Exercise after a weight loss surgery is essential for the patient to maintain his/her weight and to keep those extra pounds in the curb, a statement which Christopher Still, director of “Geisinger Obesity Institute” in Pennsylvania strongly agrees with. Whenever we lose the pounds we also lose our muscles. Our muscles are the ones which gauges and takes charge over our metabolism. Engaging in constant proper exercise is the safest way to keep our body mass lean, which would retain the normal metabolism and effectively facilitate weight loss.

There has been a current study that showcased one hundred and ninety patients who submitted themselves to bariatric surgery (a surgery option to loose weight), and out of all them, about sixty eight percent confirmed that they needed and committed themselves to change their lifestyle to become physically on-the-go in the whole year after surgery to keep off the unwanted pounds. “Active” or on-the-go meaning, they have do walking or some other minimal or vigorous exercise for at least “200 minutes” every week. Those active patients lost approximately 13.2 pounds in general compared to the inactive patients. The active ones also experienced less depression as well as anxiety and gained better scores in their health over-all.

Doing regular exercises also shortens the time for recovery after doing the weight loss procedures, and is said to reduce post-surgical risks at the same time. Having continuous physical activity also reduce stress and improves the mood of the patients.

A tip to those who are planning to undergo a surgery to lose weight, start early with the exercise if possible. It’s important to get used to the exercise routines pre-surgery so that it wouldn’t be as hard post-surgery, because by then you already have an idea of the exercise and have already warmed-up your system. It could be really hard to get started when you possess a lot of excess pounds, but “determination” is the key. Before you engage in any exercise it’s good to get your cardiac evaluation done by you internist, especially if you’re “morbidly obese”. After getting a go signal from your doctor, you can start slowly by doing 20 up to 30 minutes of active physical activity for at least three days per week. A good example would be breast-walking or just simply marching in place.

Two up to three weeks post-surgery it’s valuable to get back to being physically active. Start by doing things lightly and slowly pumping up the volume as you go along. For the first six months, a good example would be bending carefully and picking things up from the ground. Try to do your exercises for at least 30 minutes continuously for three up to five whole days every week. Other good examples are walking, biking, and swimming exercises. You can also do resistance trainings using dumbbells; this can help strengthen the abdominal muscles of your body.

About one year after that, you be able to have already increased your minutes of exercises for at least 45 minutes, for about four times per week. A variety of work-outs is substantial to work different parts of your body. To help improve your posture it’s also crucial to strengthen your stomach muscles, for this will start to alter as you get to lose more and more weight. Good examples are doing yoga, aerobics, dancing, and kickboxing for at least 45 minutes for four times every week. Also continue to do the resistance training for your abdominal muscles.

After more than one year, never falter to keep the lifestyle of healthy choice of foods and constant exercise. This time, the different body trainings and exercises should not faze you the very least. Still maintain or do more than 45 solid minutes of physical activity for about four days a week. Training intervals on a treadmill with varying speed as well as inclines, for at least 45 minutes should no longer be much of a problem for you. You can also do more active exercises like hiking, running, and bicycling. Just keep in mind that in losing and keeping off the weight, “Exercise” is always a must!

Teenage life is the most exciting stage in every person’s life. We experience a lot of changes when we reach this stage; from physical change, psychological and even emotional change. This is the period when we love experimenting, discovering and exploring life sometimes without regard of the consequences.

Research indicates that adolescents represent 1/5 of the world’s population and together with the increasing number of the world’s population is the occurrence of teenage obesity. It is considered as one of the most common problems in the US and other developed countries, and has already reached alarming levels. Weight can be a real problem within the teenage population; because of this, they are more likely to feel isolated for fear of being criticized or bullied. The result is teens become depressed and the tendency to hate or dislike themselves is higher.

Dealing with obesity within the teenage population is quite complicated. It is not just about changing your eating habits and choosing the right food to eat. Obesity is something that must be taken seriously.

