When is Weight Loss Surgery right for you?

Many people desire a healthier lifestyle and a trimmer physique, but how do you know if weight loss surgery is right for you?

Medical weight loss surgery will cause changes to your stomach or small intestine, possibly even both, and will require significant lifestyle changes. As a result, we at our Texas weight loss center believe it is important that you understand the benefits and risks of such a procedure.

If you or a loved one are considering undergoing a weight loss surgery such as gastric sleeve, ask yourself these important questions first.

Are you a candidate for weight loss surgery?

You are a potential candidate if you fall under these categories:

• Your BMI is greater than 40.
• Your BMI is greater than 35 with at least one medically related issue.
  • For some patients whose BMI is under 30, intragastric balloon may be a helpful option.

Dr. Steven Fass will evaluate other criteria with you in your initial consultation as well.

Do you have health problems related to your weight?

Many life-threatening health conditions might be attributed to being overweight. If you suffer from any of these issues, weight loss surgery might be a solution for you. Problems related to obesity often include (but are not limited to):

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Sleep apnea
• Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Degenerative joint disease

Unfortunately, not all medical conditions can be adjusted simply through weight loss surgery since genetics play a role in our health as well. However, getting your weight under control can lessen the impact of hereditary disorders on your lifespan.

Talk with Dr. Fass about any issues you are experiencing that could be related to your obesity.

Are you committed to a permanent lifestyle change?

At this our weight loss center in Austin, TX, we endorse Gastric Sleeve as the safest and most beneficial surgical procedure for permanent results. This procedure requires removal of a section of your stomach, leaving behind a sleeve-shape that controls your appetite.

Since the portion of your stomach that secretes the hunger hormone has been removed, appetite may be suppressed. It is important to understand that your dietary needs and portion sizes must change in order for you to recover and experience the benefits of this surgery.

Are you prepared physically, emotionally, and financially?

Because the Gastric Sleeve weight loss procedure is non-reversible, it is important that you be well informed about the risks and benefits of this surgery. Dr. Fass recommends Gastric Sleeve because this type of procedure offers you chemical hunger suppression, no foreign object is left in your body, and better results may be reported over time for patients who have undergone Gastric Sleeve versus Gastric Bypass.

You should understand, however, that this is a surgery that will require lifestyle changes as well as a psychological adjustment to your new body. At our weight loss center, we will evaluate the following factors when considering you as a candidate for surgery:

• Nutrition history
• Medical conditions
• Psychological status
• Motivation

Mental preparedness may be as important as physical preparedness for weight loss surgery. You will need to embrace a liquid diet transitioning to pureed foods to smaller portions with 4 oz or less of protein. You will also need a support system of friends and family who can assist you with transportation, activity, and meals during this time.

From a financial standpoint, many insurance companies may cover the cost of surgery and follow-up if the procedure is being undergone to improve other medical conditions you may also have. However, if this is not the case, or if your insurance plan will not pay, we will work with you in our Austin center to develop the best financial plan possible. Another benefit of Gastric Sleeve is that, often, it can be the least expensive procedure available. Before you make a decision to pursue weight loss surgery, educate yourself regarding your insurance and your financial responsibilities related to this medical procedure.

Is weight loss surgery right for you?

Consult with us and see if Dr. Steven Fass and our team of experts in the Austin Weight Loss Center can help you achieve your goals of losing weight, feeling better, and living healthier.