is bariatric or weight loss surgery safe? Learn the Truth about Bariatric Surgery

Описание: Weight loss surgery is very safe and decreases the chance of dying from obesity. In fact, weight loss surgery is safer than removing the gallbladder or having a knee replacement.

A recent study of 209,116 patients found the risk of death from weight loss surgery was 0.16%, or approximately 1 in 600. (4) This rate is considerably less than most other surgeries, including gallbladder and hip replacement surgery. Large studies find that the risk of death from any cause is considerably less for patients after weight loss surgery than for those who have severe obesity and have never had the surgery. Patients who have weight loss surgery have a reduction in their risk of death by 40%. Death related to diabetes is reduced by more than 90% and from heart disease by more than 50% for patients after weight loss surgery. (3) The benefits of weight loss surgery far outweigh the risks. As with any serious surgical operation, the decision to have weight loss surgery should be discussed with your surgeon, family members, and loved ones.

Can I go off some of my medications after weight loss surgery? Many patients are able to stop using some medications.

Will I have to take vitamins after surgery? You will need to take a multivitamin for life.You may need higher doses of certain vitamins or minerals, especially Iron, Calcium, and Vitamin D. You will also need to have at least yearly lab checks. Insurance almost never pays for vitamin and mineral supplements but usually does pay for labs. You can pay for supplements out of a flex medical account.

When can I get pregnant after weight loss surgery?
Most groups advise waiting 12-18 months after surgery before getting pregnant. Most women are much more fertile after surgery, even with moderate weight loss.Birth control pills do NOT work as well in patients who are overweight. Birth control pills are not very reliable during the time your weight is changing. For this reason, having an IUD or using condoms and spermicide with ALL intercourse is needed. Menstrual periods can be very irregular, and you can get pregnant when you least expect it!

Will the baby be healthy? Yes. After surgery, there is much less risk of experiencing problems during pregnancy and during childbirth. There are also fewer miscarriages and stillbirths than in women with obesity who have not had surgery and weight loss. Kids born after mom’s surgery are LESS at risk of being affected by obesity later, due to activation of certain genes during fetal growth. There is also less risk of needing a C section.

How long after weight loss surgery will I have to be from work? After surgery, most patients return to work in one or two weeks.

Will I lose my hair after surgery? Some hair loss is common between 3 and 6 months following surgery but almost always temporary. The reasons for hair loss are not totally understood. Even if you take all recommended supplements and meet protein requirements, hair loss will be noticed until the follicles come back. Adequate intake of protein, vitamins, and minerals will help to ensure hair re-growth, and avoid longer term thinning.

Will I need to have plastic surgery after weight loss? Some patients may choose to have plastic surgery, but this depends on many factors.

Do most people who have weight loss surgery regain their weight? No. A small number of patients can regain their weight but the vast majority lose significant weight and keep this weight off. More than 95% of patients will successfully lose half of their extra body weight or more after surgery for weight loss. (1) Roux en Y gastric bypass patients, for example, on average lose approximately 70% of their extra body weight initially, and 2 years or more after surgery will regain approximately 5% of their extra body weight. (2) Compared to these results, patients who attempt weight loss without surgery, on average, are able to lose little weight and may gain weight in the long-term. (3)