In a world of instants, high cholesterol foods have become more available in the modern society. And as such, obesity has become a growing public health issue. Reports from the WHO in 2003 state that there were as much as 300 million obese adults worldwide, roughly about 60 million in the U.S alone. Obesity in itself is a disease and can lead to a whole spectrum of different diseases that is bound to shorten your lifespan. These staggering figures have directed people into finding better treatment modalities for obesity and even searching for a cure, if there is one.

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a term that refers to an extreme body proportion that favors weight more than height. By definition, adults need to have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 30 kg/m2 to be considered obese. It these numbers, obese individuals have packed at least 30% more fat than people with normal BMI. These substantial amounts of body fat can lead to a variety of diseased states apart from the social stigma the goes with it.

Health Consequences

Researchers from the Center for Disease Control state that the risk of premature death rises with increasing weight. In fact, numbers would show that individuals who are 40% overweight are twice as likely to suffer from premature death compared to those with normal weight. These numbers are born from a multitude of diseases that accompanies obesity.

The following lists the common conditions faced by obese individuals:

• Heart Diseases
• Stroke
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Cancers
• Fatty Liver Disease
• Gallbladder problems
• Breathing problems
• Deep Vein Thrombosis
• Arthritis

What causes Obesity?

Obesity is a multi-factorial condition that may be brought by genetics, poor lifestyle and a host of other factors the generally lead to a less active and more sedentary lifestyle. Contributing factors include:

An affinity for high caloric food. Because diets that are composed primarily of soft drinks, candies, desserts as well as other high-caloric fast foods can definitely speed up the occurrence of obesity. Psychological factors that make people eat more especially when they are physically or emotionally stressed. In these instances, the drive to eat is not stimulated by the body needing more energy but by the person’s need to find comfort in food. Age. Older people are less active and have lesser muscle mass that helps in metabolizing fat for energy. Weight gains associated with pregnancy. This is one of the more frequent causes of obesity in women. After pregnancy, women find it more difficult to shed off pounds gained during pregnancy. Having hormonal problems. Obesity’s rather uncommon cause is brought by problems in hormones that regulate the body’s metabolic rates. Alcohol consumption. Drinking more alcohol means more caloric intake. A bottle of beer translates into a total of 150 calories. And without cutting back on other sources of calories, drinking beer regularly can lead to an excessive weight gain.

Obesity Treatment Approaches

While proper diet and good exercise can definitely help in losing weight, lifestyle modifications alone may not be fast enough in overcoming the health risks that come with obesity. Because of this, health experts have developed two general approaches in combating obesity. Either it can be medical, which is the use of drugs that promote weight loss or surgical, which is the surgical restructuring of different parts of your gastrointestinal system. Between the two, surgery seems to be the better option in preventing obesity-associated diseases.

With a thousand obese subjects who have undergone any of the three surgical procedures (gastric banding, vertical banded gastroplasty or gastric bypass) along with the same number of controls, the study on Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) has one of the broadest scope in determining the effects of surgery for obesity. Results of the study show significantly reduced risks of having elevated insulin and triglyceride levels, lower incidence rates of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Its most significant result was the remarkable reduction in the number of deaths among surgically treated patients ranging from a 40% to a whopping 89% reduction in total mortality rates!

Then again, in the end, regardless of the cause and the treatment approach you decide to stick with, the ONLY way to protect yourself from obesity is through self-control, perseverance and a whole lot of DISCIPLINE.

Photo Credit: In the Food Line at Flickr

References:

Anne Collins (2007). Health Risks of Obesity; Available at: http://www.annecollins.com/obesity/risks-of-obesity.htm. Date retrieved: May 2, 2011

Haslam DW, James WP (2005). “Obesity”. Lancet366 (9492): 1197–209. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(05)67483-1. PMID 16198769.

House of Commons (2004) Obesity. Third Report of Session 2003–04. Volume I. Report, together with formal minutes. Available at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmselect/cmhealth/23/23.pdf. Date retrieved: May 2, 2011

Le Petit C, Berthelot, JM. Obesity: A Growing Issue; Available at: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-618-m/2005003/pdf/4224882-eng.pdf. Date Retrieved: May 2, 2011

Meyers,L. (20011) Let Private Enterprise Solve Obesity Problem, Not Government. Available at: http://biggovernment.com/lmeyers/2011/04/30/let-private-enterprise-solve-obesity-problem-not-government/. Date retrieved: May 2, 2011

North Carolina Association for Biomedical Research (2007) Obesity. Issue Brief. Available at: http://www.aboutbioscience.org/pdfs/Obesity.pdf. Date retrieved: May 2, 2011

WebMD Medical Reference (2011) Weight Loss: Health Risks Associated With Obesity; Available at: http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/obesity-health-risks. Date Retrieved: May 2, 2011

It is certainly true that traveling to Mexico for weight loss surgery including lap band, vertical sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgery has become extremely popular and makes up a bug portion of the hundreds of thousands that visit Mexico for health care each year. Of course a big part of this is the huge savings that can be found south of the border, but how much should you really expect to save, how safe is it to travel there, what are the hospitals really like and how well trained are the doctors?

