If you’re living with obesity and ready to lose a significant amount of weight, bariatric surgery may be an effective option. You may wonder about the safety of various weight loss procedures. It’s important to know that every medical procedure comes with risks, and bariatric surgery is no different. But many people who are severely obese live with additional health risks. For some people, the risks involved in surgery are worth the opportunity to achieve a healthier life.
Obesity is not easy to live with and can be pretty difficult for some to overcome on their own. Every day, millions of people struggle with health symptoms brought on by having an unhealthy body weight. Popular and traditional diets and fitness routines may help some, but results vary and weight loss can be harder to achieve for people with a lot of weight to lose or those who have been overweight for a long time. It’s not easy to overcome the challenges when celebrities and commercials broadcast their success with little to no effort or unproven tactics.
Many people with a failed history of weight loss attempts turn to bariatric surgery in the quest for a healthy weight and better health. The procedure is highly effective at helping many people achieve the impossible, shedding excess and stubborn body fat to overcome obesity. Though the procedure is highly effective at delivering results, many people are still on the fence because they are unsure if bariatric surgery is safe.
Why Have Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery can be a game-changer for people struggling with obesity-related health disorders and comorbidities. It enables them to lose weight and develop healthy eating behaviors to maintain weight-loss results for the long term and improve their overall quality of life. But bariatric surgery is not an elective procedure anyone can sign up to have. The qualification process is strict, and many insurers have requirements in place for people who plan to use insurance. The reason for these surgery criteria is in the interest of safety — to make sure people who are undertaking the risks of surgery are healthy enough to do so and are those who may see real health benefits from it.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan for obesity. Treatments and risks depend on your medical and health history and other unique factors. Also, some people may be better candidates for specific bariatric procedures. The procedures offered at White Rock Medical Center include:
Any surgical procedure carries some risks. The different bariatric surgeries available each have different risks. While not common, some risks from the procedure can include:
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Bleeding
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Infection
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Anesthesia reactions
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Blood clots
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Breathing problems
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GI leaks
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Bowel obstruction
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Dumping syndrome
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Gallstones
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Hernia
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(Rarely) Death
It may be scary to think about surgical risks, but your doctor will go over all the risks with you and discuss your concerns. White Rock Medical Center’s bariatric surgery program is designed with safety and success in mind, which helped us to become a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP).
Our commitment to providing safe, effective surgery has earned us accreditation with three designations: a comprehensive bariatric center, adolescent care, and obesity medicine. This level of qualification can only be found in one other program in Texas and in 10 other programs in the entire nation.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
The benefits of bariatric surgery are numerous. Many are unique to each person. However, below are the most common ways this procedure changes lives for the better.
Helps Resolve Associated Medical Conditions
People who are obese or severely obese are more likely to live with certain health conditions that can put them at additional risk of a lower quality of life, or even disability and death. The most common conditions associated with obesity include type 2 diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), hypercholesterolemia (high blood pressure), heart disease, GERD, joint damage/arthritis, and sleep apnea. Significant weight loss from bariatric surgery has been shown to help improve or even resolve many of these health concerns.
Increases Life Expectancy
Many weight-related medical conditions have a harmful impact on immediate health and overall life expectancy. High blood pressure and diabetes are two of many disorders that can have serious consequences that increase the risk of additional conditions developing or adverse health events that can be life-threatening for some. When combined with the everyday stress of living, people who are obese often have shorter lifespans than those who are not. Obesity is not always a choice, but bariatric surgery makes it so those struggling with an unhealthy weight can take charge of their size and health and increase their life expectancy on their terms. You may be surprised to learn that people who have bariatric surgery typically have better longevity than those who rely on nonsurgical measures to improve their health.
Improves Self-Confidence
It’s not easy being overweight, nor is it comfortable. Many people struggling with obesity are uncomfortable in their own skin. And no matter the clothes, accessories, or lifestyle, it’s not easy hiding the insecurities that being overweight can bring. It’s common for people living with obesity to develop mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety, that can lead to the development of other behaviors and poor choices that negatively influence diet.
Bariatric surgery helps by giving you a head start on your weight loss goals. The procedure does not take the place of developing good eating and living habits, but it does make it easier to resist the temptation to give in to those harmful dieting urges. The procedure changes appetite signals and the digestive tract to facilitate weight loss so you can finally succeed in achieving your weight loss goals and develop a happier, healthier mindset to boost their self-confidence.
Decreases Lifetime Medical and Health Expenses
Not everyone makes the connection between excess weight and increased living expenses. But comparing the overall costs of bariatric surgery, it’s clear that medical weight loss is the favorable solution.
There may be many reasons why you may be cautious or reluctant about having medical weight loss surgery. That’s why we encourage people to do as much research as possible before deciding. In addition to learning what they can about the procedure, a consultation can help clear up many misconceptions so people can understand the safest and most effective bariatric procedure options and personal risks and make the best-informed decision possible.
Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?
Bariatric surgery is a major decision that involves research, consultations, and unique considerations. Not everyone is an ideal candidate for medical weight loss surgery. Success is highly dependent on your commitment and adherence to their medical weight loss treatment.
Call (214) 324-6127 or click here to request a consultation.