Weight loss can be a frustrating journey, especially if diet and exercise don’t seem to be doing the trick. For those who are obese or severly overweight, weight loss is more than just feeling good and looking better. It can also be vital to reducing the risk of weight-related health problems. If you’re struggling to lose weight, you may have considered gastric bypass surgery. But is bariatric surgery right for you?
What is Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Gastric bypass surgery is a type of bariatric surgery (aka weight-loss surgery). It is a procedure where a doctor operates on your stomach to create a small pouch that is then connected directly to your small intestine. After the procedure, the food you eat bypasses your stomach and goes into your small intestine. This reduces the amount of calories your body absorbs. It also helps you feel fuller, so you eat less.
Medical Problems That Can Be Addressed By Gastric Bypass Surgery
The goal of gastric bypass surgery is to help you lose weight and reduce the risk of serious weight-related health issues. These are some of the issues gastric bypass surgery may be able to address:
✓ Type 2 diabetes
✓ Heart disease
✓ Stroke
✓ Hypertension
✓ High cholesterol
✓ Sleep apnea
✓ Gastroesophageal reflux
Is Gastric Bypass Surgery Right for Me?
The ideal candidates for gastric bypass surgery are people who are obese or severely overweight and are unable to lose weight even after making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. However, the procedure is complicated and not for everyone.
According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (AMBS), there are certain guidelines that should be met to qualify for bariatric surgery. These include:
➜ A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher.
➜ A BMI of 35 or higher combined with a potentially life-threatening weight-related health condition such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes.
You will need to consult with a doctor before undergoing gastric bypass surgery. Your doctor will most likely do extensive screening to ensure the procedure is right for you. This could include consultations with a surgeon, dietician, and psychologist. In addition, you will need to be willing to make long-term lifestyle changes after the surgery.
It is important to remember that gastric bypass surgery is not a quick fix that will instantly help you lose weight and keep it off. The best candidates for gastric bypass surgery—and those who will see the best results—are those who are committed to making long-term changes in their lives.
How To Prepare For Weight Loss Surgery
If you’re considering gastric bypass surgery, you should be prepared to implement a healthy eating regime, regular exercise, and lifestyle changes that will help you lose the weight initially and then keep it off down the road. You may need to enlist the help of a medical professional, dietician, and/or physical trainer.
Another thing that many people don’t take into consideration is the emotional strain that can happen after bariatric surgery. Some people feel overwhelmed with the changes that are happening in their body and life. It can be difficult to break away from old habits and implement big changes.
The best thing you can do if you’re considering weight-loss surgery is to do your research and be honest with yourself about whether this is something that you are ready to take on and commit to for the long-term. It helps to also look into some non-surgical alternatives to see if they might be a better fit for you.
The Pros and Cons of Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery is a major surgery, and thus, a big decision. Therefore, it is important to know what the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure are before you commit to the surgery.
Pros
Can be very effective for losing weight. On average, patients tend to lose anywhere from 65% to 80% of their excess body weight after the surgery.
Reduces the risk of obesity-related health issues such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Results tend to be long-term depending on whether you commit to lifestyle changes.
Increased confidence. As you lose weight, you may feel better about how you look and feel.
Cons
✘ Can be expensive.
✘ You will have to spend time and energy preparing for surgery.
✘ Surgery is invasive and can be hard on the body.
✘ You will have to spend downtime recovering.
✘ As with any surgery, there are always risks of complications during and after surgery.
✘ Can have multiple negative side effects.
✘ You won’t be able to eat solid food for some time after the surgery.
✘ You will have to make major lifestyle changes.
✘ Some people experience depression or emotional turmoil after the surgery as their relationship with food changes.
What are the Side Effects of Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Thankfully, the mortality rate for gastric bypass surgery is very low. That being said, there are a number of complications that may arise as a result of the surgery. Some can be very serious and cause long-term health issues. These are a few side effects that you could experience after undergoing the surgery:
● Infection
● Gastrointestinal leaks
● Nausea and/or vomiting
● Blood clots
● Malnutrition
● Acid reflux
● Low blood sugar
● Gallstones
● Ulcers
● Hernias
● Obstructed bowels
● Dumping syndrome (when food is deposited in the intestine without proper digestion)
Are There Non-surgical Alternatives to Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a major decision and one that should not be taken lightly. If you’re not sure that gastric bypass surgery is the right decision for you, it helps to know that there are weight-loss alternatives that don’t involve invasive procedures.
A healthy diet and exercise are the obvious alternatives to undergoing weight-loss surgery. However, if neither of these are working for you, there are other options.Medically supervised weight loss can be very effective, as it combines nutrition and lifestyle changes with the support and guidance of a medical professional.
Ideal Protein is a medically supervised weight loss protocol that has helped thousands of people lose excess weight and gain a better quality of life. Created by a sports physician over 20 years ago, it consists of three phases to help reset your body and mind so that you lose weight, keep the weight off, and are empowered to live your fullest life.
The focus of the Ideal Protein Protocol is a ketogenic diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates and high-fat foods. This helps to burn fat, while sustaining muscle mass. Even better, the healthy Ideal Protein meals are pre-prepared, so you don’t have to struggle with trying to find recipes, shopping for all the ingredients, and cooking meals yourself.
Once you start the Ideal Protein Protocol, you will not only have access to a wide range of delicious, healthy snacks and meals, but you will also have help every step of the way. One of the key elements of the program is personalized coaching with a medical professional. Your health provider will offer you nutritional guidance, support, and motivation throughout your journey.
Where Can I Find an Ideal Protein Clinic Near Me?
Holistic Healing Heart Center is a leading Ideal Protein clinic that proudly serves the Burbank area and other communities in Los Angeles and Southern California including Glendale, Pasadena, Sherman Oaks, North Hollywood, Van Nuys, and Woodland Hills.
Founded by Harvard-trained cardiologist Dr. Cynthia Thaik, MD, Holistic Healing Heart Center provides holistic health solutions that focus on the whole body rather than just symptoms. Along with a team of experienced health and wellness professionals, Dr. Thaik offers the most current weight-loss, anti-ageing, and aesthetic treatments, including medically supervised weight loss programs that include one-on-one coaching.
If you would like to learn more about what weight loss options are best for you, please contact us at 818-842-1410. We can help you lose weight safely, efficiently, and for the long-term.
