Many prospective patients put off weight loss surgery due to a lack of information on the procedures available. Dr. Frenzel and his staff at Advanced Bariatric Surgery want to help inform patients of the process of bariatric surgery.
If you are wondering if you are qualified for one of the bariatric surgeries, including gastric band, gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or lap band, consider the following information. If you are 50 pounds or more over your ideal weight, have a body mass index of 40 or greater, or have ongoing medical issues related to obesity—such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, sleep apnea, etc., you are an ideal candidate.
It is important to understand the changes your body and lifestyle will go through after surgery. While candidates are often aware of the quick weight loss, the lifestyle and dietary changes that are required are often overlooked. Undergoing bariatric surgery is for those who have tried diet and exercise, but cannot lose stubborn weight.
You will be able to eat regular food after a transitional period post-op. It is, however, important to understand that after surgery, there is a process to get you to that point. Portion size is the most dramatic difference. After eating a few ounces of food, you will feel full. High sugar and fat contents need to be avoided. This is a lifelong lifestyle change that will alter your body and health. During the initial consultation with Dr. Frenzel, he will go over in detail the restrictions and requirements of dietary changes.
After the surgery, your stomach will be physically different, which makes new demands on your lifestyle. Eating healthy foods in small portions is a non-negotiable. The size of your stomach will depend on the surgery that you and Dr. Frenzel choose. A gastric bypass pouch reduces the stomach to approximately one ounce. Gastric band surgery leaves the stomach size at about two ounces. And, the sleeve gastrectomy leaves the stomach at the largest, which is about two to three ounce.
What happens to the old stomach depends on the surgery as well. Gastric bypass patients have remaining stomach in their body that still makes digestive juices used for processing food in the small intestine. However, gastric sleeve patients’ remaining stomach is completely removed from the body and sent to pathology.
If you struggle with obesity and obesity-related medical issues, bariatric weight loss surgery is a viable option to help you regain your health, body, and confidence. Patients constantly brag on their results and claim that the process is worth it. Don’t let stubborn fat take your health. Stand up to obesity and change your lifestyle with the help of Dr. Frenzel and his staff at Advanced Bariatric Surgery.
