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Surgical Weight Loss Options

The National Institutes of Health report that 133.6 million Americans are either overweight or obese, signaling a large number of unhealthy people. Typically, dieting and exercise are the chief ways that a person can lose weight. For some individuals, however, other options are recommended in order to help them shed the pounds. One of these options is to undergo a weight loss surgery, which can provide tremendous help in losing weight.

  1. Types

    • There are two main types of surgical weight loss procedures that people can undergo, according to Central Dupage Hospital. The first is called gastric bypass surgery. This is when the stomach is surgically separated into two different sections and limits the amount of food the stomach can hold. The second option is called the Adjustable Gastric Banding or Lap Band surgery. When undergoing this procedure, an adjustable band is placed around a section of the stomach and limits the amount of food entering the digestive system.

    Function

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, both the Lap Band surgery and gastric bypass surgery reduces the size of the stomach and limits the amount of food entering a person's system. This process eventually will lead to weight loss over the long term because of the decline of food into a person's stomach. Since the stomach is drastically reduced in size, it takes several months for it to slowly expand again.

    Time Frame

    • The amount of time that it takes to lose weight can vary from person to person. According to Central DuPage Hospital, for those who undergo the gastric bypass surgery, a person can lose 60 to 80 percent of their extra weight between 12 and 18 months after their procedure is complete. For those who opt for the Lap Band procedure, a person can lose between 36 and 60 percent of their excess pounds over the course of 12 to 24 months.

    Effects

    • The Mayo Clinic reports that the effects of undergoing a weight loss surgery can be felt almost immediately by those who have experienced it. The amount of food that a person consumes is automatically limited and the weight begins to come off right away. Oftentimes, other medical ailments like diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea can be eliminated or greatly improve following the successful completion of surgery and the loss of weight. In the long run, a person will look and feel better, resulting in improved personal relationships and increased self confidence.

    Considerations

    • While the success of weight loss surgeries is appealing, it is not for everyone. Doctors screen those who are interested in the procedure, but they need to qualify as candidates. The surgery itself provides extra help for overweight people, but diet and exercise remain on the list of things for them to do in order to help the weight come off. The work of losing weight remains for everyone, even those who have weight loss surgery. The surgery is an extra option for some people who have a significant amount of weight to lose.

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