Severe obesity, particularly when the Body Mass Index (BMI) is over 40, is a critical health condition that can significantly limit a person’s life in various ways. Not only that, but it also makes them prone to developing medical complications and illnesses such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, heart-related problems, as well as some forms of cancer.
And the problem is getting very prevalent with time, especially in America. According to the most recent statistics, over 40 percent of the adult population in the United States suffers from obesity.
People who are moderately overweight may be able to overcome their condition through a period of strict dieting and exercise. However, for those suffering from severe obesity and a BMI over 40, bariatric treatments might be the best option. Where you might think a surgical procedure is too risky, it is important to note that these procedures have become exceptionally safe.
Owing to advancements in medicine and surgery over the last 15 years, the risk of complications in bariatric treatments has diminished significantly. Especially if done by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Jorge Green, who has successfully performed over a thousand bariatric surgeries in his career with zero complications, you can be sure that your treatment will be as safe as possible.
Bariatric Procedures – An Overview
Treatments that involve changing the patient’s digestion system to aid them in weight loss and battle obesity are collectively called bariatric procedures. These procedures are usually done as a last resort when other weight loss measures such as exercise, diet, and medication use are not working. Furthermore, your physician might recommend a bariatric treatment if your complexities or problems stemming from obesity become too severe.
Today, gastric sleeve surgery (or sleeve gastronomy) and gastric balloon treatment are the most common and effective bariatric procedures available. Gastric sleeve surgery involves reducing the volume of the stomach through multiple small incisions, whereas gastric balloon treatment decreases the stomach’s capacity by carefully placing medical implants (balloons) inside it.
In this way, in both treatments, the patients feel full quicker than usual, causing a natural calorie deficit over time. Furthermore, the patients feel less cravings post-operation due to the decreased level of hunger hormones due to the procedure.
Some Considerations Before You Decide to Have a Bariatric Procedure
Before starting a bariatric treatment, it is important to consider certain considerations. First, carefully consider whether or not you’re at the right place in your life and have enough time to start a bariatric procedure. You must be completely committed to making your bariatric treatment a success and lose the desirable amount of weight. For this, be ready to follow a strict diet and an exercise plan post-operation.
In addition to that, consider whether or not your health insurance covers bariatric procedures to avoid a larger financial commitment. Furthermore, do you have extra finances to cover out-of-pocket costs before, during, and after the treatment? Such as preoperative tests and evaluations, transportation, hotel accommodation (if you want to have your procedure done in a facility in a different city or country), hospital fees, and follow-up checks.
Choosing the Right Bariatric Treatments – Some Factors to Consider
Most people have a certain kind of bariatric surgery or treatment in mind when contacting medical professionals. Either they know someone for whom that procedure worked out very well, or they might have heard negatively about another treatment.
There are also some people who are unaware as to which bariatric treatment they should choose. In any case, you must consider a few important factors while researching the right bariatric treatment.
How Much Weight Do You Want to Lose?
A significant factor to consider when choosing between bariatric treatments is the amount of weight you want to lose. Some procedures can help you lose more weight than others.
Similarly, some bariatric surgeries show results much quicker than other treatments. So before making your final decision, make sure that you research each kind of treatment thoroughly and have a general idea of how much weight it will help you lose and how quickly.
Underlying Medical Conditions
People with specific medical conditions may be unable to undergo certain bariatric treatments for various medical reasons. Furthermore, some medical conditions can disturb the effectiveness of a specific procedure. Tell your surgeons about any underlying medical condition you might have before starting the treatment.
Reversibility
Some bariatric surgeries and treatments are reversible, while others are not. While selecting a treatment, consider whether or not you might want to reverse the procedure in the future for any reason.
Lifestyle and Eating Habits
You’ll have to majorly change your lifestyle and eating habits post-procedure if you want the bariatric treatment to work. However, some procedures require more changes than others, so keep that in mind while selecting one.
Expert Opinion – Ask Dr. Jorge Green
If you’re still unsure which bariatric treatment might be right for you, ask Dr. Jorge Green for an expert opinion. Over his 17 years in the field, Dr. Jorge Green has helped thousands of severely obese patients reach their weight loss goals. You can determine which bariatric procedure would be ideal for you through a detailed consultation with Dr. Green.
Final Thoughts – How to Choose the Right Bariatric Treatment
Procedures to help obese patients lose weight are called bariatric treatments, the most effective of which include gastric sleeve and gastric balloon procedures. A variety of factors must be carefully considered when choosing a bariatric treatment.
Additionally, it’s crucial to consider factors like available time and finances before beginning the procedure correctly. If you’re unsure, contact Dr. Jorge Green to get a professional, expert opinion on which bariatric treatment might work best for you.