Bariatric Surgery Pros and Cons
If you’re after fast weight loss tips, looking for obesity help or simply looking into different weight loss options, have you weighed up the bariatric surgery pros and cons?
Is Bariatric Surgery For You?
If you have any of the following, you may just be a candidate for a gastric bypass:
- You are over 18, obese and have a weight-related condition like type 2 diabetes
- You understand the risk and benefits involved with cosmetic surgery
- You’re ready to change how you eat after the procedure
- You’re ready to make lifestyle changes to keep that weight off
Different Types of Surgery to Lose Weight Fast
There are 4 different methods surgeons use for bariatric procedures:
- Gastric bypass – a surgeon only leaves a small portion of stomach which can’t hold much food and that means you eat less.
- Adjustable gastric band – a small band is placed around the top of the stomach. There’s a balloon in the band which controls how tight or loose the band is and this works to limit how much food goes into the stomach.
- Gastric sleeve – most of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow section of the upper stomach. The procedure helps to curb hunger.
- Duodenal switch – this is a more complicated means to losing weight. Most of the stomach is removed and the gastric sleeve is used to bypass a large portion of the small intestine. The body doesn’t get much chance to absorb nutrients so you may need to take additional minerals and vitamins after the op.
Bariatric Surgery Pros and Cons
Like with any surgery, there are always the risks of infection, bleeding and blood clots. Common side effects of a bariatric procedure include nausea, bloating, diarrhoea, vomiting, dizziness and excessive sweating.
In the long-term after surgery, dumping syndrome can occur. This is when food moves too rapidly through the small intestine and causes symptoms as described above as well as not being able to eat sweets without feeling weak. Up to 50% of people who have had weight loss surgery have experienced dumping syndrome but by avoiding high-sugar foods, it can be avoided.
But the benefits to how to lose weight fast with bariatric surgery are many. Most people will continue losing weight for up to 2 years after surgery, provided that the necessary dietary and exercise changes are made to their lifestyle.
What’s more, obesity-related medical conditions tend to improve after surgery, including diabetes and high blood pressure.
The Cost of Surgery: Bariatric Surgery Pros and Cons of Pricing
Surgery, we all know, is costly. And in South Africa, medical aids don’t cover bariatric surgery. If you feel you’re a good candidate for weight loss surgery and require financial help, click on the banner on this page and we’ll let you know if you’re eligible for medial finance for your operation. Or you can go straight to the Incred website application form.