Weight loss surgery can be a lifesaving process when done right. Over the years, the procedure has helped hundreds of patients get over obesity.
Despite the impressive turnouts of the surgery, some patients are still skeptical about it. There are varied questions that have often been asked by prospective patients.
It is worthy of note that the questions are valid. They lay credence to the fact that obese individuals are keen to lose weight and are looking for the best options to achieve that. We have treated hundreds of international patients in our clinic. By virtue of that, we have been let into the questions regarding weight loss surgery abroad. We would in no particular order, share some of the posers and helpful answers for each.
1. Is Weight Loss Surgery Abroad risky?
This is without a doubt, the major concern of patients. It is a risky affair to travel several miles away from home for a surgical operation. Bariatric surgery is popular for the body contouring process. Hence, it is vital to cross-check the positive aspects and be sure they are favorable.
On the contrary, weight loss surgery abroad is safe. However, patients have to play their part to ensure a smooth transition from obesity to an hour-glass figure. Have in mind that the decision to undergo bariatric surgery is a bold one. Passing through the knife is a great milestone that needs to be sustained. Thus, it is important to stick to the pre-operative and post-operative dietary, exercise and aftercare guidelines.
It may also help you to have a support group where you can engage with real patients of Weight Loss Riga. Join Weight Loss Riga's Patient Community on Facebook today.
Weight Loss Surgery is risky
Do not get carried away by the fantasies of a hitch-free surgical operation. Weight loss is actually risky. Even though it cannot lead to death (this is rare), mismanaging the whole affair can trigger complications. In severe cases, mortality rates are the last resort.
It is a fact that bariatric surgery helps patients live a healthy life afterward. However, none of the procedures is fully safe. There are common risks that are associated with the surgery. For instance, patients are prone to leakage from the stomach, bleeding, staple line leak, blood clots, and infection during and after the procedure.
The Risks can be handled
Risks are not totally ruled out of weight loss surgery abroad. However, with expatriate surgeons, the right surgical tools and the patients’ willingness to adapt to the lifestyle changes, the risks can be mitigated.
2. Which Surgery should I go for?
It can be a difficult decision when choosing weight loss surgery to undergo. There are over 6 bariatric surgeries but only 3 are commonly in use. These are the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and the mini-gastric bypass surgery.
As stated earlier, none of the bariatric surgeries is safe. While making a choice, there are a number of factors to look at. This will help you arrive at a consensus.
Type of Surgery
There are two (2) major types of weight loss surgeries. However, a new approach that combines the traditional types (the malabsorptive/restrictive) is also available. Each of these has impressive tidings. It is the patients’ decision to choose the option that provides the needed weight loss plan. We’ll take a look at these, and what they have to offer.
• Malabsorptive Surgeries
Patients are keen on losing weight faster. However, there are many issues that can hamper the process. Thus, the malabsorptive approach is a viable option to hitching a ride to an hour-glass figure.
The overall essence of the surgery is to disrupt the body’s digestive system. This is done by reducing the size of the stomach and the small intestine (the organ that is responsible for digestion).
During the process, part of the intestine (usually the upper section of the small intestine) is cut off. This creates a “bypass” – a shortcut for food digestion. In addition, a smaller pouch is created and is responsible for holding small quantities of food. A good example of this surgical approach is gastric bypass surgery.
• Malabsorptive/Restrictive
Though it was not originally in the scheme of things, the mini-gastric bypass surgery brought it into vogue. The surgery works the same way as the malabsorptive. A smaller pouch is created and connected to a part of the smaller intestine. The impressive tiding of the surgery is the combination of the functions of the other two. It restricts food intake to a certain level (restrictive surgery) and reduces the size of the stomach (malabsorptive).
• Restrictive Surgery
The aim is to limit the amount of food intake. This is a nice approach, considering the fact that patients often consume junk foods. The surgery restricts the size of the stomach. This leads to the limitations on food intake. On average, patients’ stomachs can only hold about 2 ounces of food. This is opposed to the traditional 3 pints of food the stomach normally holds. The gastric banding procedure is a bariatric surgery that follows this approach.
3. Am I a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?
Before the doctor gives you a nod to undergo weight loss surgery abroad, there are a number of expectations to meet. The ability of the patient to stick to these requirements will determine the next step. Note that you are not a candidate because extra fresh appeared on your skin. You are not a good candidate simply because your skin starts sagging. The qualification is not fiat. These tips will help you decide on your qualification for weight loss surgery abroad.
• Body Mass Index
This is the first thing the doctor will look at. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a graphical view of your current weight. Typically, the scale is placed at 40. This implies that obese individuals with a BMI of 40 are qualified for the surgery.
On the contrary, it is worth noting that the figure is at the border of morbid obesity. To this end, it is not a good approach to checking weight. There are some individuals with lower BMI but are at the risk of negative effects of obesity.
In addition, different hospitals and clinics have disparate BMIs for each bariatric surgery. Weight Loss Riga accepts patients with a BMI of 30 and above for gastric sleeve. Patients with a BMI of 35 and above are qualified for the gastric bypass and the mini-gastric bypass surgeries.
