Laparoscopic Weight Loss Surgery

Obesity is one of America's most serious epidemics and losing weight has become such an obsession. For most people, a combination of diet and exercise is the best way to lose weight. However, if you've tried everything and still can't shed those excess pounds, weight loss surgery could perhaps be the best alternative.

Weight-loss surgery is also called bariatric weight loss surgery and is conducted using two different methods: Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) and Laparoscopic weight loss surgery.

Laparoscopic surgery is done specifically for extremely obese people. People who have this surgery done will notice extreme weight loss within the first year after their surgery. With obesity getting more prevalent this day, this method of surgery is becoming very popular.

People with obesity are at risk for diabetes, coronary artery disease, and other weight related diseases and laparoscopic surgery is said to be the last resort when the conventional method of losing weight proves futile.

The general procedure involves a laparoscopic gastric bypass, which is adjusted using gastric bands. More specifically, 4 to 6 openings (usually an inch long) are created in the abdomen. This is done in order for the surgeon to be able to put light, cameras, and other instruments inside the abdomen. The abdomen of the patient is then filled with carbon dioxide so the surgeon can have a better view of the inside. Tiny surgical instruments about the width of a pencil are placed into the abdomen to complete the surgery. The stomach is restricted because of the band. The band (gastric band specifically) can be adjusted after surgery to lose even more weight.

The most important benefit is significant weight loss, which occurs during the first year following surgery. With the use of laparoscopy which requires much smaller incisions than traditional abdominal surgery, patients generally have less pain and scarring after surgery and recover more quickly.

The surgery has been shown repeatedly to be quite effective and safe at the same time. In most cases, almost all patients suffer no complications due to the surgery. The patient must usually remain in the hospital for a period of one to three days, and have to not work for up to a month.

Post surgery patient will need follow a certain diet which will be given to them by a dietitian. The patient will then have follow-ups regularly to see how they are doing mentally and physically. Approximately 1 to 2 years after they have lost weight from the surgery, many will have to have plastic surgery done to get rid of extra skin.

Weight loss surgery isn't for everyone. Whether it's Laparoscopic weight loss surgery or RYGB, each procedure, though reversible, is associated with medical risks and varies in the anticipated chance of success in losing weight. Thus all patients need to be well informed of both the benefits and the risks before deciding if the last resort of weight loss surgery is right for them.

Besides, after undergoing a laparoscopic weight loss surgery patients are required to make long-term lifestyle changes, which is not easy for many people to do.