At North Houston Surgical Associates, we meet people from Cypress TX as well as all over the north Houston area. Every person we see has a different story, different circumstances, and different goals. It’s why we take such care to get to know each individual we’re lucky enough to meet in our offices. However, no matter how different our patients are, they all share a few of the same concerns about bariatric surgery and weight loss surgery. Here are a few of the questions we’re most commonly asked.
Does bariatric surgery, otherwise known as weight loss surgery, improve a patient’s quality of life?
This is, without a doubt, one of the most common as well as one of the most important questions we get regarding bariatric surgery. Having weight loss surgery is a major decision, one that can come with significant expenses and requires major commitment, both in terms of time and lifestyle adjustments. It has to be worthwhile.
So is it? Absolutely. And that’s not just us answering based on the results we’ve seen from our patients as well as the anecdotal evidence they’ve shared. Bariatric surgery has been proven in long-term studies to cause significant long-term weight loss, an improvement in a patient’s cardiovascular risk factors, a reduction in mortality, and recovery from conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis and high blood pressure.
Those are just the health related quality of life improvements. Our patients regularly report improved emotional and mental health as well. If you’re in the Cypress TX area and you’ve been wondering if bariatric surgery would be worth it for you, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with us. We would be happy to discuss all of the benefits – as well as the potential drawbacks – of weight loss surgery so you can make an educated and informed decision.
Is LAP BAND surgery safe and effective?
LAP BAND surgery is one of the most widely known weight loss surgeries, as well as one of the most common. In a lap band procedure, a device is placed around the top part of the stomach in order to slow a person’s food consumption, ultimately reducing how much food is consumed. Unlike many other forms of bariatric surgery, lap band – also known as gastric banding – does not require any cutting or stapling of the stomach. It also requires a shorter hospital stay, allows for quicker recovery, and can be adjusted without an additional surgery.
Because LAP BAND is a less invasive procedure, it’s less risky, and has a chance of fewer complications. It’s also a reversible procedure. It’s understandable that some may think LAP BAND sounds too good to be true. However, studies have shown that average gastric banding patients will lose 0.5 to 1.0 kilograms or 1-2 lbs per week, totaling up to a loss of 48 to 99 lbs in the first year following surgery. The band may be tightened in order to help ensure future weight loss. Furthermore, the banding encourages better eating habits which may naturally result in weight stability over the long term.
Can weight loss surgery help type 2 diabetes?
Many of our patients are concerned with type 2 diabetes, and are understandably curious to know if bariatric surgery can help improve or treat type 2 diabetes. After all, bariatric surgery has a positive effect on so many aspects of health. Type 2 diabetes is no exception.
According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, in patients dealing with both obesity and type 2 diabetes, metabolic and bariatric surgery improves type 2 diabetes in 90% of patients by lowering blood sugar level and reducing how much medication is needed. Further, metabolic and bariatric surgery causes diabetes remission in 78% of patients by bringing blood sugar levels down to normal, and fully eliminating the need for diabetes medication.
In a study tracking 400 patients with type 2 diabetes, six years after weight loss surgery it was found that a stunning 62% had no signs of diabetes. They were also found to have improved cholesterol, triglyceride levels and blood pressure.
If you’re in the Cypress TX area and struggling with type 2 diabetes and would like to discuss the potential benefits of weight loss surgery, call us at 713.636.5392 or contact us through our website.
If you’re ready to improve your life, request a consultation online or call our office at 713-426-2400 for more information.