Savings
Perhaps the biggest and most popular reason that many Americans and US residents choose Mexico for their weight loss surgeries. While prices vary in between hospitals and surgical centers you can expect to find prices between 30-70% of what you would expect to save in the US. There are now a number of small surgical centers in Mexico that advertise prominently in the US. However you will find that not only are the small centers not as well equipped as hospitals but they also spend so much on big advertising campaigns instead of word of mouth referrals that they have to sacrifice either on service, savings or the quality of staff that they employ. The best overall deals can normally be found in leading hospitals in Monterrey, Mexicali and Tijuana that are regarded as providing the best combination of cost, safety, modern facilities and highly trained doctors.

Safety
While there have been a few recent headlines that have aimed to shock with reports of violence along the US, Mexico border these need to be seen for what they really are and not to be confused with what you can really expect to experience during a visit to Mexico for weight loss surgery. Of course there are political motives behind most news headlines and it is certainly no coincidence that this comes at a time when many are pushing political agendas. Also bear in mind that the reported crimes that have been reported recently are between drug gangs and not aimed at medical tourists and of course that in reality there are many more deaths and murders in the United States each year than there are in Mexico. If you are riding your bicycle south across the border and plan to buy illegal drugs or rip off drug lords then yes, perhaps you should be worried. But if you are traveling to a world class hospital that prides it’s self on taking great care of it’s patients throughout their stay and protecting the lifeblood of their business clearly this is quite a different story. You should find that with a little common sense and not breaking any laws that your trip should pass uneventfully.

Hospitals
So what are hospitals in Mexico really like? For those traveling to Mexico for the first time you may be surprised to find that many Mexican hospitals are even far more attractive than most of those in the US. These high rise modern hospitals feature impressive architecture, comfortable rooms and state of the art technology along with the latest equipment and friendly and efficient staff. In fact after your visit to Tijuana, Monterrey or Mexicali for your weight loss procedure you may likely wonder why you ever put yourself through going to a hospital back home and will certainly make Mexico your first choice for any other elective procedures in the future. Mexico is indeed home to some of the newest and finest hospitals in the world that are actually a pleasure to visit and those staying overnight will find the best accommodations along with personal and attentive service. Many of these hospitals are accredited by the Joint Commission International, are affiliated with the top medical facilities and clinics in the world and are involved in education exchange programs with prestigious institutions like Harvard Medical School. Ready4aChange.com is the perfect place to find bariatric surgeries in Mexico.

Doctors
When it comes to the question of how good the doctors are here, you will be pleasantly surprised to find many of the world’s leading doctors that specialize in weight loss treatment practicing medicine here from Mexican doctors who have far more experience with weight loss surgery than US doctors to even American doctors who have relocated south of the border in order to be able to compete as well as enjoy the great quality of living.

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.

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.

In contrast to the circumstantial increase in the incidence of obesity among people these days, many medical professionals are choosing surgical options for people with weight problem. The choice to recommend weight loss surgery methods by doctors to their patients are greatly shaped by the relative failure of conventional weight loss strategies. Nowadays, most doctors are resorting to surgical options to effectively to control and restrain the rise of weight-related disease and accompanying costs. One of the surgical weight loss methods that are popularly done these days to obese patients is the bariatric surgery. This surgical operation is remarkably effective. However, there is more to it than just being under the knife to reduce your food intake. Your success in losing weight is usually gauged after bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery is a weight loss surgical procedure that refers to several different procedures that are aimed to reduce weight via the modification of the gastrointestinal tract to decrease the intake of food and lessen the amount of absorption within the body. The weight loss can be achieved through gastric banding (reducing the size of the stomach with an implanted medical device called lap band) or via gastric bypass surgery (resecting or re-routing the small intestines to a small stomach pouch) or by means of removing a portion of the stomach (sleeve gastrectomy or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch).