Obesity is not just as simple as being overweight, since the latter can be treated by having a good diet and exercise. Obesity is not an ordinary health problem; it is a medical condition in which excess body fats have been accumulated and may bring health risks. There are several factors that make a person obese; such as low physical activity, hormonal changes, America’s penchant for large portions of fast foods and metabolic disorder.

While there are many weight loss programs available to choose from, one of the most common or most recommended treatments for obesity, aside from diet and exercise, is weight loss surgery or also known as the Bariatric surgery. But the question is, is it right for obese teenagers to undergo this kind of surgery? Or the most important question is, is it safe?

Based on research, teen weight loss surgery has been found to be safe; as safe as adult weight loss surgery. But despite the fact that weight loss surgery for teens is considered safe, there are still risks that must be taken into consideration.

Bariatric surgery includes different procedures performed on obese people. There are three types of weight loss that can be performed on teens:

1. Gastric Bypass surgery – It is a process where in the surgeon creates a small pouch by stapling off a large portion of the stomach and connects the tiny pouch directly to the small intestine. This makes the stomach hold less food and creates malabsorption of nutrients which results in weight loss from both restriction and malabsorption.
2. Gastric Banding – reduces the size of the stomach by using a restrictive device to create a small pouch but banding does not interfere with food absorption in the small intestine.
3. Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy – removes ¾ of the stomach laparoscopically resulting in weight loss from the tiny portions but no malabsorption.

A teen candidate for weight loss surgery must also be prepared physically and emotionally and have good support from parents. Weight loss surgery is only a tool and the teen must be prepared and committed to keeping up with the new lifestyle right after surgery.

Just like any other surgery, weight loss surgery also has its risks; like occasional discomfort, vomiting and diarrhea; especially when the patient has eaten too much or too fast. Teen patients who have undergone weight loss surgery have to start again with a new eating approach. It will entail many adjustments and life style changes which may take time to adjust to.

Most importantly is that with weight loss surgery or Bariatric surgery, an obese teen will have the opportunity to establish a more balanced relationship with food and exercise. The teen may enjoy life once again with heightened confidence and self-esteem and end their struggle with obesity forever.

Bariatric surgery is the best way to deal with obesity; along with proper diet and exercise and of course positive disposition. Every single penny, the discomfort and effort is all worth it.

If you’re considering weight-loss surgery then it’s important to research all available options, consequences, conditions and more. In a new survey by the Obesity Action Coalition and Ethicon Endo-Surgery shows that people who’ve undergone weight-loss surgery are researching on average for 3 years. People are spending, on average, 8 hours per week for nearly 3 years researching weight-loss surgery before taking the plunge.

Why do so many people spend so long before they have the surgery? Isn’t there a better way to research bariatric surgery, then to aimlessly peruse the internet for advice and information? We’ve come up with the following steps to help people research weight-loss surgery. Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to weight-loss, without wishing they had the surgery sooner.

Steps to Research Weight-Loss Surgery

1. Are you a candidate for Weight-Loss Surgery

It’s important to understand if you’re a candidate before you even consider having weight-loss surgery. There are several checklists of personal health that one must meet, before they are a solid candidate for weight-loss surgery.

2. Discover the Best Bariatric Surgery For Your Needs

Understanding the best weight-loss surgery for your personal health will be tougher than the first one. People will often need to read up on the various weight-loss surgeries (Gastric Banding Surgery, Gastric Bypass Surgery, Gastric Sleeve Surgery). Choosing the right one can be easier if your physician or a facilitator helped guide you through the process.

3. Can You Afford Weight-Loss Surgery

Weight-Loss Surgery can be expensive, with today’s costs in the thousands of dollars, having no insurance means many people are left without the coverage of bariatric surgery. Even if patients lack insurance, there are other options for inexpensive weight loss surgery. Patients can choose to have surgery in Mexico, which would severely reduce the costs. They can also choose to finance bariatric surgery, opting to pay for the surgery a little bit at a time.

