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Weight Loss Surgery Options in South Africa

If you’ve been struggling to lose weight naturally through diet and exercise, you may be eligible for weight loss surgery options in South Africa.

Bariatric surgery is a specialised field of weight management. Obesity is a killer that brings with it a myriad of health problems and possible diseases. At present the following options for bariatric surgery in South Africa are available:

  1. –          Gastric band operation
  2. –          Lap band surgery
  3. –          Gastric bypass surgery

Weight Loss Surgery Options in South AfricaEach of these weight loss surgery options in South Africa has its pros and cons, depending on your unique circumstances.

Who Qualifies for Weight Loss Surgery Options in South Africa?

If you’re considering having a gastric bypass or a gastric balloon inserted, you may be eligible if:

–          Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is greater than 40

–          Your BMI is just less than 35 but you have a disease such as sleep apnoea, type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease

–          Your BMI is around 30 but you have poorly controlled diabetes

–          You are committed to a change in lifestyle post-surgery

Whichever of the bariatric surgeons in South Africa you choose to consult, these conditions will be discussed with you.

Gastric Bypass in South Africa

This is one of the more popular weight loss surgery options in South Africa. A patient is eligible for gastric bypass surgery in South Africa if their BMI is greater than 49.

Gastric bypass in South Africa is a mostly restrictive procedure which adds to the malabsoprtive component. The intestine remains intact but hormonal changes are known to occur in the bypassed stomach as well as duodenum. This helps to regulate appetite. A typical bypass requires a 2 night stay in hospital.

Another of the obesity surgery options in the country is lap band surgery. This involves a band being placed around the stomach, creating a smaller sack which means you will feel fuller quicker and consume less quantities of food.

Bariatric Nutrition

There are specific nutritional requirements both pre and post-surgery. It is important to visit your dietician even before choosing one of the weight loss surgery options in South Africa to discuss:

–          Any existing deficiencies in nutrition

–          Pre and post-surgery progression in diet

You’ll also have to consult the dietician after bariatric surgery to ensure you’re consuming optimal nutrition to promote healing, facilitate safe weight loss and preserve lean muscle mass.

Bariatric Surgery – Advantages

–          Significant weight loss is the greatest advantage of this type of surgery.

–          Many patients report their health improving and co-morbidities disappearing. For example, diabetics report not having to take medication any more after fat loss surgery.

–          Improvements have also been reported in urinary incontinence; hypertension and sleep apnoea as well as degenerative joint disease.

–          Anyone who loses as much as a half to a third of their body weight will naturally become more active and mobile.

–          Patience report enjoying an increase in self-esteem and a decrease in anxiety and depression. They find it easier to get involved romantically and also find jobs.