Weight Loss Surgery: An Effective Treatment For Obesity

Weight loss surgery is designed for people who are 50 pounds or more overweight and have been unsuccessful losing weight using traditional weight loss methods. In addition, usually a patient will have an obesity related illness or may be at risk of developing an illness such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, respiratory illness, etc. The most common types of weight loss surgery performed are gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding (Lap Band). Today, weight loss surgery has proven to be an effective treatment for obesity and obesity related health problems.

Obesity is a disease that can cause a great deal of harm to the mind and the body. People suffering from obesity will often not only have physical illnesses that can be life threatening, but they also often suffer from emotional problems such as depression and low self-esteem. When people are considering weight loss surgery, they will first consult with their physician to determine if they qualify to be a candidate for the procedure. They will also meet with a weight loss surgeon to determine which surgery is best for them and to learn more about the procedure. Lap band surgery is a very common choice.

Lap band surgery involves banding the upper part of the stomach in order to reduce the size of the stomach. The purpose is to make the stomach smaller so less food is consumed thereby causing weight loss. It is a less invasive procedure as it does not include stapling or cutting the stomach. Small incisions are made so that the lap band can be inserted. Once it is in place, it is inflated with saline to form a gastric pouch. The procedure will not disrupt the normal digestive processes. The procedure only takes about 45 minutes and the patient can go home that say with a specific diet program that will help the patient lose weight and learn how to eat properly. The diet, which includes restricted calorie intake, has to be followed so no problems develop with the lap band device. Eating the wrong food or eating bigger portions than instructed can result in band problems such as band slippage, nausea, and vomiting.

Obesity has become a serious health epidemic in our society. Weight loss surgery provides hope for people who are obese and cannot lose weight through traditional diet and exercise programs. Patients must be willing to commit to a healthy lifestyle for life and follow the diet plan as well as a healthy exercise program. People who have weight loss surgery will get a new lease on life. They will be healthier, more active, do things they have never been able to do, reduce or eliminate illnesses that developed as a result of being obese, and they will have improved self esteem and self confidence. If you are suffering from obesity and have failed to lose weight when trying all of the traditional diet and exercise programs, you may want to consult with your physician about having weight loss surgery.

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