Weight Loss Surgery FAQs – El Paso TX
Weight loss surgery involves reducing the size of your stomach to physically reduce the amount of food you need to consume. The procedure also causes metabolic changes, such as changes in some hormone levels, which help to lower your appetite and boost insulin sensitivity. This is actually one of the benefits of bariatric surgery for diabetic patients.
Depending on the procedure, the doctor may remove 80% of your stomach, using the sleeve gastrectomy approach. This procedure is particularly suited for patients with a BMI of 35 to 40. Severely obese patients, on the other hand, use the gastric bypass approach, which involves bisecting the stomach and small intestines into two segments, and then linking the smaller ones together to reduce both your food intake and absorption in the intestines.
Weight Loss Surgery FAQ
Do the benefits of weight loss surgery last?
A new study has just emerged revealing that weight loss surgery not only helps people lose a significant amount of weight, but that the weight “appears to stay off for at least 10 years”. Details of the news may be found here.
Can I return home the day after surgery?
Patients typically must stay in the hospital for one to two days following surgery. Dr. Benjamin Clapp will leave you home with a list of post-operation directions that must be followed for a speedy recovery process and for the best results.
How soon may I eat food?
Expect to be on a liquid diet (including protein shakes) for the first two weeks following your surgery as your body heals. During week 3, you may shift to soft foods such as meatloaf, fish, eggs, etc. By week 4 you should be able to resume back to normal.
How much weight is lost from weight loss surgery?
Patients will generally lose – on average – 100 lbs. of extra body weight following the surgery. This number will vary from individual to individual.
Will I need to take time off from work?
Yes, this procedure will require you to take anywhere from 2-6 weeks off depending on what specific procedure is used and other factors.
Please schedule a consultation with your weight loss surgeon in El Paso, TX to discuss your specific weight loss goals and the best bariatric weight loss surgery for your case.