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2020 Resolutions: Consider Weight-Loss Surgery

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Is weight loss your 2020 New Year's Resolution? Like many of us, the answer is likely yes. However, if you have a BMI score of 40 or more (about 100 pounds overweight) and have tried diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes and have not acheived your ideal weight, consider weight-loss surgery. You also may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if you have a BMI of 35-39 with specific significant health problems like Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea or high blood pressure.

Weight-loss surgery can produce significant and sustained weight loss, resulting in improved health. There are many procedures that can help you achieve your desired weight and health goal. But the decision to have surgery should not be taken lightly. It’s important to take the time to find out which procedure is right for you and how to find the best bariatric surgeon.

Effectiveness of Weight-loss Operations

The two most common weight-loss operations today are gastric sleeve and bypass. They are known to be most effective when:

  • Performed by an accomplished and competent surgeon
  • The operation is performed at a facility that offers aftercare programs focusing on dietary, behavioral, and exercise changes, which typically means an accredited center of excellence
  • The patient is willing to work with the procedure and make the lifestyle changes to achieve and maintain long-term success

Regardless of what procedure is chosen, the key is using the weight-loss operation to implement lifestyle changes. These surgeries truly are a tool to help control hunger and portion size, but that’s it. The rest is up to you.

Following are some things to consider when deciding which surgery is right for you:

Expected Weight Loss

Know how much weight you want, or expect, to lose when choosing a weight-loss operation. Gastric bypass will result in the loss of about 70% of the excess weight, sleeve gastrectomy will result in around 60%, and gastric banding will result in around 50 percent.

Of course, how effective these procedures are all depends on how well the follow-up care is managed and if all the necessary lifestyle changes are made.

Reliability of Weight Loss

The success of any weight-loss procedure depends on you as the patient. Gastric bypass and sleeve almost always result in the expected weight-loss, but the chance of regaining the weight is very real. The necessary lifestyle changes must be made within the first year after the operation.

Fast or Slow

Gastric bypass and sleeves have typical weight loss of 5 to 7 pounds a week early on, with an expected weight loss goal being reached within 12 to 15 months after the operation.

Fear of the Unknown

There are plenty of good studies on the long-term effects of gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding. The procedures are shown to be safe and effective for long-term weight loss and maintenance. For more information, download our guide to weight-loss surgery or call (714) 942-5554 to speak with a bariatric surgeon. 

Ability to Follow Up

All procedures require at least one year of regular follow-up visits with your doctor and nutritionist. This helps ensure your long-term success. Being accountable to someone is a great motivational tool.

Cost

Generally speaking, gastric bypass and sleeve are covered by insurance. If not, your surgeon and hospital can work with you on a cash-pay basis.

In the end, your surgeon can’t tell you what the best operation is for you. If you are a qualified candidate for weight-loss surgery, any of these options will work well. You know you best so you should decide what’s best for you.

National Accreditation and Distinction

Foothill Regional’s surgical weight-loss program has been accredited as a Comprehensive Center for Bariatric Surgery under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, a joint program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. 

In addition, our program is a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated healthcare facilities shown to deliver improved patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures developed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies with input from the medical community.

Learn More

To find out if weight-loss surgery is right for you and the different procedures offered at Foothill Regional Medical Center, click here, call (714) 942-5554 or email our program director.