Maintaining a healthy weight is not easy. There are significant benefits to having a healthy weight, including a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, arthritis, and pain.
If you have been struggling with your weight and cannot seem to achieve the weight loss you desire, it may be time to consider surgical options that can help. Bariatric surgery in Seattle is one of those options.
Bariatric surgery is also called metabolic surgery and is an umbrella term for gastric bypass surgery and other types of weight loss surgeries. Bariatric surgery makes a change to your digestive tract to lose weight. When diet and exercise have not produced results or if you have serious health problems related to your weight, bariatrics in Seattle can help.
While there are many benefits, all surgeries pose a risk and can have side effects. Bariatric surgery is not an easy button, and you still have to make permanent changes to your diet and exercise to experience long-term success. The surgery is typically only recommended after you have tried to lose weight using other means.
In general, bariatric surgery may be an option if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. This is called extreme obesity. However, it can also be considered if your BMI is 35 to 39.9 and you have a serious weight-related health problem. These health problems could include severe sleep apnea, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
However, just because you are severely overweight does not mean bariatric surgery is the right option for you. There are other medical guidelines that must be met to qualify. During your consultation for Seattle bariatric surgery, you go through an extensive screening process and must commit to making permanent changes to your lifestyle habits. Additionally, you should engage in a long-term follow-up plan that includes tracking your lifestyle choices, behavior, and medical conditions.
Bariatric surgery works in two ways. The surgery can physically limit the amount of food your stomach can hold and, therefore, reduces the number of calories you can eat. Depending on the surgery, it can also shorten or bypass the small intestines, which reduces the number of calories and nutrients your body can absorb.
In each case, your nutritional status will likely need to be tracked to ensure you do not become vitamin deficient. The benefits often include substantial weight loss within the first year and the resolution of some of your obesity-related health conditions. Additionally, many people experience a better quality of life, higher energy, and improved self-esteem.
The surgery is done under general anesthesia, and the specifics will depend on the type of bariatric surgery a person in Seattle chooses. Many types of bariatric surgery can be performed using laparoscopic techniques. This is a small tube that is inserted through small cuts and has a much shorter recovery time than traditional open surgery.
Bariatric surgery typically takes several hours, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. You will discuss these with your physician before choosing a procedure to assist in your weight loss efforts. This will depend on your situation, including your eating habits, health issues, past surgeries, and an evaluation of the risks involved.
Typically, you cannot eat for one to two days after surgery so your digestive system can begin healing. After that, you will be on a specific diet for several weeks as your gastrointestinal tract continues healing. It is crucial to keep all of your scheduled follow-up appointments and call immediately if you experience complications. Our team will track your weight loss and changes to your medical conditions and monitor your health.
Choosing bariatric surgery in Seattle is a big decision and not one to be taken lightly. Call our office today to schedule a consultation to speak with our board-certified surgeon, who can answer your questions about bariatric surgery and recommend the type of surgery that will best meet your needs.
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