According to the Center for Disease Control, one in three American adults are classified as either obese or morbidly obese. With statistics like this one, it is quite easy to see why more and more people are considering weight loss surgery in Lebanon. The question is, do the benefits of weight loss surgery (or bariatric surgery) outweigh the risks of going under the knife? This question must be answered on a case-by-case basis. However, taking a moment to review the benefits associated with these surgical procedures can help you to make this very important decision.
Benefits of weight loss surgery and the increased chance of successful weight loss
Prior to undergoing bariatric surgery, patients must have tried to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. In many cases, patients will have tried many different diets and exercise routines with very little or no success. Oftentimes these individuals will feel like there is no way that they will ever lose the excess weight.
When choosing to undergo weight loss surgery in Lebanon, you will enjoy much better odds that you will lose weight. In fact, research shows that the average person will lose 62% of their excess weight within just three years of having weight loss surgery. Morbidly obese patients have even been shown to lose as much as 40 kg in as little as six months after surgery.
The reason for these impressive results is that weight loss surgery does not just change the way you eat, it changes the way your body digests food. Consequently, even patients who have been unable to win the battle with a slow metabolism are able to see significant weight loss in a relatively short period of time. This high rate of success can also provide much needed motivation for patients after undergoing this procedure.
Addressing Other Weight Related Health Problems
While much of the world looks at obesity as a cosmetic problem, the fact is that excess weight can impact far more than the way you look. In fact, there are many health problems with a direct link to being overweight. For instance, obese people will be at a much higher risk for developing heart disease, diabetes, asthma, depression, sleep apnea, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
When patients choose to undergo weight loss surgery, they will not only be addressing self-image issues, they will also be addressing the other weight related health problems that they suffer from. According to recent research, more than 90% of patients who choose to have weight loss surgery will ultimately see an improvement in these conditions. While already impressive on its own, this statistic does not take into account the many weight related problems that are prevented through the use of surgical procedures.
Improved Quality Of Life
Being significantly overweight can have an effect on the quality of a person’s life. For example, many people find themselves struggling with the fact that their body cannot perform as well as those of family members and friends. Consequently, it can be difficult for obese people to participate in simple activities, such as playing with their children or taking a walk with a loved one. This can greatly affect their mental health as they struggle to get the most out of life.
Weight loss surgery offers the benefit of being able to not only lose weight quickly, but also keep weight off for the long haul. This means that patients will have the ability to regain the quality of their life as they continue to lose weight in the months and years following their surgery. This ability to live a happier, healthier and longer life will not only have positive physical effects, but positive mental health effects as well.
Minimal scaring
A major concern for many people considering weight loss surgery in Lebanon is the invasive nature of the surgery itself. They often worry about the scars that will be left behind, as well as the physical recovery time after undergoing this type of procedure.
When surgeons first started performing this type of procedure, large incisions had to be made in order to safely gain access to the stomach. However, thanks to advancements in surgical techniques and equipment, it is now possible for surgeons to safely complete these procedures in a minimally invasive way. This new type of weight loss surgery is known as laparoscopic surgery.
Laparoscopic surgery allows doctors to make very small incisions along with robotic surgical equipment to complete your surgery with minimal scaring and pain.
Addressing the Risks
While the benefits of weight loss surgery cannot be denied, it is important to note that there are also some risks associated with these procedures. As with all surgical procedures, there will be a risk that something could go wrong while you are on the table. These risks are greater for individuals with serious health problems, such as heart disease. Therefore, it is important to undergo a variety of preoperative tests to determine whether you are healthy enough to have surgery. In the event that your risk is too high, the surgeon may require you to lose some weight before they are able to operate.
While there are risks associated with weight loss surgery, you should know that these risks have greatly decreased over the years. Nowadays, weight loss surgery is considered a safe and relatively routine procedure when done by a qualified surgeon. In fact, studies have shown that only 5% of all people who undergo this procedure will experience serious complications. The shot term mortality rate associated with this procedure is even lower at less than 0.3%.
A Final Thought about the benefits of weight loss surgery
Weight loss surgery does offer quick results when compared to most traditional diet and exercise plans. However, weight loss surgery should not be considered a quick fix to a lifelong problem. In order to prevent organ damage and weight gain, you will need to stick to a strict diet after undergoing bariatric surgery. This can mean giving up some of the foods you love, as well as limiting your intake of even the healthiest foods. You will also be required to make lifestyle changes that last the rest of your life if you wish to enjoy all of the benefits of weight loss surgery.
