Pros and Cons of Weight Loss Surgery

If you are one of the countless individuals looking at the pros and cons of weight loss surgery, then you are not alone. This decision should be considered carefully before going under the knife. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. Weight loss surgery is no different. You need to know the pros and cons of this procedure so that you can make an informed decision about whether it is right for you or not.

There are many pros to bariatric surgery. For instance, most people who undergo this procedure lose an average of twenty pounds within the first month. After this period has passed, it is normal to gain back about four pounds per month. This is considered a successful weight loss surgery, since you will typically be able to keep off of the weight that you gained during this period.

Another pro to bariatric surgery is that most people find that they cut down on their alcohol use after undergoing the surgery. You typically have to abstain from drinking alcohol for a few months or longer before you can safely go back to drinking again. Many people find that this alone improves the results of the surgery.

The next pro and con to weight loss surgery is related to the surgical site of the operation. Some areas of the body do better than others when it comes to this procedure. The stomach is one area that may not work as well as some other parts of your body. Because of this, your surgeon will likely recommend that you undergo duodenal switch surgery, which allows for the removal of part of your stomach.

Another pro to bariatric surgery is that most people find that they cut down on their caloric intake after having the surgery. This allows for a quicker weight loss than you would have been able to accomplish if you tried to lose the weight after going without any type of surgery. Since the majority of calories come from fat, the duodenal switch actually makes it easier for you to burn off fat. This is because your stomach is not full, so you are more likely to eat smaller portions.

One thing that many people do not realize about gastric bypass surgery is that there are still associated risks. Your doctor will likely explain all of these risks to you during your evaluation. Some of the risks are related to the fact that after your stomach is partly or completely removed, there is little room for absorption of vitamins and minerals into your body. This is one reason why people who undergo this procedure are often advised to take vitamin and mineral supplements.

One of the biggest pros and cons of this operation is that you can get significant results in a relatively short period of time. Depending on how much of your stomach is removed, you may only see dramatic weight loss of four to six pounds in a year. While this sounds better than waiting six months or more for a gastric band to work, keep in mind that if you return to your old eating habits shortly after the surgery, you will most likely gain back most of the weight you lost.

These are some pros and cons of weight loss surgery that you should be aware of. Just remember that there are plenty of other options you have besides bariatric surgery. In addition to the pros and cons mentioned above, there are also risks, health risks, and other ways to help you reach your weight loss goals other than gastric bypass surgery. If you want to lose weight and keep it off, talk to your doctor. Find out what your options are now that you know what they are.