There are many options available today for obese people interested in weight loss surgery. At my Maryland practice, I spend a lot of time discussing treatment options with my patients. There are a few key factors people should focus on when choosing a procedure.
- Your body’s needs. Different types of weight loss surgery may benefit some patients more than others depending on the person’s body type, their reason for weight gain, and their genetics. By identifying the underlying causes of weight gain and what your body needs to be healthy, you can find a solution with long-term results.
- Weight loss results. Each weight loss surgery will differ in terms of results. That’s why it’s important to choose a technique that aligns with your weight loss goals. This will ensure that you are satisfied with the overall outcome.
- Recovery time. Another factor to consider is your availability for downtime. If you don’t have a lot of free time to spend away from home or work, then your surgeon may recommend a technique that requires less extensive recovery.
- Side effects and complications. All weight loss surgeries have certain side effects and possible complications. What you are willing to tolerate and what you would rather avoid will determine which procedure is right for you.
In many cases, a patient may be a candidate for multiple types of weight loss surgery. Try not to worry so much about choosing exactly the “right” procedure. As long as your surgery is performed by an experienced, skilled, and qualified bariatric surgeon, you should be thrilled with the results.