• Unable to lose weight
You are a candidate for weight loss surgery if you have tried other methods (such as dieting and exercises) without achieving a positive result.
• At Risk of Obesity-Related Diseases
Some obese individuals do not have a BMI of 40 but still qualify for the surgery. This is because they are already afflicted with obesity-related diseases. Thus, you are qualified if you are suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, and other obesity-related diseases.
4. How much Weight will I lose?
Note that weight loss surgery is only a tool and not a solution to weight loss. The ability to discipline yourself and follow the laid-down rules will help you lose weight faster. Also, note that the amount of weight you lose sometimes depends on the bariatric surgery. On average, patients can expect a 60% drop on excess flesh a year after the surgery.
5. How long will I be away from work?
Some bariatric surgeries are faster than others. If you want to get back to work faster, find out the best surgery from your doctor. Most jobs may want you back in a few days while some can give you a few weeks off. It will be a good idea to undergo weight loss surgery when you are less busy at work. Otherwise, let your doctor help you choose the surgery that will be convenient for you.
You can go for the mini-gastric bypass surgery as an escape route. The procedure does not go beyond five days (including the surgery and recovery phase at the clinic). When you get back at work, avoid lifting loads. The body is still recuperating and needs as much rest as possible.
6. Will I regain weight after the surgery?
Yes, if you do not take the right steps. Do not subscribe to the notion that weight loss surgery abroad does not get the weight back. For some patients, the extra kilos of flesh start crawling back after a few years. In severe cases, you start regaining weight a few months after the surgery. This can be caused by a number of reasons. It starts the moment you drink water in between meals, eating beyond the recommended amount, doing away with exercise and avoiding follow-up services.
Weight gain is a “normalcy”. For the average bariatric patient, weight gain starts two years after the surgery. On the other hand, some bariatric surgeries have long-term weight loss sustenance. For instance, gastric sleeve patients maintain their hour-glass figure for a period of five (5) years. Generally, weight regain is possible after a number of years. However, it can be shorter if the patient does not stick to the post-operative guidelines.
7. What are the risks for each procedure?
Each of the weight loss surgical operation has risks. Apart from the general complications such as bleeding and infection, there are specific risks attached to every bariatric surgery.
Gastric bypass patients often suffer mineral and vitamin deficiencies. This is because the procedure bypasses the sections of the digestive tract that absorbs these nutrients. There is also the risk of gallstone development. The incisions made at the site of the operation trigger the risk of hernia. This is usually the case when the tissues within the operated area become weak.
Gastric banding patients are exposed to gastric band erosion (a situation where the band erodes into the stomach). There is also the risk of stoma obstruction and stomach slippage.
Patients that underwent gastric sleeve are at the risk of suture line bleeding and leakage. A gastric stricture can also occur.
8. Is the Surgery covered by Insurance?
Most insurance companies are not willing to cover weight loss surgery abroad. They would rather prefer coverage within the patients’ home country. In the UK, the National Health Scheme is likely to cover the surgery. The issue is the long processing time. Patients have to wait for a longer period before their application gets approval. In some cases, it does not. The flexibility of the program makes it possible for patients to get back the money they spent on weight loss surgery abroad. They have to apply for a refund when they get back to the UK. To be on the safe side, consult your doctor and be sure the NHS can cover the weight loss surgical operation you intend having.
9. Will I lose hair after weight loss surgery?
Hair loss is a common occurrence three to six months after bariatric surgery. Surgeons are yet to fully hint on the correlation between the surgery and hair loss. Yet, you can manage the situation. To do this, always take the right amount of diets (especially proteins). In addition, consume enough vitamins, minerals and take nutritional supplements (such as biotin) as recommended by the doctor.
10. When can I start exercising after weight loss surgery?
Exercise is very important in your weight loss journey. Do not start immediately! Avoid taking it as a competition as this might force you to overstretch your limit. Rather, take it as a leisure activity. While at it, start small and grow big. You can begin with jogs, then a long walk before graduating into running.
It is important to start exercising as you wake up from anesthesia (at the hospital/clinic). Start with low impact activities (such as jogging and short distance walks). Stay away from swimming until your body heals. Also, do not lift heavy object for the first 2 months.
11. What are the health benefits of weight loss surgery?
Many people believe that bariatric surgery only helps in weight loss. On the contrary, it cures many other health downsides. Patients get improvement in depression, remission of Type 2 diabetes, and resolve in high blood pressure. Obstructive sleep apnea and acid reflux are also resolved after the surgery.
Undergo Weight Loss Surgery Abroad
One other question on the lips of patients is “the best hospital for Weight Loss Surgery abroad”. There are hundreds of clinics and hospitals all over the world that offer bariatric surgeries. The UK obviously leads because of the skilled surgeons and excellent surgical facilities.
Weight Loss Riga offers one of the best bariatric services in the UK region. Testimonies from past patients, the expertise of our surgeons, the excellent facilities in our clinic and the serene environment help us in achieving this milestone. Weight loss surgery abroad has never been this good. Why don’t you take the necessary steps of establishing contact with us and get solutions for your bariatric needs? We are committed to offering you the best and will stop at nothing to put your weight loss concerns to rest.