4. Choosing the Bariatric Surgeon/Hospital

Choosing the bariatric surgeon is a tough. There are many websites dedicated to reviewing surgeons/doctors for consumers to look at. We recommend, that people look at the reviews of the surgeon rather than their website. Most times bariatric surgeons use flashy websites that lack any real measure of their work. Instead, they use advertising copy to push consumers into having surgery – sometimes too quickly. Read up on reviews of doctors, evaluate their experience and education – and include – the cost factor.

Researching all these steps before hand will take you, most likely, hundreds of hours. But, you’ll probably save time by effectively using your time. Ready4aChange employees dozens of qualified bariatric specialist which can help you save time.

Obesity is defined as having excessive or abnormal accumulation of fat in the body. It is determined through the body mass index calculated by means of dividing the person’s weight in kilograms by the square of his or her height in meters. Obesity occurs over time when an individual eats more calories than they use. The balance between calories-in and calories-out differs for each person. Factors that might tip the balance include your genetic makeup, overeating, eating high-fat foods and not being physically active. Being obese increases the risk of acquiring chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes which may in turn lead to diseases of the heart and other organs which will eventually lead to death. Knowing the risks obesity incurs, physicians are now strongly recommending obese individuals to trim down. Losing even 10% of the total body weight can significantly lower risks related to obesity.

Hypertension or high blood pressure, one of the illnesses obesity causes, is defined as a chronic medical condition in which the systemic arterial blood pressure is elevated. Blood pressure refers to the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, and constitutes one of the principal vital signs. Hypertension is twice commonly diagnosed in obese individuals than those with normal body mass index. Designated as either essential or primary and secondary hypertension, it is usually diagnosed on the basis of persistent increase in the blood pressure. Blood pressure is expressed through a fraction using millimeters of mercury or mmHg as the unit and measured through the use of an instrument called a sphygmomanometer. The top number, the systolic blood pressure, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood forward into the arteries. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction.

The normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, 110/75 mmHg is considered low normal while 130/85 is the high normal. Hypertension starts at 140/90 mmHg. The signs and symptoms associated with the illness include dizziness, headache, shortness of breath and blurred vision. Sometimes, however, hypertension presents as an asymptomatic condition until it has other complications already, thus labeled as a ‘silent killer.’ Complications include heart disease, atherosclerosis, eye damage, renal failure and stroke. Taking into consideration the complications, it is consequently very important to diagnose and immediately manage the condition. Treatments include medications like ACE inhibitors, ARB drugs, beta-blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, alpha-blockers, and peripheral vasodilators. Since hypertension has been associated with obesity, physicians also strongly recommend dietary and lifestyle changes such as decreasing salt and fat intake which eventually leads to losing weight. However, if attempts of weight loss cannot be achieved through dietary measures, weight loss surgery is of an option.

Obesity plays a big role in hypertension. Since hypertension is a chronic disease doctors highly recommend weight loss. One of the weight loss surgeries physician highly recommend to very obese individuals is gastric sleeve surgery. The surgery can be done laparoscopically under general anesthesia. It is a much safer operation for individuals who are very obese. Basically a part of the stomach is stapled off and separated and usually about 70-80% of the stomach’s natural carrying capacity is cut off without involving the intestinal tract. The patient would usually experience early satiety as the result of the procedure. Also, metabolically speaking the surgery also helps in weight loss by decreasing the amount of ghrelin, a hunger causing hormone, in the body. The part which was cut off in surgery is held responsible for the production of the hormone. Post surgery patients are placed in a liquid diet. The diet slowly progress from soft to solid foods. The patient is also advised to eat slowly, chew foods properly and not to eat and drink at the same time. Lifestyle adjustments in diet and exercise and compliance with medication regimes are important factors in determining the outcome for people with hypertension. Studies show that with weight reduction and regular exercise improves blood flow and helps reduce heart rate and blood pressure. According to a 2004 article from the Journal of the American Medical Association nearly 75% of patients with high blood pressure can have improvement or resolution of the their high blood pressure after weight loss surgery. Thus, weight loss remains one of the existing management for hypertension.

