Obesity is a serious health concern that increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It can significantly impact quality of life, leading to physical limitations, social stigma, and mental health issues. Bariatric surgery is a potential solution for those struggling with severe obesity, offering hope for weight loss and improved health outcomes.
Bariatric surgery helps you lose weight by altering the digestive system. Common procedures include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric banding. Evansville Surgical Associates offers comprehensive care in the Tri-State area.
What Is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a medical procedure designed to help people with severe obesity lose weight and improve their health. It works by altering the digestive system, either by reducing the stomach’s size or changing how the body absorbs nutrients.
There are three common types of bariatric procedures:
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: This surgery creates a small pouch from the stomach and connects it directly to the small intestine, bypassing a large part of the stomach and upper small intestine.
- Sleeve gastrectomy: In this procedure, about 80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow, sleeve-shaped stomach.
- Gastric banding: An adjustable silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch that limits food intake.
Bariatric procedures promote weight loss by limiting food intake, reducing calorie absorption, and altering gut hormones. This combination helps control hunger and fullness, leading to effective weight loss.
By combining these effects, bariatric surgery helps people achieve significant and long-lasting weight loss, often improving obesity-related health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Band surgery
While we don’t perform gastric band surgery, our experienced surgeons are equipped to evaluate, manage, and remove gastric bands if necessary. We prioritize patient care and offer comprehensive services to address complications or concerns related to previously placed bands.
Does Weight Loss Surgery Work?
Bariatric surgery has shown impressive results for people struggling with severe obesity. Many patients who undergo procedures like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy experience significant weight loss within the first year, often shedding a quarter or more of their body weight.
The good news is that these results tend to last. Many people keep most of the weight off for a decade or longer after surgery. While some might regain a bit of weight over time, it’s rare for someone to return to their pre-surgery weight completely.
Beyond just losing pounds, weight loss surgery can dramatically improve health. Many patients find relief from conditions like:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
Some even see these health issues disappear entirely.
However, success with weight loss surgery isn’t guaranteed. It depends on several factors, including the type of surgery, your overall health before the operation, and how well you follow post-surgery guidelines.
People tend to have the best long-term results who:
- Stick to their new diet
- Exercise regularly
- Communicate with their healthcare team
While weight loss surgery does come with some challenges, it offers a powerful tool for many people to achieve lasting weight loss and better health. For those who’ve struggled with severe obesity, it can be a life-changing option.
Is Bariatric Surgery Safe?
Bariatric surgery has become much safer with the advancement of minimally invasive techniques. Today, the chance of major problems during or shortly after surgery is very low — even lower than for many common surgeries that people don’t think twice about, such as gallbladder removal or hip replacement.
Like any operation, weight loss surgery does have some risks. In the short term, you might face issues like infections or blood clots. Over the long haul, there may be a need to watch out for nutritional deficiencies or digestive problems. Fortunately, your doctor will know how to manage these issues effectively so you receive the best results possible.
It’s important to consider these risks against the dangers of staying severely overweight. Obesity can lead to serious health problems like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Certain cancers
Those who undergo weight loss surgery are much less likely to die from these conditions compared to those who don’t have the surgery.
Choosing the right surgeon and hospital is important. Experienced surgeons who perform many weight loss surgeries each year are better at handling any complications that might come up.
For most people dealing with severe obesity, the benefits of bariatric surgery far outweigh the risks. With good medical care and a commitment to lifestyle changes, it can be a safe and powerful tool for losing weight and getting healthier.
Are the Results Permanent?
Bariatric surgery can lead to significant and long-lasting weight loss, but the results are not always permanent. Some procedures, like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, physically alter the digestive system. This makes them more permanent in nature.
However, even with these surgeries, the stomach can stretch over time. This can potentially reduce the effectiveness if you don’t make changes to your lifestyle.
Weight regain is a possibility for some patients, typically occurring 3-5 years after surgery. Factors contributing to weight regain include:
- Returning to old eating habits
- Lack of regular physical activity
- Hormonal changes
- Psychological factors like stress or depression
- Inadequate follow-up care
The success of bariatric surgery largely depends on your commitment to these lifestyle changes. This includes adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, and managing stress. Patients who maintain these changes are more likely to keep the weight off for the long term.
Follow-up care is also crucial for long-term success. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider help monitor your nutritional needs, address any complications, and provide support for maintaining healthy habits. Those who attend follow-up appointments tend to have better long-term outcomes and are more likely to maintain their weight loss.
Is Weight Loss Surgery Covered By Insurance?
Many insurance plans cover weight loss surgery, but coverage varies by provider and policy. Candidates for bariatric surgery often have a BMI of 40 or higher or are 35+ with obesity-related health conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
Insurers often require documented participation in supervised weight loss programs for 3-6 months prior to surgery. Some may also mandate psychological evaluations and nutritional counseling.
Check with your specific insurance provider about coverage details, as requirements can differ significantly. Many major insurers like Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare typically cover bariatric procedures, but you should verify your individual policy terms and any pre-authorization requirements.
Choose Evansville Surgical Associates for Weight Loss Surgery
Evansville Surgical Associates stands out as the top choice for bariatric surgery in the Tri-State area. Our surgeons have trained at leading centers worldwide, bringing extensive expertise to every procedure they perform. They emphasize minimally invasive techniques, which can lead to faster recovery and less discomfort.
We take a holistic approach at Evansville Surgical Associates, collaborating with primary care doctors and rehabilitation specialists to provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs. Our team’s commitment to patient comfort and understanding is evident in their personalized approach.
With a focus on skill, compassion, and dedication, Evansville Surgical Associates offers high-quality bariatric care right in the local community, eliminating the need for you to travel far for exceptional surgical treatment.
Do you need weight loss surgery in Evansville, IN? Contact us today!
Bariatric surgery aids weight loss by altering digestion through procedures like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric banding. Though safer, some risks remain. Success depends on lifestyle changes. Evansville Surgical Associates provides comprehensive care in the Tri-State area, emphasizing minimally invasive techniques and personalized support.
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 to contact us or schedule an appointment. We are available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time.
