Obesity Surgery-Is it right for you?

What if you’ve tried every diet and failed?  What if you are morbidly obese and know you must lose weight or die?  Obesity Surgery may be an option to consider.

As with any surgical procedure, you should make an informed decision.  But what does one need to know before considering any type of obesity surgery?  What steps to take first?

First of all, you will need to be evaluated by your surgeon with a medical history and physical exam.  They will ask if you are committed to change your weight and your lifestyle.  If you are not, there is no sense in risking your health. Certain medical problems can increase your risk of surgery, but if your health conditions are related to your weight, the benefits may outweigh the risks.

Before you consider any obesity surgery, establish a relationship with your physician.  Bring them your diet history and list all your medications with dosages and frequency. And if you smoke – stop!

There are two methods of weight loss surgery.  With a laparoscopic procedure, the surgery is performed through five or six small incisions to gain access to the stomach and intestines.  This is a minimally invasive surgery, offering a reduced hospital stay and a faster, less painful recovery.  The abdomen is inflated with air and the procedure is done using a camera at the end of the laparoscope.

Traditional open weight loss surgery involves making a much larger incision, as much as ten to twelve inches to access the stomach.

Some risks to consider are infected incisions, hernias and the chance your sutures will be rejected.  Vitamin or iron deficiencies may occur, especially in menstruating women.  For some patients, hair loss is a problem during the first year following the procedure.  Supplements can correct these problems. If any leakage of fluid from the stomach could possibly lead to a second surgery to treat the infection. Patients could experience increased flatulence and diarrhea after this procedure. And as with any surgery, general anesthesia comes with its own risks.

It is important you discuss the risks with your surgeon so you will make an informed decision.