What is the Right Weight Loss Surgery for YOU?

When considering weight loss surgery, there are many options for you to choose from. Dr. Sina Matin and Dr. Julio Rivera at Surgical Weight Management Solutions offer all the latest surgical options, including gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, gastric banding such as LAP-BAND®, as well as robotic surgery capabilities.

Most weight loss surgery options share many characteristics. They include:

• Appropriate at body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. If you have serious health issues related to your weight, you may qualify at a BMI of 35.
• Can help you typically lose an average of 40-80% of your excess weight based upon procedure.
• Can help resolve or improve weight-related health issues such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
• Can provide you with that all-important first step on a path to a healthier life with greater mobility and a renewal of energy and confidence.

How does Weight Loss Surgery Work?

Weight loss surgery can provide benefits in two ways. First, the surgery is restrictive, meaning it limits the amount of food that a patient can eat by creating a smaller stomach pouch. Second, the surgery can be mal-absorptive, which limits the number of calories and nutrients that a patient can absorb by rerouting the small intestine.

Gastric bypass is restrictive and mal-absorptive. Staples are used to create a small stomach pouch that is attached to the middle point of the small intestine, which changes the configuration of the gastrointestinal tract. Adjustable gastric banding is a restrictive procedure and uses a small silicone band that wraps around the stomach to create a small pouch. The gastric band can be adjusted through additional procedures to regulate the capacity of the stomach. Gastric sleeve is also restrictive. A large portion of the stomach is cut away, forming a smaller, banana shaped pouch.

What is Laparoscopic Surgery, and What is the Recovery Time?

Surgical Weight Management Solutions specializes in minimally invasive, laparoscopic surgery. A minimally invasive approach allows for surgery to be completed by creating five small incisions in the abdominal area. The laparoscopic approach results in less abdominal injury, less scarring, a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, and less pain. Most patients are candidates to have their surgery performed laparoscopically by utilizing advanced robotic instruments that are less invasive and provide the patient with a faster recovery and less discomfort.

Recovery does vary from patient to patient. On average, patients stay in the hospital for one night and typically return to work in 21 days. Patients report experiencing discomfort and soreness rather than pain after surgery.

Are there any Post-Surgical Considerations I Should be Aware of?

Following any of these weight loss surgeries, significant changes must be made in how you eat. As part of your post-operative plan, you’ll eat smaller amounts of food per meal. Gastric bypass also require vitamins and supplements to compensate for absorbing fewer nutrients. As with all weight loss surgery, there are risks and complications. For a comprehensive list, please visit www.baylorhealth.com/grapevineweightloss.

How Much Weight Loss Should I Expect?

Gastric Bypass typically has the most stable weight loss over time compared with other weight loss surgeries. Most patients lose an average of 70-80% of their excess weight with gastric bypass. Adjustable gastric banding patients typically experience a 40-50% reduction in excess weight. Gastric Sleeve patients typically experience a 60% reduction in excess weight.

What’s My Next Step?

Each bariatric procedure can provide you with an opportunity for a new life path, one which could dramatically improve your health and give you back your energy and self-esteem. If you’d like to discuss your surgical options with Dr. Matin or Dr. Rivera, please call Surgical Weight Management Solutions at 877-459-8080. You can also sign up for a free weight loss seminar where you’ll learn about all the weight loss surgery options available at our Dallas, Texas clinic.