If you are interested in the option of weight loss surgery, you may be wondering how it works. There are two main techniques used by doctors who perform this kind of operation. Both should typically result in the reduction of several pounds, since they are usually performed on patients who need to lose at least 80 pounds. You should get to know the two main techniques when it comes to this type of treatment.
One type of weight loss surgery is considered a restrictive technique. This is because the goal is to shrink the stomach, which means it cannot hold much food after the operation. The result is that you can feel full much quicker than usual, making it easy to stop eating when you need to. During this procedure, part of your stomach is either closed off surgically or removed. After the operation, you should start losing a good amount of the extra pounds rather quickly, because you will be eating far fewer calories than usual. Of course, it may take you some time to get used to this since you might try to eat as much as before simply out of habit, resulting in a stomachache. But once you are used to your smaller stomach, you should be thinner and you may even save money on food.
The other main type of weight loss surgery involves the small intestine. More specifically, the doctor may reduce the size of the small intestine so that less food is absorbed into the body, leading to a reduction in the amount you weigh. Some doctors decide not to change the length of the small intestine, but instead reposition it so it connects to the stomach in a different area. Either way, the result should be the same, in that you do not absorb the calories of much of the food you eat.
Many doctors choose to combine these two methods to create an effective weight loss surgery technique that should suit many patients. In order to qualify, you typically have to have at least 100 pounds to lose if you are a male, and 80 or more pounds if you are a female. In other words, you need to be severely obese to qualify. Having a serious condition related to obesity, such as sleep apnea, may also qualify for you.
Your doctor should be able to tell you if you are a good candidate for any type of weight loss surgery. If you are, you and your surgeon will go over your options and expected outcome. At that point, you should ask any questions you need to make sure you understand the procedure.
