As of 2020, obesity afflicts 41.9% of adults in the United States. The disease can lead to many complications, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and other medical conditions, but weight-loss surgery is an effective way to combat it. If you are considering the procedure and want to know more about it, here are the answers to some commonly asked questions.   

A Guide to Weight-Loss Surgery

Who qualifies for this surgery?

There are certain criteria patients need to meet to be eligible for the operation. You must have a BMI greater than 40 or be more than 100 pounds overweight but weigh less than 450. You could also have a BMI between 35 and 40 and suffer from an obesity-related health issue, such as heart disease, sleep apnea, Type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.   

What are its benefits and drawbacks?

After surgery, most patients experience significant weight loss, shedding approximately half of their excess pounds and keeping it off in the long term. The rapid results can boost your energy levels and improve or cure obesity-related conditions you may have, such as high blood pressure. The risk of developing diseases, such as cancer, is also reduced, plus it can increase your life span. 

As with any surgical procedure, there can be side effects. Complications vary depending on the person but may include nausea, hernias, gallstones, acid reflux, vitamin deficiencies, or an infection near the incision site. These scenarios are easily treatable and nonlife-threatening.   

What is post-op life like?

Recovery time from weight-loss surgery is different for every patient and can range from one to four weeks. Typically, you can leave the hospital the next day if you're not experiencing unusual symptoms and are having regular bowel movements. 

For the first month, your doctor is going to provide you with dietary guidelines you need to adhere to, which may consist of liquids and pureed and soft foods. You should drink plenty of water, consume protein, and ensure you’re receiving substantial nutrients.

How are results maintained?

You should make certain lifestyle changes to enjoy long-lasting results after weight-loss surgery. It’s beneficial to eat smaller, wholesome meals. Since your body may have a difficult time absorbing nutrients, ask your doctor about supplements you can take to prevent vitamin deficiencies. Also, adopting an exercise routine can reduce the risk of weight gain and improve overall health.

If you think you would benefit from weight-loss surgery, reach out to Sofiane El Djouzi, MD, FACS. This surgeon is located in Darien, IL, and has greatly improved the health of many patients using state-of-the-art technology and treatments. You can have peace of mind  knowing you’re in capable hands and can look forward to improved health. For a free consultation, call (773) 365-1300. Visit the website to learn more about available services.