Are you struggling with your weight? Well, there are a lot of people who fail to manage their weight on time which ultimately results in obesity. Obesity has spread like an epidemic all around the world. In fact, according to NCHS (a survey was done in 2013-2014), 3 out of 4 men (73.7%) and 2 out 3 women (66.9%) were considered to be overweight or obese. Since the rates of obesity have continued to rise because of a lot of factors primarily “lifestyle”.
Considering lifestyle changes, diet, exercise and fitness programs, and certain drugs that aid in suppressing the appetite and even weight loss surgeries can help in managing obesity.
These days many surgical procedures for weight loss are being used to treat obesity. There are a number of procedures like Gastric bypasses, Gastric Banding, and Gastroplasty that are being used. In case of gastric banding, the lap band removal recovery time is about 6-8 weeks but it may vary.
Weight loss surgery is basically considered as a last resort and is generally performed for people with severe obesity and is commonly related to medical issues where other intercessions have failed. There are a number of surgical procedures that are being used to treat obesity. In different countries and with time different procedures get popular. These procedures have different kind of risks involved and side effects. So, it is always advised to discuss it with your doctor in detail before taking a step.
Most widely used weight loss surgeries:
Gastric bypass
In this type of surgery a part of the stomach will be connected to the small intestine so, that a part of the intestine is bypassed. This is because small intestine helps in the absorption of most of the nutrients including fats.
Gastroplasty
Also called as gastric stapling, this type of surgery involves changing the entire size of the stomach by stapling it into a small pouch. It ultimately reduces the intake of the food.
Gastric or Lap Banding
The process involves placing a belt/band around the stomach which will help in reducing the appetite. (Lap band removal recovery time may vary from person to person).
All of the above-mentioned surgeries work on two principles they either reduce the overall capacity of the stomach by limiting the intake of the food or reduce the absorption of the calories and nutrients by bypassing the intestine with the stomach.
However, you shall always remember that the surgery is not the ultimate cure for obesity. At some point in time even after weight loss surgery, you will have to make certain lifestyle as well as diet changes.
Some Other Treatments for Weight Loss
Other than weight loss surgeries there are some other weight loss treatments that are available out there for obesity. These include simple changes in the diet to low-calorie intake diets, exercising, medicines (appetite suppressants), and behavior therapy. However, drugs and surgeries are getting more popular among the people.
In recent years, the total number of weight loss surgeries performed in a year quadrupled. These surgeries aim at achieving a normal body weight without involving major complications.
Earlier methods like diet, physical activities, and behavior changes were quite popular in tackling obesity. But to be honest, obesity is quite difficult to manage through these changes. Yes, they can definitely be an aid towards achieving ideal results.
Surgical treatments seem to be ideal for people who have reached morbid obesity (BMI > 40) for whom losing weight through conventional methods seems really difficult.
Preparations You Can Take For Weight Loss Surgery
Before you are up for the weight loss surgery your doctor is going to thoroughly examine you (your weight, other medical conditions etc.) You will have to stay motivated as surgery is just the first step towards weight loss. You will also have to make a strict diet and lifestyle changes in order to prevent any side effects. If you lack motivation before then obviously you are going to have a tough time after the surgery too.
Many surgeries would require you to have a particular set of weight before they can proceed with the surgery.
Before your surgery, the doctor will explain to you the entire process in detail. It is important to have a deep understanding of the changes you need to make pre and post surgery.
If you have conditions like diabetes, hypertension or sleep apnea it is important to control these before your surgery date.
You shall also quit smoking at least 6 weeks prior to your surgery date, this will decrease complications related to the lungs.
Post-Operative Measures To Take:-
- Regular exercise and physical activeness.
- Healthy eating habits (depending upon your surgery you will have to restrict your portion size and choose foods that are recommended).
- Regular follow-ups with your doctor
By following a strict change in your lifestyle and applying your doctor’s advice in your life you can stay at bay from many serious conditions. Also, it will help you in staying motivated and improve your self-esteem.
Conclusion
Weight loss surgery is getting popular among people for the treatment of obesity. However, diet, lifestyle, and exercise play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy weight even after the surgery. In fact, they can help you avoid serious side effects even after surgery. Moreover, they are some of the important aspects of the surgery both prior and post.
Moreover, surgery should be your last resort after applicable treatments like exercising, diet; drugs fail to show possible results or if there is an immediate requirement of weight loss. Weight loss surgeries are the most cost-effective treatments for obese people and produce long-term benefits than drugs or behavioral treatments. But you must keep in mind that surgery is an integrated plan that will help you in weight reduction and ultimately achieve a healthy mind, body, and soul.
Also, you must consult your doctor and tell him about the history of your obesity. The doctor will be able to recommend you best possible surgical treatment after considering your age, weight and health issues.
In addition, remember it all lies within you, stay motivated and determined to get the best results from your surgery.
