Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is used to treat patients who are excessively overweight and have been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise. A patient is typically considered a candidate for weight loss surgery if he or she has a BMI of 40 or greater or he or she is more than 100 pounds overweight. BMI stands for body mass index and is based on a calculation that compares the patient's height and weight. The normal range for BMI is 19 to 25.

Types of Weight Loss Surgery

Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery is a procedure where a portion of the stomach is closed to create a small pouch. Also, the intestinal section that carries food from this pouch to the lower intestine is diverted around the remaining larger part of the stomach. The digestive juices and enzymes that are produced in the stomach, continue to flow into the part of the intestine that is not diverted. This diversion (or bypass) of the intestine allows the food to pass out of the stomach pouch and into the lower intestine without being exposed to the digestive fluids. By reducing the size of the stomach and by diverting food through the "bypass," gastric bypass surgery creates significant weight loss through patients having a feeling of fullness (satiation) and through malabsorption of nutrients.

Weight Loss Surgeons

Most weight loss surgeons have completed four years of medical school and a five-year residency program in general surgery. Many are board certified by the American Board of Surgery and have advanced or fellowship training in the newest technology surgical techniques. Use the weight loss surgeon directory to find surgeons who specialize in Weight Loss Surgery Kansas City, Weight Loss Surgery Chico, Weight Loss Surgery Northern New Jersey, Weight Loss Surgery Harford, Weight Loss Surgery Knoxville, Weight Loss Surgery Raleigh, Weight Loss Surgery Fresno, Weight Loss Surgery Birmingham, Weight Loss Surgery New Haven, Weight Loss Surgery San Antonio and Weight Loss Surgery Fort Worth.

Lap Band Surgery

Lap Band surgery is a newer type of weight loss surgery and is now gaining popularity. Many surgeons who perform gastric bypass, also perform lap band surgery. Use the weight loss surgeon directory to learn about these procedures from surgeons who specialize in Weight Loss Surgery Eau Claire, Weight Loss Surgery La Crosse, Weight Loss Surgery Madison, Weight Loss Surgery Houston and Weight Loss Surgery Phoenix.

Weight Loss Surgery Cost and Insurance Options

For many patients, the cost of weight loss surgery is an important factor when deciding to pursue surgery. It is important that each patient works closely with the surgeon and his or her team as there are some bariatric surgery insurance options that may be available which will help with the financial aspect of the surgery.

Depending on the particular procedures there are different factors to consider. Lap Band surgery cost is similar to the cost of gastric bypass surgery, though issues such as the number of nights needed at a hospital may increase the price of either procedure. As mentioned before there may be some Lap Band insurance or gastric bypass insurance options that may be of help.

Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

In addition to massive weight loss, new studies now show that weight loss surgery can have a dramatic effect of many systemic disorders, such as diabetes and hypertension. These diseases are often caused by excessive eating and the weight gain. The surgery and the subsequent massive weight reduction can cause diabetes and hypertension to subside, or in some cases, completely resolve. This allows patients to discontinue the use of various diabetes and hypertension medications, such as Avandia. As a result, patients significantly reduce the risk of suffering side effects of Avandia that may include Avandia heart attack and Avandia stroke. Use the Consumer Guide to Weight Loss Surgery to learn about these benefits and to select a Weight Loss Surgery Austin or Weight Loss Surgery Richmond specialist.

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