Weight Loss Surgery and Liposuction

Many weight loss surgery patients feel invigorated about the life-changing benefits of weight loss and often seek the benefits of other types of elective health care procedures. Liposuction is a common type of plastic surgery procedure performed after weight loss surgery. The paragraphs below provide background about bariatric surgery and the various procedures that would be performed before the liposuction.

Obesity is a serious problem affecting millions of Americans. Many of the people dealing with obesity are undergoing weight loss surgery to improve their overall health. Also known as bariatric surgery, weight loss surgery is intended for people with a certain body mass index (BMI), which can be determined by a local bariatric surgeon.

The National Institutes of Health established criteria for people who may be candidates for weight loss surgery. Persons having a BMI between 35 and 39 need to have an associated condition such as diabetes, hypertension or high blood pressure, in order to be eligible for bariatric surgery. Typically, candidates with a BMI of 40 or above do not require a condition associated with obesity to move ahead with a type of weight loss surgery such as gastric sleeve or duodenal switch surgery.

Popular Types of Bariatric Surgery

Two of the more popular types of bariatric surgery are Lap Band and gastric bypass surgery. Lap Band surgery is usually a same-day procedure with total recovery time taking approximately two weeks. During the Lap Band procedure, a bariatric surgeon uses small incisions and a laparoscopic camera to place a small belt-like band around the upper part of the stomach to create two differently sized pouches. The upper, smaller pouch serves as the new stomach for the patient.

The Lap-Band's adjustability allows the bariatric surgeon to alter the amount of saline solution in the band, helping to maximize weight loss. This adjustment is made via an access point located underneath the patient’s skin.

Compared to Lap Band surgery, a gastric bypass procedure requires a much more invasive approach. The bariatric surgeon surgically removes portions of the abdomen and creates two pouches out of the stomach, while modifying a section of the small intestine so it can be connected to both pouches.

Gastric bypass surgery is a complex procedure requiring numerous incisions. The invasive nature of the surgery is such that infection is a serious concern and one of the greatest complications that can arise. Most gastric bypass patients spend 48-72 hours in the hospital following surgery and typically experience a full recovery in three weeks.

Lap Band surgery and gastric bypass serve as effective weight loss options because the newly created smaller stomach helps patients better control their hunger, while restricting the amount of food they can consume at a single sitting. Patients also reach a feeling of satiety, or fullness, more quickly.

Both lap band and gastric bypass surgery involve gastric banding.

Finding a Bariatric Surgeon

People interested in a weight loss surgery procedure should contact an experienced bariatric surgeon who has a compassionate and supportive reputation of being caring and supportive with patients.

Weight loss surgery is a serious procedure that can positively impact the life of an obese patient. Not only do patients experience significant weight loss, they also reduce the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and hypertension among other diseases. People who wish to undergo bariatric surgery owe it to themselves to work with the most qualified bariatric surgeon available.