weight loss surgery might be your best bet. It’s a medical procedure where surgeons change your digestive system’s shape and function to help you lose weight more effectively and efficiently.
Weight loss surgery has different procedures. They do have some dangers, but it’s one of the best and safest ways to lose weight and mitigate obesity-related conditions. If you’re considering it, here are some must-knows before undergoing weight loss surgery.
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Do It Before Breast Augmentation
If women want breast augmentation (surgery to increase breast size), their weight loss or gain will affect the surgical outcome. Most of the time, augmented breasts may also increase in size if they gain weight, which may sound good for many but not for some. If women lose weight, implants may also lose some of their fullness or fall off.
Plastic surgeons recommend that patients achieve their ideal weight and maintain it for at least half a year to ensure an optimal result. If patients want to lose or gain weight first, they must do it before breast augmentation surgery. In other words, if they’re considering weight loss surgery, they should do it before having augmented breasts.
It’s also important to be aware that while complications aren’t expected in breast augmentation, they can still occur. When implants deflate or rupture, they usually create aesthetic problems and increased physical pain.
This is also why opting for plastic surgeons in your area is recommended. Say if you’re on the southeastern coast of Australia, get breast augmentation in Sydney or neighboring cities. In this way, you can immediately deal with your implants if they get deflated or ruptured.
Know Your Options
With so many weight loss surgery procedures available today, choosing the right option for you may be overwhelming. But we’ve got you covered. Here are the three main surgical weight loss options you can choose from.
Gastric Bypass
In gastric bypass surgery, surgeons cut across the top of your stomach to make a walnut-sized pouch. They then attach the pouch to your small intestine to let food “bypass” your stomach and enter directly into the small intestine. As a result, it limits portion size and restricts food absorption, a process called malabsorption. This process isn’t easily reversed.
If you’re looking for surgery with the shortest hospital stay, gastric bypass should be on the top of your list. You can normally go home after two and a half days after the surgery. However, its recovery time may last for two to three weeks. It’s mainly because of the rerouting of your small bowel. While it’s invasive and may carry more risk, it offers more rewards for patients who need to lose 150 pounds or more.
Gastric Banding
Similar to gastric bypass, gastric sleeve surgery decreases your stomach from its regular size to a small pouch. However, surgeons place a silicone band around your stomach’s upper part instead of rerouting your small bowel. The tighter the band is, the smaller your food absorption. The pouch also fills up quickly, limiting the amount of food you can consume before feeling full.
Gastric banding is best for those who want to change the amount of food their stomach can hold. The band is adjustable, so surgeons will adjust its tightness to your stomach, so you can eat more or less than before.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy surgery also limits the amount of food you can consume. In this procedure, surgeons remove 80-85% of your stomach, leaving behind a narrow “sleeve” that’s about the shape of a banana. Then they staple the remaining portion of your stomach together. Like gastric bypass, this procedure is irreversible.
Compared to other procedures, sleeve gastrectomy has a shorter procedure time, usually between 60-90 minutes. Although it’s irreversible, like gastric bypass, the surgery is less invasive and much safer for high-risk patients. It has less risk of developing vitamin and mineral deficiencies since the procedure leaves the normal digestive path.
In a nutshell, each of these surgical weight loss procedures has its own pros and cons; some aren’t mentioned here. That’s why it’s always best to seek professional advice from a certified weight loss surgeon to help you find the best procedure for you and your body.
Research is Key
Undergoing weight loss surgery is life-changing—or life-threatening. An effective weight loss surgery can build confidence and eliminate your self-consciousness about typical body concerns. However, if it’s a dirt-cheap procedure, it may result in medical complications, more costs, and lower self-esteem.
Sadly, botched plastic surgery, bad post-operative care, and more procedures to make things right again may happen. They’re real situations to watch out for. However, if you do your homework and make an informed decision, you can avoid this unfortunate fate.
Find and opt for a plastic surgeon who always insists on thoroughly consulting you. This may sound inconvenient for many, but it’s the only way to ensure you get qualified expert care. It’s also important to ask them about the dos and don’ts before and during the procedure to ensure your safety.
Final Thoughts
Weight loss is no magical fix. It’s only a part of your treatment, so it should be done with proper nutrition, workout routines, and mental health care. More importantly, put your heart into it, be patient, and strive harder. Sooner and later, you’ll be able to achieve your weight loss goals. It’s hard, but you can do it!
