Your weight is one of the most important aspects and indicators of your overall health. Unfortunately, some people struggle more than others and need extra help in maintaining a healthy weight. In cases like these, weight loss surgery may be the best solution for losing weight and keeping it off in the future.
Weight loss surgery is one of the safest elective procedures available. We offer two types—laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Weight loss surgery isn’t right for everyone, so it’s important to be approved by one of our surgeons for the procedure. Weight loss surgery is covered by many insurers.
Is Weight Loss Surgery Safe?
It’s perfectly normal to have concerns about weight loss surgery, or any surgical procedure for that matter. While all types of surgeries include some risks, weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) is one of the safest forms of surgery that you can undergo. This is especially true when compared to other elective surgeries that are available to you.
Weight loss surgery is also considerably safer than the dangers of living with obesity. Being overweight can increase your risk of complications related to:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Sleep apnea
- Hypertension
- Premature death
Keep in mind that obesity surgery alone isn’t a long-term solution for weight loss. Instead, think of it as a tool that is most effective when combined with healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a healthy diet and exercise. When you put them all together, you are in a much better position to lose weight and keep it off.
Types of Bariatric Surgery
There are a few different types of weight loss surgery. However, the best option for you will depend on your current health status and your medical history. Our surgeons will evaluate every aspect of your personal health in order to determine which form of surgery for weight loss is safest for you, best suits your personal weight loss goals, and meets your medical needs.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB), or gastric bypass surgery for short, is one of the most common surgical procedures. It combines malabsorptive and restrictive approaches to weight loss surgery by bypassing a small portion of the small intestine. It limits the amount of food you can eat by using a portion of the stomach to create a small pouch that is connected to the intestine.
Lap sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) also works by restricting the amount of food you can eat. What makes it unique is how that is achieved. Instead of making a small pouch, your surgeon will vertically divide the stomach using staples and remove a large portion of it. This turns your stomach into a narrow tube, or sleeve, that reduces the amount of food you can eat.
Lap sleeve surgery has the added benefit of removing the part of your stomach that produces ghrelin. This hormone is responsible for feeling hungry, so removing it from your system will help reduce your food cravings and improve your weight loss results. This form of bariatric surgery is not reversible, so it’s important to discuss it with your surgeon beforehand.
Click here to learn more about the safety and effectiveness of weight loss surgery!
Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for Me?
Weight is an important factor for your long-term health and can lead to other health complications. This is why your primary care physician may focus on it so much during your appointments. While obesity can often be remedied with exercise and a healthy diet, this may not work for every patient. It’s at this point that weight loss surgery may be necessary.
Your weight is of special concern if you have a BMI (body mass index) over 40 or if you over 35 with other conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Sleep apnea
While you may feel fine, it’s at this point that other health factors become a concern. It puts you at a much higher risk of medical problems later on, as well as shortens your lifespan. If you struggle with weight loss even with diet and exercise, then it may be time to consider bariatric surgery.
To learn more about when bariatric surgery may be right for you, click here!
Is Weight Loss Surgery Covered by Insurance?
Employers and insurance providers have gradually been including weight loss surgery in their insurance plans over the years. This is because they know that a healthy, happy workforce is more productive and less costly than an unhealthy one. If you need surgery for weight loss then it’s great news to learn you likely won’t have to pay completely out of pocket for your procedure.
It’s still important to know that no two insurance policies are exactly alike. Talk to your insurer beforehand if you are interested in weight loss surgery. They will be able to tell you what is covered by your policy so that you can plan for out-of-pocket costs accordingly. This step isn’t only important for bariatric surgery — it’s essential for any major surgery you may undergo.
Click here to learn more about paying for your weight loss surgery!
Common Questions About Weight Loss Surgery
It’s perfectly normal to have questions about weight loss surgery. That’s why we’ve answered some of the most common questions we receive about the procedure. This will help you be more prepared and speed up the surgical process so that you can reach a healthy weight more quickly.
For the answer to more common questions about bariatric surgery, click here!
How Do I Prepare for Weight Loss Surgery?
You will need an evaluation from one of our surgeons before being approved for weight loss surgery. Once approved, candidates begin a six-month pre-surgery process that includes:
- Medical evaluations
- Consultations with a psychologist, dietitian, and exercise specialist
- Pre-surgery treatments for any health conditions you may have
- Education about living a healthier lifestyle after surgery
- Any other requirements based on your personal needs or insurance requirements
What Can I Expect on the Day of My Surgery?
Expect to spend two nights in the hospital following gastric bypass surgery and lap sleeve surgery. However, you may need to stay longer if you have other health conditions. Most patients can return to work after two weeks but will need to avoid physical work for a while longer in order to recover properly.
Is Weight Loss Surgery Permanent?
While reducing the amount of food you eat through surgery can help you lose weight, it’s not the only factor. Other elements of sustained weight loss include nutrition, physical activity, and mental health. Maintaining a healthy weight is a life-long commitment lasting far beyond your surgical procedure. Commitment to a healthy lifestyle is the best way to achieve ideal results.
Are you ready to take the next step in your weight loss journey? Call us today at (812) 424-8231 or (800) 264-8231 to schedule your appointment!
Evansville Surgical Associates has been providing comprehensive and compassionate surgical care for over 50 years. Call us at (812) 424-8231 or (800) 264-8231. We are available from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm if you would like to schedule an appointment.
