Monday, 10th of October 2011 at 11:21:07 AM
You should careful consider all weight loss surgery health risks before deciding to go ahead with surgery.
Weight loss surgery may be the only way that some people can get down to a healthy weight. There are many health benefits that make this surgery a good idea, but anyone considering weight loss surgery should know all about the risks that can be involved. There is no such thing as a risk-free surgery of any type, but there are some risks specific to this type of weight loss option. Think about them and talk with your doctor if you are concerned about any of them. In some individual cases, the risks outweigh the benefits, but not often.
Some of the most serious weight loss surgery side effects that can occur are going to happen in the first two weeks after the surgery. As you can guess, bleeding may be an issue. You have to remember that parts of your body are being altered, and that will require at least an incision into the body, and perhaps more inside. Along with bleeding there is a risk of infection. If left unchecked, this infection could spread throughout the body and cause death. Along with these are the risk of pulmonary embolus, severe vomiting and queasiness, and even leakage.
Throughout the weight loss phase, there are some other risks – some more serious than others. Some, like acid reflux, are more bothersome than anything else, but can become serious if not treated. Some patients can experience ‘dumping syndrome’ which means foods go too quickly into the intestines causing sweating, diarrhea, and pain. Erosion can occur with lap band surgery. If a patient eats to much, the stomach tissues will rub against the band and the tissue will wear away.
Hernia can be a problem. The very nature of the surgery can weaken some muscles causing a hernia to form. Leaking can occur at any time when a stitch or a staple comes loose. Food and fluids can leak into the body causing infections and other problems. Some patients can develop something akin to an aversion to foods. They can feel nauseous all of the time and lose the will to eat. This can cause serious complications, as the small amount of food allowed after surgery is essential for good health.
New research shows that patients who have undergone weight loss surgery may also experience bone loss. This can result in weaker bones and complications with osteoporosis, particularly in women.
There is no way to assure yourself that these risks will not be problems for you, but you can take your time to find a doctor with a lot of experience and who is open and honest about what you can expect. The best doctors will offer you extensive after surgery care and will allow you to ask any and all questions that you may have. Things can happen, but many problems can be fixed if they are caught soon enough. Searching around for the best doctor is your best way to reduce any risks you may be facing with weight loss surgery.
Other Related Posts and Articles you May Find Interesting: “Gastric Bypass Surgery”, “Bariatric Surgery”, “Weight Loss Surgery Abroad” and “Is Weight Loss Surgery Right For You?”.
Some people think that weight loss surgery is this “easy way out,” but they don’t realize all the hard work, will power and determination that goes into it. You have to drastically change your eating habits and lifestyle or else the weight will easily come back. It is something you have to be ready for and extremely committed. It is not just a matted of getting an operation and then “problem is solved.”
I had gastric bypass sugary and lost 180 lbs. 2 weeks after the surgery I was off my blood pressure medication, diabetes medication and cholesterol medication. Even after I reach my goal weight though, I will work closely with my dietitian and doctor and I will attend regular support groups in efforts to help keep the weight off. With this surgery, if you don’t make behavior changes, all the weight could come back. I eat no more then a cup of food at once, chew very slowly into a mush, because I don’t want to stretch the stomach back out. If I try to eat too much at once, it comes right back up lol. It can make some situations awkward. lol Another awkward issue is the leftover saggy skin. It’s a common but often overlooked result of losing a large amount of weight. I have a lot where I carried the bulk of my weight, i.e. abdomen, thighs, it’s not a huge issue for me but for some it’s very tough emotionally. Some people get many surgeries to remove all that excess skin.
There are other options besides having gastric bypass or lap band. I was very overweight – by the time I was 44 I weighed 301 pounds. My doctor suggested gastric bypass surgery as he was very concerned. I was both shocked and humiliated and in my lowest moment I knew I had to make a commitment to losing weight and fast. I was not going to do Gastric bypass under any circumstances as I have lost 2 people to that surgery due to complications. I felt that I needed to get to the root of my problems with food, change my behavior and conquer the issue once and for all. I felt that surgery was for people who feel they really have no other choice. In my heart I believed I could over come this on my own, and that’s exactly what I did. With several months of attending weight watcher meetings and learning to eat healthy I lost over 150 lbs. If I can do it without the surgery then maybe you can too.