Choosing the best place for your weight loss surgery whether it is a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, lap band or gastric bypass surgery means seeking out not only the best prices but also a quality, well respected medical facility with highly skilled and experienced doctors.

As weight loss surgery generally is not covered by health insurance in the United States it can be quite expensive. This a driven the trend for medical tourism abroad where health care can be found at a fraction of the cost of the US. Many foreign destinations have tried marketing themselves as great places for different types of medical care. This is far from a novel new idea of fad. In fact medical tourism is now a multi billion dollar business with over a million Americans traveling abroad for medical care each year. Among these destinations, Mexico has emerged as one of the most popular, especially in the field of weight loss surgery. Mexican cities like Mexicali, Tijuana and Monterrey see hundreds of thousands of Americans visiting each year for medical treatment on top of the million plus who have already permanently relocated south to take advantage of a better quality of life and affordable health care.

The cost of gastric bypass, vertical sleeve gatrectomy or lap band surgery in Mexico varies between medical facilities, though can be found ranging between 30-70% of the cost of the same procedures in the US. While this can mean saving even upwards of $10,000 of course price shouldn’t be your only concern. In the search for the best place for your weight loss surgery it is importance to know the difference between small surgery centers and actual hospitals. There are a number of small surgery centers that have popped up south of the border offering a variety of medical services. However these often spend the majority of their budgets on advertising to attract new customers which results either in higher prices or taking away from being able to afford the best doctors and equipment. Your health and safety is certainly not something to play with. In contrast the best Mexican hospitals in Tijuana, Mexicali and Monterrey offer state of the art medical facilities, providing the latest technology and techniques delivered by world class physicians. These hospitals are still able to offer the best discounts without sacrificing service and quality.

Lower cost weight loss procedures in Mexico far from mean lower quality service. In fact doctors in Mexico have actually been performing some of these procedures years longer than their American counter parts. The best hospitals in Mexico are distinguished by Joint Commission International accreditation and engage in education exchange programs with the world’s premier medical institutions such as the Children’s Hospital Boston and the Mayo Clinic. The World Health Organization has deemed these hospitals to provide a comparable level of service to the best in the US and more patients have rated their experiences in these prime Mexican hospitals good or excellent than patients who remained in the United States for treatment.

Safety should also be a consideration for those choosing to take advantage of more affordable and higher quality health care abroad. Many other places around the planet that have tried to attract medical tourists like India, Brazil and Thailand are infinitely more dangerous that taking a short trip to Mexico, not to mention more expensive to get to, which can severely cut into any savings. The leading hospitals in Mexico are often also able to assist patients with travel plans and accommodations in secure, luxury buildings. Remember that in comparison Mexico and especially the areas you will be visiting for treatment are much safer than many parts of the US. Repeat clients and word of mouth referrals are the lifeblood of these weight loss surgery centers so of course they take extreme care to make sure that all patients are treated with the utmost care and the highest possible level of personal service.

All in all, Mexico clearly offers a superior solution for those seeking weight loss surgery including lap band, vertical sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgery. Here you will find the best combination of discounted prices, stunning and well equipped state of the art hospitals and the most qualified and doctors along with administration and medical staff that provide first class treatment that truly make visits a delight.

With tighter economic times not only are more Americans seeking a remedy for weight problems but they are having to look abroad for affordable treatments and weight loss surgeries. It is estimated that 2010 will see around 2.6 million Americans traveling to another country for medical treatment, which is on top of many more residents who regularly travel to their home countries for health care. Far from a small industry medical tourism is well on it’s way to be a $100 billion a year business even at the incredibly discounted prices available. While some may think medical tourism is a new thing or a fad, they couldn’t be more wrong. The practice of traveling for better and lower cost medical treatment has existed since the times of the ancient Greeks. But where is the best place to go if you are seeking affordable and safe weight loss treatment like lap band, gastric bypass or vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery today?

