Weight Loss Surgery
Bariatric surgery is a popular surgical approach to combat obesity. It has proven to be quite successful and is considered to be the most effective method for weight loss. The purpose of the procedures performed in bariatric surgery is to drastically reduce the amount of food consumed by restricting the intake of food, interrupt the absorption of food, or use a combination of these actions. Laparoscopic adjustable banding (Lap Band) and roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) are the most popular bariatric procedures. Lap band is a surgical procedure that creates a smaller stomach in order to reduce the amount of food it can hold. This allows for becoming fuller faster and feeling full longer. A lap band also does not require cutting or stapling. Gastric bypass is a surgical procedure that also creates a smaller stomach but also it involves food bypassing some of the small intestine as well. It is typical for these surgeries to result in a gradual, healthy weight loss within the first year following surgery, with a high success rate of maintaining the lost weight.
Bariatric surgery allows for significant and sustainable weight loss, which is why it is not only a popular choice for the obese, but a logical one as well. The surgery also helps reduce the risk of complications related to obesity. In 2007, there were approximately 205,000 bariatric procedures, according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and the number increases every year. Because of the success of bariatric surgery, body contouring has also become increasingly popular as a way to reshape the body after weight loss surgery.
Optimal Time for Body Contouring after Bariatric Surgery
Most patients who have had gastric bypass surgery lose 60 to 70 percent of the extra weight in the 12 months following surgery. An unfortunate side effect of surgical weight loss procedures is malnutrition. Months of reduced food intake and fewer calories result in deficiencies of carbohydrates, fat, protein, minerals and vitamins. Up to 50 percent of individuals who undergo bariatric surgery experience nutritional deficiencies in the first year following surgery. Before body lift surgery is considered, an individual's weight should be stabilized for several months to give the body time to build up its nutrition to a healthy status. For best results, body lift surgery should be performed at18 to 24 months after weight loss since most individuals will have lost the majority of excess weight by this time. It is important to ensure an individual is not malnourished before having body lift or body contouring surgery, as it can lead to complications.
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