Bariatric Surgery

If you are thinking about bariatric surgery and are having doubts about whether it is right for you, you’re not alone. Wondering if bariatric surgery is right for you is a very common concern. Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure, and making that decision requires research and a good amount of reflection.

The American Society of Bariatric Surgery has recently recognized several procedures as appropriate remedies in the treatment of clinically significant obesity. This list includes restrictive procedures where weight loss is accomplished by limitation of caloric intake; malabsorptive procedures in which the body does not absorb the calories ingested; and hybrid procedures that include both restrictive and malabsorptive components. Although this list of surgical procedures varies widely in form and function most agree that the gastric bypass procedure is the standard in weight loss procedures. The Southeastern Surgical Specialists focuses on the science of weight loss and we will consider the appropriate surgery for you.

In addition to offering the Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Procedure we also offer Adjustable Gastric Banding. Adjustable Gastric Banding is a procedure in which a band is placed around a portion of the stomach. The band can then be adjusted to mimic a feeling of fullness, thus causing weight loss.

Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix. It’s an ongoing journey toward weight loss through lifestyle changes. After surgery, the difference in your body makes it physically easier to adjust your eating and lifestyle habits. Fortunately, you will not have to go through the process alone. A team of professionals will be there to support your efforts. Positive changes in your body, your weight, and your health will occur, but you will need to be patient through the recovery process.

Short-Term Risks

All abdominal operations carry the risks of bleeding, infection in the incision, blood clots, lung problems (pneumonia, pulmonary embolisms), strokes or heart attacks, anesthetic complications, and blockage or obstruction of the intestines. These risks are greater in morbidly obese patients. You should be aware that some surgical side effects, such as a blood clot, could be life threatening. The risk of death during bariatric surgery is less than 1 percent.

Please consult these links for continued information:

www.bariatricedge.com
www.obesityhelp.org
www.weightlosssurgery.com
www.asbs.org