Several countries have become highly marketed as medical tourism destinations including; Thailand, India, Canada, Brazil and Mexico, though there are many more that also attract tens of thousands each year. Each country has different advantages and disadvantages with price generally becoming cheaper the further away the country is from the US. Prices for weight loss surgeries abroad generally range from 30-70% of the cost at home which can easily add up to well over $10,000. However, while price may be your main motivation for looking into medical tourism it should not be the only thing that you consider for obvious reasons.

Other factors that must be taken into consideration when deciding where to go for your weight loss procedure include; travel time and price, accommodations while you are there, safety of the destination, quality of the medical facility and equipment and of course how experienced and qualified the doctors and staff are as well as the friendliness and attentiveness of the service. While traveling abroad for weight loss health care has many benefits you should not sacrifice or unnecessarily risk other aspects of your health in the search just to save a few dollars.

For example, those who are considering Asia of the Middle East as an option need not only be concerned with lower medical standards and safety of the destination but the high risk of contracting exotic diseases within the chosen medically center it’s self. Unfortunately westerners can easily contract further life threatening infections or viruses as the immune system is not developed to protect against them. While Canada may seem appealing to some, obviously the weather is not as nice as most of the other options and while English is commonly spoken the discounts are not as significant as other choices. While some South American countries have been performing various forms of cosmetic surgery they are also notoriously dangerous and have received a lot of media attention and have even been the center of many Hollywood productions. For most, Mexico offers the best overall option, especially when it comes to weight loss surgeries like vertical sleeve gastrectomy, lap band and gastric bypass surgery.

Of course the predominant concern for those seeking a foreign destination for affordable health care is the quality of health care and qualifications of the doctors performing any procedures. The best way to ensure safety and quality of medical facilities abroad is to check out their designations and accreditation’s. The most notable is being accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). The JCI, a relative of the Joint Commission of the United States inspects and accredits international hospitals and certifies those that meet the highest international standards and elite levels of patient care. There are several JCI accredited hospitals in Mexico including Monterrey. When deciding on a care facility you are much better off both in terms of cost and safety by choosing an actual hospital opposed to a small surgery center. Major hospitals can also be check out via the International Better Business Bureau. A dedication to constant improvement and affiliation with other world class medical centers and hospitals is also a great indication of safety and professionalism, for example education exchange programs with the like of the Children’s Hospital Boston and the famous Mayo Clinic.

In summary most Americans and others will find the Mexico offers the best combination of benefits when it comes to weight loss surgery from a close destination with great discounts to hosting some of the best international hospitals that are staffed by elite teams of highly trained and experienced doctors.

For those seeking out an effective form weight loss treatment whether it is vertical sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass or lap band surgery there are a number of factors that should be considered before making an informed decision and making sure you get the best treatment at the best price.

Factors To Consider Include:
Cost of weight loss surgery
Travel
Experience of doctors and medical staff
Safety of location
Quality of hospital
Attention to service

Cost of Weight Loss Surgery
As weight loss surgery is not normally covered by health care insurance electing to have gastric bypass, vertical sleeve gastrectomy or lap band surgery in the USA can be an extremely expense procedure that can cost upwards of $17,000 to $30,000. In comparison, medical tourism destinations like Mexicali, Tijuana and Monterrey Mexico offer lap band surgery for as little as $6,300 in superior facilities and performed by more experienced doctors.

Travel
Even if you were to stay in the US for your weight loss surgery you will likely have to travel to find a quality medical facility offering the procedures. There are far away destinations like India offering low cost weight loss treatments, though the costs of traveling there are prohibitive and eat away at the discounts and better quality treatment can be found closer to home, across the border in Mexico. The better hospitals offer assistance with travel as well as stay in luxury accommodations.

