Pros and Cons of Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery is a huge life-altering event. No matter what weight loss surgery you decide, the process is costly and will necessitate that you make many changes to your lifestyle as well as commit to regular medical screening. As with any major surgery, there are both advantages and disadvantages to ponder before proceeding. In some instances, the immediate impact on your daily life might make you question whether it's really worth all the trouble and possible expenses.

If you've decided on bariatric surgery, now is the time to educate yourself about all the pros and cons. First, as with undergoing any major medical procedure, you must go into the process with a full understanding of your exact circumstances. Do you have a serious obesity problem? Do your health conditions make it impossible for you to follow an appropriate diet and exercise regimen? The answers to these questions can help you determine whether this procedure is right for you or should be considered a last resort.

There are two primary surgical procedures used in the weight loss surgery industry, and they include gastric bypass and lap-band surgery. Gastric bypass surgery involves making a small pouch on the top of your stomach large enough to handle a small portion of your body's food. The pouch is then attached to a small tube that runs from your abdomen to the small intestine. Food is then manually pushed through the tube and absorbed into your body. A small amount of stomach acid is added to help with absorbing the food.

Lap-band surgery is performed in a laboratory and involves the use of a silicone band that is placed around your midsection. The band is adjusted and graduated in order to control how much food is absorbed into the body. The most common use of this device involves alcohol use. Because the band is so tightly secured around the midsection, it makes it difficult to overeat. People who regularly consume large amounts of alcohol can greatly benefit from the use of bariatric surgery as a form of weight loss.

One of the more serious pros and cons of weight loss surgery revolves around the potential complications that could occur. In most cases, you will need to make a general commitment to diet and exercise in order to successfully complete the procedure. While you may not become obese or suffer from extreme symptoms, there is always a chance that an episode will occur. The two most common complications from bariatric surgery that can occur include excessive bleeding and infections. Both of these can cause significant problems and require immediate medical attention.

If you are considering undergoing this procedure, it is important to understand all of the pros and cons associated with it. Many people have managed to lose a large amount of weight without incident for decades, but you must be prepared for some major lifestyle changes after undergoing a bariatric procedure. For many people, this will be a welcome change that allows them to live a healthier life.

Another consideration to weigh in on is whether or not you should use alcohol use while you are completing a surgical procedure. There are a number of studies that show alcohol use can decrease the effectiveness of weight-loss surgeries by as much as 40 percent. This can significantly reduce the health benefits associated with the surgery itself. You may also find that after your procedure, you are unable to control your urge to binge on food and alcoholic beverages. This can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies and other issues that can greatly impact your long-term success with weight loss surgery.

One of the biggest cons to gastric bypass surgery is that there is often an immediate need for a large quantity of fluid immediately after the operation. As small of a stomach pouch can be created with this procedure, you will likely have to go through your first couple of days in the hospital with frequent urges to drink water. To avoid this, you may wish to consider taking a small liquid diet on the day of your surgery. Your physician will discuss this option with you and help you determine which types of liquids are appropriate for you. You may even want to invest in some electrolyte supplements to help replace any lost water. If you decide to use these supplements, be sure to carefully follow all of your physicians instructions.