2020 Resolutions: Long-Term Weight-Loss Success

Is weight loss your 2020 New Year's Resolution? Like many of us, the answer is likely yes. However, if you have a BMI score of 40 or more (about 100 pounds overweight) and have tried diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes and have not achieved your ideal weight, consider weight-loss surgery. You also may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if you have a BMI of 35-39 with specific significant health problems like Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea or high blood pressure.

Weight-loss surgery can produce significant and sustained weight loss, resulting in improved health. There are many procedures that can help you achieve your desired weight and health goal. But the decision to have surgery should not be taken lightly. It’s important to take the time to find out which procedure is right for you and how to find the best bariatric surgeon.

Effectiveness of Weight-Loss Operations

The two most common weight-loss operations today are gastric sleeve and bypass. They are known to be most effective when:

• The operation is performed at a facility that offers aftercare programs focusing on dietary, behavioral, and exercise changes, which typically means an accredited center of excellence
• The patient is willing to work with the procedure and make the lifestyle changes to achieve and maintain long-term success

Regardless of what procedure is chosen, the key is using the weight-loss operation to implement lifestyle changes. These surgeries truly are a tool to help control hunger and portion size, but that’s it. The rest is up to you.

Considerations and Expectations

Following are some things to consider when deciding which surgery is right for you:

• Expected Weight Loss - Know how much weight you want, or expect, to lose when choosing a weight-loss operation. Gastric bypass will result in the loss of about 70% of the excess weight, sleeve gastrectomy will result in around 60%, and gastric banding will result in around 50 percent.
  
  Of course, how effective these procedures are all depends on how well the follow-up care is managed and if all the necessary lifestyle changes are made.
• Reliability of Weight Loss - The success of any weight-loss procedure depends on you as the patient. Gastric bypass and sleeve almost always result in the expected weight-loss, but the chance of regaining the weight is very real. The necessary lifestyle changes must be made within the first year after the operation.
• Fast or Slow - Gastric bypass and sleeves have typical weight loss of 5 to 7 pounds a week early on, with an expected weight loss goal being reached within 12 to 15 months after the operation.
• Fear of the Unknown - There are plenty of good studies on the long-term effects of gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding. The procedures are shown to be safe and effective for long-term weight loss and maintenance. For more information, download our guide to weight-loss surgery or call (310) 340-2081 to speak with a bariatric surgeon.
• Ability to Follow Up - All procedures require at least one year of regular follow-up visits with your doctor and nutritionist. This helps ensure your long-term success. Being accountable to someone is a great motivational tool.
• Cost - Generally speaking, gastric bypass and sleeve are covered by insurance. If not, your surgeon and hospital can work with you on a cash-pay basis.
• National Accreditation - Look for a hospital that is nationally accredited and committed to maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and successful outcomes.

In the end, your surgeon can’t tell you what the best operation is for you. If you are a qualified candidate for weight-loss surgery, any of these options will work well. You know you best so you should decide what’s best for you.

Learn More about Culver City Weight-Loss Surgery

We are nationally accredited which means you can trust the high-level of care we provide. To find out if weight-loss surgery is right for you and the different procedures offered at Southern California Hospital at Culver City, click here or call (310) 836-7000.