Experience of Doctors and Medical Staff
Of course the huge savings from seeking medical treatment abroad comes from mainly form the lower cost of construction and labor. This does not mean lower quality or inexperienced medical professionals, simply that local living costs are lower and wages are lower. In fact the best hospitals in Mexico that specialize in weight loss surgery actively participate in exchange programs with the world’s leading medical institutions as well of course having doctors that have also studied at the best US universities. While lap band, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy surgeries may be rare in some countries that are trying to begin offering them, Mexican doctors have been performing these procedures even before their US based counter parts. This translates to more experienced and better trained medical professionals who can offer the best and safest treatment.

Safety of Location
While medical tourism has been booming throughout this decade and now motivates millions of Americans to travel abroad each safety should still be a consideration. Countries where English is rarely spoken can lead to all kinds of safety issues and concerns. Countries like India and other parts of South America can be extremely dangerous for tourists. However staying in the US is not necessarily the answer. In fact compared to Mexico, many US cities are far more dangerous and prone to random crime even average American towns you would not normally consider violent or dangerous like Jacksonville, Florida.

Quality of Hospital
Whether you choose to stay at home or go abroad the quality of the hospital you choose is very important. The Joint Commission International is the international non-profit organization that accredits hospitals worldwide that meet the highest global standards. Any hospital that you consider choosing should be accredited by the JCI. Also look for hospitals that have exchange programs and are connected with other prime medical institutions which is a sign of the level of quality you can expect. Also hospitals are a much safer and wiser choice than small private surgery centers. Fortunately for those heading to Mexico there are several incredible hospitals that are easily the equivalent of the best US hospitals using the latest techniques and offering the best state of the art equipment and technology.

Attention to Service
Great equipment, low prices, safety and expert doctors are all important and critical. However when electing to undergo any type of weight loss surgery or other medical treatment you deserve to receive personal attention and great service, especially when you are paying for it. The International Business Bureau is just like the local Better Business Bureau that you use to check up on everyday companies and surgery is definitely something you want to check up on providers for. To ensure the best service also look for hospitals that unlike small surgery centers do not rely on advertising to find new clients, but their great reputation instead.

Mexico has become the first choice for almost a million people each year seeking affordable health care including weight loss procedures like vertical sleeve gastrectomies, lap band and gastric bypass surgeries, but is it safe? Not only safe in terms of medical practices and health care but as a destination to visit for medical tourism.

2010 has seen a number of news headlines about crime in Mexico however this should be looked at with the right perspective. How many crimes have there been in the US this year and who have the crimes been committed against? In comparison, when looking at the hard figures and statistics there are of course more murders in the United States. In fact according to data compiler Nation Master you are 20% more likely to be a murder victim staying in the US than visiting Mexico for your weight loss surgery. On top of this keep in mind that despite ‘sensational’ news headlines designed to boost ratings and fill the void when there is a lack of other news almost all of this crime in Mexico is by drug gangs against other drug gangs. So providing you do not get involved in buying or smuggling illegal drugs your visit to Mexico should be uneventful, except for of course enjoying the amazing scenery and great local culture. For those who are still wary, you can be sure a little common sense will go a long way to prevent even the slightest chance of even being robbed or taken advantage of. For example not flashing wads of $100 bills in front of those begging for money.

So having established the majority of Mexico as a safe choice of destinations for weight loss surgery in Mexico, what about the safety of the actual medical care that you can expect? Of course just as anywhere else in the world the quality of health care and qualifications of doctors vary between medical facilities. While there has been a lot of advertising by small surgical centers lately the biggest discounts, best equipped facilities and most experienced professionals can be found in the best hospitals in Monterrey, Mexicali and Tijuana, Mexico. As far as safety goes in Mexico’s elite medical institutions, you will find hospitals that are comparable to the premiere hospitals in the US and other well respected destinations. In fact Mexico is one of the few countries to have hospitals that are accredited by the Joint Commission International who inspects and approves international hospitals according the the highest standards of patient care. Some of these same hospitals are also involved in education exchange programs with the USA’s leading medical institutions like the world renowned Mayo Clinic and Children’s Hospital Boston. Doctors in Mexico have actually been performing these procedures longer than their US counterparts to to delays releasing technology and procedures in the US, making Mexican doctors more experienced. Mexico’s newest multimillion dollar hospitals specializing in weight loss surgery also feature the world’s latest technology and best state of the art equipment.