With many patients who have had bariatric surgery, doctors and other medical professionals have concluded that this surgical option for weight loss goal is highly effective. Long-term research and studies have proved that bariatric surgery has several advantages. Benefits of bariatric surgery are inclined to weight loss and improvements in health conditions.

Weight Loss. Weight loss after gastric bypass surgery occurs really rapidly among men and women alike. For women, they lose about 1 pound every day within the first 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery. In men, they usually lose 2 pounds during the first few weeks after gastric bypass. Characteristically, patients who have undergone gastric bypass surgery lose about 20% of excess weight within the first 2 months after the operation. About 30%- 40% of excess weight are eliminated after 3-4 months. One year after gastric bypass surgery, patients usually lose 60%-85% of excess body weight.

For those who went under gastric banding, weight loss can vary. The usually lose 25%- 60% of their excess weight within 1 to 3 years of adjustable band surgery. Compared to gastric bypass surgery, weigh loss after gastric banding is slower. Averagely, men and women will lose 40% of their excess weight.

After bariatric surgery, many patients will gain weight after their initial weight loss if they don’t follow recommended diet, exercise, and follow-up regimens.

High-Blood Pressure Improved. Hypertension among bariatric surgery patients may improve often just a few days after surgery. This medical condition may be completely resolved in 75% of patients. Although, some patients may still undergo treatment of their hypertension after the surgery, they are now treated with fewer medications or at lower doses.

Normal Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels. A few months after this weight loss surgery, many patients (80% of patients) will develop normal levels of cholesterol and triglyceride.

Improved Blood Sugar Control. It is very important that diabetic patients monitor their blood sugar levels shortly after gastric bypass surgery. Usually, blood sugar levels will become normal after a few days from the operation.

Diminish Risk of Heart Disease. Gastric bypass surgery effectively reduces the risk of patients to heart disease. Bariatric surgery can prevent major risk factors to heart disease such as hypertension, high levels of cholesterol, and diabetes.

Respiratory Insufficiency Reduced. Obese people have problems with breathing, especially on exertion. After bariatric surgery, these patients have improved lung capacity. Oxygen uptake during normal activities and activities with exertion is improved as body’s need of oxygen is now equal to the body’s supply.

All the patients who have undergone weight loss surgery find that they have overall quality of life. They are able to face all the challenges that they have faced before their operation.

These are just some of the known benefits of bariatric surgery. You can discover more advantages of this weight loss surgery with your bariatric doctor. Researching through medical books or online resources on gastric bypass, lap band surgery, and gastrectomy prove to be helpful for you to understand this weight loss option.

Bariatric surgery will completely change the eating ways-from the types of food the body will tolerate to how much the person can eat at any one time. It helps with hunger control and will make it easier to limit eating. Bariatric diet is a dietary plan typically recommended to patients who have undergone weight loss surgery. After weight loss surgery, the stomach changes in capacity and function, so the patient’s diet needs to be adjusted. The bariatric diet plan will focus on minimizing calories and maximizing nutrition that will in turn help in losing weight while staying healthy at the same time.

The bariatric diet begins with the pre-surgery diet and continues after surgery with the recovery diet. Pre-surgery diet includes the restriction of eating six to eight hours prior to the procedure. The physician may also recommend taking a diet high in protein and low in calories, fats and carbohydrates. Diet before the procedure is facilitated in the hospital since the patient will be admitted during this time.
Surgery for weight reduction is not a miracle procedure. It doesn’t guarantee that the individual will lose all of their excess weight or keep it off long term. Weight loss success after the surgery depends on the individual’s commitment in making lifelong changes in their eating and exercise habits. Therefore much attention should be given by health care professionals in teaching and making sure that patients understand and follow the diet guidelines post-op. First and foremost, remember that the overall goal is to optimize the nutritional value of small portions of foods being eaten and to obtain the nutrients needed by the body to be healthy. Portion sizes for meals should be no more than six to eight ounces and this should be enough to make the patient feel full. It is important that the patient be aware of body signals of satisfaction.

The diet progression through recovery can take up to three months, but it can also occur sooner. It all depends on the extent of surgery and how well the patient’s body adjusts to the changes. Immediately after the surgery there will be a restriction for eating and drinking for at least 24 hours. For the first week following the surgery the patient can only tolerate nutritious fluids which include water, tea, broth, protein fruit drinks, and artificially sweetened non-carbonated beverages. Second week diet includes having pureed and blended foods. Pureed foods are soft foods that have been blended into the smooth consistency of baby food and do not contain any chunks because the chunks can cause pain and vomiting. After a month, the diet will now include trying out of soft solid foods which can still be in pureed form. The aim is to make the patient chew soft pieces of food. Food items like meat paste, fish, cottage cheese, pasta, and rice are some examples. Once you are able to eat soft foods without any significant difficulties the surgeon will now begin introducing solid foods, the last stage of the diet progression. Foods will be added on a gradual basis to make sure it is tolerated by the digestive system.

