W-Loss - Weight Loss Surgery and Support Group
You are viewing the text only version - for full site, please click here
How do I know I am overweight?
You can use our BMI calculator to work out your BMI if you know your height and weight. If you are a man and has a trouser size of 36inches or more or a woman wearing size 16 or above then you are likely to be obese.
Why do I need surgery when I feel well and healthy?
There is no doubt that many overweight people feel well and see no reason to do anything about it. Unfortunately it is an inescapable fact that obesity will cause a number of serious medical problems that will shorten your life expectancy by 7 to 15 years. Only a third of morbidly obese (BMI>40) people will reach age 65years. In addition to all the immediate benefits of losing weight, having surgery now is a long-term investment on your health that you will benefit in ten years time.
Why can’t I carry on with dieting?
Dieting does work in the short term but unfortunately it often results in yo-yo weight loss and weight gain. This is actually doing more harm to you than not dieting at all. The largest study to date has shown that over two thirds of dieters will regain all the weight they lost and many actually got heavier. Statistics show that less than a third of dieters will succeed to lose and keep the weight off.
What are the benefits of weight loss surgery?
Weight loss surgery is the only treatment for obesity that has consistently been shown to work (weight loss between 70lbs to 150lbs) as well as keeping the weight off. Surgery will cure or improve most of the obesity-related medical illnesses like diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, reflux and osteoarthritis, as well as stress incontinence, dermatitis, muscle and joint pain and many more.
What is the success rate for weight loss surgery?
70-80% of patients achieve success over the long term.
Can weight loss surgery be reversed?
Gastric bands can be easily reversed. The other procedures are potentially reversible but extremely difficult and carries a lot of risk. For this reason it is best to consider these as irreversible.
Is weight loss surgery a guarantee for permanent weight loss?
No. Some patients may regain substantial portion of the weight that is lost. This is especially true if the patient does not follow the dietary guidelines.
Will I still be able to eat solid foods after surgery?
Yes. You can eat normal foods after any types of weight loss surgery. This can also be a problem as some people continue to eat all the wrong foods and put weight on. There may be certain types of foods that you will need to be careful with depending on the type of surgery. Overall most people can eat pretty much as normal (3 meals a day).
Can I have children after surgery?
We will recommend that you avoid getting pregnant for one to two years after the operation. There is a small risk to the developing baby if you are losing a lot of weight at the same time.
Will I need to take vitamin supplements?
Depending on the type of surgery (eg gastric bypass) you choose you may need to take some supplements. For gastric band this is often not necessary unless your previous diet lacked nutrition.
What will happen to the band if I go on the plane or go swimming?
Not a lot happens to the band when you go on the plane or swim. The band is deep inside your body and the pressure changes on a plane or swimming is so slight that it will not effect the band.
Can I get too thin?
Your body will usually find its own balance and settle on the right weight. Drastic weight loss can happen rarely if not supervised properly. For procedures like gastric banding this is very unlikely. This can happen with procedures like gastric bypass and BPD. Again with the appropriate management this is very uncommon and can be treated.
I am worried about clots in the legs what can I do?
We give you blood thinning injections before and after the operation. We also fit special pumps on your feet to help pump blood round during and after the operation. But the best way to avoid this is for you to get up and about as soon after the operation as possible and not just lie in bed after you go home. In some people we will recommend continuing the blood thinning injections at home for ten days after the surgery.
Will I get excess skin after I lose weight?
This is not always the case. This depends on the quality of your skin, how fast and how much weight you lose. Using lots of skin cream like E45 will help. In some people you may need cosmetic surgery to remove the excess skin.
Why do you use the Lap band®?
We chose to use this system is because it is the most widely used band in the world and also the only one approved to be used in the USA. Since its clinical introduction in 1993, more than 300,000 LAP-BAND® procedures have been performed around the world. This band has also got the lowest figures for band slippage and erosions. For us we feel it is the safest band to use compared with other makes.
Which weight loss surgical procedure is right for me?
As a general rule of thumb gastric band is better suited for BMI <50 and gastric bypass for BMI >50. This is not absolute and the decision is ultimately made when you discuss your options with us in clinic.
Must I be in good health to qualify for the surgery?
You do not need to be in perfect health to have surgery but you do have to be reasonably fit and healthy. Many patients are in poor health because of diseases caused by their obesity. These diseases include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, lung problems, and kidney difficulties. It is therefore much better for you to have the operation before you develop these problems.
How are these surgery performed?
Most of these procedures are done laparoscopically or keyhole.
How long does the operation take?
For gastric band this generally takes about 30 to 45mins. Gastric bypass can take from 1 to 2 hours to complete.
Will my insurance company pay for the surgery?
In UK unfortunately insurance company generally will not pay for this procedure.
Are there any finance/payment options for my weight loss surgery?
At BUPA Cardiff there is an independent finance service that we can put you in touch with.
Links:
Home (Flash Website) - About Us and Who We Are - Obesity And Your Health
Treatments: Gastric Balloon - Surgery - Treatment for Obesity -
Is Surgery For Me - Lifestyle Changes
FAQ General - FAQ Before Surgery - FAQ After Surgery