On top of the safety of Mexico’s hospitals for weight loss surgery and the obvious cost advantages you will also find that personalized service is delivered with a smile and to a standard it would be next to impossible to find at home. The hospitals have been rated 10% better than those in the US by those who have already visited and focus on exceeding your expectations. This goes beyond your time in surgery and extends to world class, luxurious accommodation to make your stay an enjoyable experience from beginning to end.

Gastric Bypass Surgery is a proven method for permanent weight loss as well as a potential cure for Type II Diabetes and other conditions related to morbid obesity. Basically, the surgery helps lose weight of patients by changing how their stomach and small intestine handle the food they eat. The surgery is recommended when non-surgical treatments, such as diet, exercise and medicines have not worked. Generally, the surgery is considered for patients who have a body mass index of 40 or higher or if there is a life threatening or disabling condition related to the patient’s weight.

Preparation before the procedure includes a thorough and extensive screening process like blood tests, physical exams, bleeding and clotting time, and other needed laboratory work-ups. If the patient is smoking, the act is prohibited for weeks prior to the surgery. Eating will also be prohibited hours before to prevent aspiration. The operation requires a two to four day stay in the hospital and is done under general anesthesia.

During the surgery, the surgeon uses surgical staples to create a pouch from the upper part of the stomach separating it from the rest. A section of the intestine is then bypassed and re-connected to the pouch. This then creates a shorter route for the food to pass in the digestive system, thus lesser food is absorbed in the body. Gastric bypass be done by making a large incision in the abdomen (an open procedure) or by making a small incision and using small instruments and a camera to guide the surgery (laparoscopic approach). Other than the small size of the digestive system, some scientists also believe that weight loss following bariatric surgery is also the result of diminished blood cells of a recently discovered hormone called ghrelin, which is secreted by endocrine cells within the stomach. Blood ghrelin levels rise prior to meals and in the face of food restriction or starvation.

Just like any surgery, gastric bypass involves a set of risks. Risks common to all surgeries for weight loss include an infection in the incision, a leak from the stomach into the abdominal cavity or where the intestine is connected which may lead to peritonitis, and a blood clot in the lung. Ulcers also develop 5 to 15% of the time. Over time, the problems that may occur include, breakdown of the pouch, which would require another surgery to repair it, narrowing of the opening between the stomach pouch and the small intestine, low calcium levels, which can cause early osteoporosis. Also, problems such as gallstones and gallbladder attacks, gastritis, heartburn, stomach ulcers, poor nutrition, vomiting from eating more than your stomach pouch can hold, dumping syndrome when the contents of the stomach move through the small intestine quickly, incisional hernia and kidney stones may occur over time. An iron and vitamin B12 deficiency also occurs more than 30% of the times. About 50% of those with an iron deficiency develops anemia.

Weight loss is the major benefit of gastric bypass surgery. An expected weight loss of 65% to 80% of excess body weight is typical of most large series of the surgery. Most people lose about 10 to 20 pounds a month in the first year following the procedure. Comorbidities accompanying morbid obesity may also be corrected if the surgery is performed. Hyperlipidemia is corrected in over 70% of patients. Essential hypertension is relieved in over 70% of patients and medication requirements are usually reduced in the remainder. Obstructive sleep apnea is markedly improved with weight loss and bariatric surgery may be curative for sleep apnea. Snoring also improves in most patients. Over 90% of patients with type II non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus are expected to be off medication. Problems like, asthma, joint pain, arthritis, reflux, fatigue and shortness of breath are also improved or cured. In summary, the procedure causes an overall increased sense of well-being and an improved ability to engage in physical activity.