Since the diet will be small portions, measuring tools can be used to check on the portion sizes. Serving meals on smaller plates, such as salad or luncheon plates will help make these smaller portions look more appealing. It is also important that the patient chew foods slowly possibly taking 15-20 chews per bite in order to ensure that nothing gets stuck passing through the narrowed outlet from the pouch. Perhaps taking 20-30 minutes to complete a meal is ideal for post gastric bypass patients. Since most bariatric patients are fast eaters before the procedure, this is a difficult behavior to change. Protein is an important nutrient for fast recovery and proper functioning of the body post surgery. Since our body does not store protein, it is a must that patients meet the daily minimum protein requirement which is approximately 50-60 grams for women and 60-70 grams for men. The patient should drink about 64 ounces of water or other fluids each day. With the reduced intake of food the body will gain less fluid, making it a must to drink fluids in order to be well hydrated. All fluids should be taken in between meals not with the meal. Carbonated and alcoholic beverages should be restricted. Additionally, patients will have a lifelong regimen of vitamins and mineral supplements post surgery. Patients should avoid high carbonated foods such as chips and pretzels. Snacks and grazing between meals and foods high in fats and sugars should also be avoided.

Having good understanding of proper nutrition for post bariatric surgery patients is essential for the success of the procedure. Failure to follow the guidelines may lead to potentially serious complication such as dumping syndrome. It is important to see the physician and dietician for consultation as well. The surgery will help in trying to control the weight, but the ultimate change of a person’s life into a better one will be on the hands of the person themselves.

The vertical sleeve gastrectomy or known as longitudinal “vertical” gastrectomy, gastric reduction or vertical gastroplasy is a laparoscopic bariatric “weight loss” surgery aiming at reducing the stomach size by stapling the stomach and removing a part of it leaving a banana shaped sleeve or tube from the stomach. The operation is irreversible.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy LSG operation reduces up to 85% from the stomach size avoiding the mal-absorption caused by gastric bypass surgery. The surgery is formed under general anesthesia and it requires only a small abdominal incision “laparoscopic” to do stomach stapling and remove the separated part.

Sleeve gastrectomy indications:

The vertical sleeve gastrectomy operation is indicated for obese patients with BMI over 40. This is usually called morbid obesity where the excess weight threats the patient’s health and disturbs his lifestyle. The operation may be sufficient enough to reduce the weight permanently for moderately obese patients but in some cases of sever obesity it is only a stage. It may be required to follow the operating with gastric bypass if it failed alone to achieve the desired weight.

Advantages Vs disadvantages:
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has the following advantages as a bariatric surgery:

Post-operative lifestyle:
After the surgery, you have to change your lifestyle in order to reach the desired surgery outcome. These modifications are mainly:

Dietary modifications:
You’ll be instructed to change your diet and eating habits. The main points are summarized in drinking more water (about 8 cups of water per day) and increase this amount y 10-20% if you are on exercise. You MUST not drink water or fluids with solid food.
Regarding your meals, the first couple of months will be the hardest times as you have to adapt to your new stomach size. You must chew food well and eat smaller amount of food within longer meal time (30-45 minutes for meal). You must stop eating once you feel full. These instructions are very important to benefit from the surgery and avoid complications.

You should have 3 meals per day but the most important thing is to reduce fats and carbohydrates and make the main nutrient of your dies is protein. This is the healthy diet you must be following to be healthier and reduce your excess weight. Keep in mind that there are some food types and habits that you will never do again!

Exercise:
A very good step to consider is regular exercising. Start gradually as 10 minutes per day for one week then 20 minutes per day for 1-2 weeks then 30 minutes per day. Maintain regular 30 minutes’ walk everyday five days per week. This regular exercise is the best to get rid of dangerous fat and get a healthier body.
Regular exercise has been proven to reduce weight efficiently as well as reducing the risk for developing hypertension, heart diseases, diabetes and other diseases associated with obesity. All you have is to put a rigid schedule, make regular exercise on top of your priorities, start gradually and maintain it as a daily routine.