After the surgery, a restriction of eating for one to two days to allow the stomach to heal may be required, to be followed by a specific diet for about 12 weeks. Activities can be resumed after the patient can move around without a lot of pain usually in 3 to 5 weeks. Following the procedure, the patient needs to follow the exercise and nutrition guidelines established by the physician and the dietitian to lose weight and avoid complications of the procedure.

A real commitment to change your entire lifestyle is the only way that you can maintain the healthy benefits of Lap Band surgery. If you are one of those who have had lap band surgery or are still panning to undergo this type of bariatric surgery in order to achieve your weight loss goals, you must be completely prepared for a 360-degree shift to change some particular aspects of your life. The real struggle to achieve weight loss can be experienced by a patient after bariatric surgery. Weight loss surgery alone will not shed your excess weight. Gastric banding, gastric bypass, and gastrectomy are just surgical operations to diminish your food intake and the body’s absorption of nutrients. Proper eating habits, diet modification, and other lifestyle changes are the primary elements for successful weight loss.

As a matter of fact, bariatric surgery is not a miracle cure to obesity and the direct ticket to losing all that excess weight you painstakingly want to get rid of. It is the combined diet and lifestyle alterations post-lap band surgery that will help you achieve your fitness goals. Your bariatric doctor will explain to you the pre- and post-surgical guidelines so as to help and support you to lose weight and prevent health risks. Lap band patients are examined beforehand to ensure that he or she is capable enough to withstand the pressure post-surgery.

DIET and NUTRITION

Following your lap band surgery, you must adhere to a strict diet. Right after your surgery, you are only to take occasional sips of water or suck ice chips. You must not be taking more than that. You can take more fluid a day after your operation, but only small amounts at a time. Besides water, you can also take other fluids with more calories. The first 3 to 5 days, you are on strict liquid diet.

One to four weeks after surgery, you can have clear broth/soup (without vegetables or meat, not creamy), low-fat yogurt, skimmed milk, jello, fruit juice, or pureed soft fruit. In the first week post-surgery, you may be allowed to eat food that may be restricted in your diet later as they may contain many calories. It is very important that for the first week after the surgery you must allow your stomach to be accustomed to the lap band system.

During the fourth to sixth week after surgery, you are now allowed to consume slightly thicker and creamier soups. By that time, you can be able to eat solid food. However, you may want to skip bread, red meat, and rice as they may be difficult to digest. Start with softer solid foods that are better and easier to digest (fish or moist white meat [chicken or pork]). You must cut your food into small pieces and chew your food thoroughly. If not, you will experience vomiting, nausea, stomach irritation and swelling. If this happens, you can go back to the liquid diet you had on the early days after the operation.

Your new nutritional plan must be followed for life. When you are able to digest solid food without any stomach problems, you must pay attention to your diet. You will not feel full if you only take liquid food. High-caloric food and drinks must be completely avoided. Eat three small meals a day. You must not eat in between meals. If you are already full, you need to stop eating. Eat only quality food while avoiding those with less nutritional value and those that are fibrous. Drink enough water and low-caloric fluids a day.

EXERCISE

As with any other health and wellness program, an exercise plan can be very crucial, it plays a very important role to achieve fitness or weight loss objectives. Exercise may be very difficult at the early days of post-weight loss surgery. Just take exercising simple and less strenuous at first. If you it becomes more comfortable, you can book a set each day as your exercise plan. Working out in the morning, mid-morning, or after work can make exercise an important item in your new lifestyle after bariatric surgery.

MONITORING AND ADJUSTMENTS

The lifestyle changes after lap band surgery can be very overwhelming at first. You need to keep your doctor in touch with you to monitor your progress. Adjustments to your band will be done during your visit to your doctor. You must need 5 to 8 adjustments within one year after the weight loss surgery.