Category: Gastric Bypass

Posted on

Excess Skin After Weight Loss: Procedure Options

The amount of excess skin after weight loss that you’re likely to experience will depend on several factors, such as how old you were when you lost the weight, how much weight has been lost, how quickly you lost the weight and how many times you have lost and gained weight. If you really want to get rid of excess skin after weight loss, there are some surgical options.

Excess Skin After Weight Loss: Is Surgery the Right Option?

The surgical options available range from getting a full body lift to a tummy tuck, but there are important reasons as to why you shouldn’t undergo these procedures. Aside from the price, these surgical options also come with a risk of death or serious complications.

The removal of extra skin isn’t medically necessary and there’s nothing wrong with having extra folds of skin. What matters is how comfortable you feel in your skin and there are several ways to accomplish loving your body that don’t involve surgery.

how to get rid of excess skin

Lifting weights can be the key to loving and accepting your body. Strength training will make you stronger and help you to appreciate your body’s abilities. Yoga and pilates can also be an excellent solution when it comes to improving both your body and mind. Both yoga and pilates will challenge your body and push it to its limits.

Stop comparing your body to others. This is crucial when it comes to combating unrealistic expectations of how your body can look and will frustrate you further causing a lack in motivation and even depression. Comparing yourself to models or younger women can make it almost impossible to appreciate your current progress and how strong you’ve become.

Purchase clothes that fit your new body. Shopping around and finding your own style can help to boost your self acceptance and teaches you how to have pride in your body.

Tips on How to Deal with Loose Skin After Weight Loss

There are many ways to tighten your skin after weight loss. Loose skin can occur after pregnancy or even after dropping a lot of weight quickly. In some cases, surgery is the best option for loose skin removal.  For the treatment of excess skin of the abdomen there are two common procedures: panniculectomy and abdominoplasty. Panniculectomy is a procedure that’s recommended if you’re experiencing skin infections or breakdown from hanging skin or loose skin on the abdomen. During this procedure the loose skin is removed and tightened, but the muscles will not become tightened. Many health insurance companies will cover this procedure because it’s medically necessary in order to improve your health. Abdominoplasty involves both the skin and muscles tightened. This type of procedure is considered cosmetic so it will not usually be covered by your health insurance.

If you have excess skin after weight loss surgery, then speak to your bariatric surgeon regarding your options. Your doctor will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding specific conditions and they can recommend different types of treatments.

Posted on

How to Reduce Your Chances of Gastric Sleeve Complications

The gastric sleeve procedure is an operation where ninety percent of the stomach is removed in order to reduce its capacity to around 100ml to 200ml. The advantages of this procedure include rapid weight loss, great dietary quality and it doesn’t require on-going adjustments. Before deciding to undergo this procedure it’s important that you research local bariatric surgeons in your area and meet for a consultation. During a consultation you should be prepared to ask your physician any questions and concerns you have regarding this procedure.

Gastric Sleeve Complications: Common and Rare Issues After Surgery

Gastric sleeve complications are rare but are considered more serious than any other weight loss procedure. Should a leak occur it can be an issue that can take several months to resolve. Gastric sleeve surgery is relatively new and as a result, there is little long term data available. Over time, it’s likely that the sleeve will dilate and weight loss may not be as good after ten years. This is common with any type of bariatric surgery.

gastric sleeve risks

It’s important that you understand gastric sleeve complications before proceeding with the surgery.  Possible acute complications include bleeding, leaks from the incision, infection and wound issues. After this surgery some patients may not be able to tolerate adequate intakes of food, which may require the individual to undergo long term nutritional support via IV. This type of surgery can be complicated by unintentional injury to the organs located near the operating area. If this happens, repeat surgery may be necessary.

Every surgery poses some risks. The general risks that are associated with any type of surgery include the risk of developing pneumonia, death or a blood clot in the lungs or legs. These risks occur in the first one to three months after the procedure. The risk can be minimized by frequent walks and remaining hydrated. Other risks after surgery include chronic heartburn, weight regain and vitamin deficiencies.  After surgery you will need to make some changes in your lifestyle, including when to eat, what to eat and how active you are.

Minimizing your Chances for Complications: Finding the Right Doctor

Significant weight loss after the surgery can result in an excess amount of extra skin. Additional surgeries such as trunkplasty or panniculectomy can help to eliminate the extra skin; however, you should expect severe scarring.

The part of the stomach that is removed during this procedure may be responsible for the hormone that causes you to be hungry. Because of this, after the surgery you may experience a decreased appetite.

No type of bariatric surgery will work magic, not even the gastric sleeve procedure. Instead, think of this surgery as the first strep on your journey to a healthier new you. This is by no means an easy road to travel, but your physician can help to monitor your condition for complications and support you on your path to success. The best way to minimize your chances for complications is to choose an experienced surgeon who is affiliated with a top notch surgical center.

Posted on

Two Week Pre-op Gastric Sleeve Diet

The gastric sleeve procedure is quick and the risk for complications is low. Since patients are overweight, it’s likely that their liver is also and a large liver increases surgical risk.  However, the liver can shrink in size if a strict gastric sleeve pre-op diet is followed. This will make surgery safer for the patient and helps to prepare them for the post-op gastric sleeve diet after surgery.

Gastric Sleeve Diet: Pre-op diet

So why do you need to be on such a strict diet before surgery?  The patient will need to follow their physician’s recommended two week diet, prior to the procedure. Most of these pre-op diets recommend increasing protein consumption, eliminating sugars and lowering carb consumption. It’s very important to stick to this pre-op diet because it will help to shrink the liver while also decreasing the patient’s risk for complications during recovery.

gastric bypass meals

Some surgeons will recommend that the patient stops drinking caffeine and carbonated beverages.  Most doctors will recommend that you adhere to a diet consisting of clear liquids, 48 hours prior to the surgery. Clear liquids include sugar free Jello, broth, water and popsicles.

After the procedure the very strict gastric sleeve diet may seem a bit too severe, however, it’s crucial that you closely follow your physician’s instructions in order to avoid complications, such as nausea and vomiting.  During the first week of recovery the diet will consist of clear liquids only. This diet may seem impossible to follow but most patients will find that they have very little desire to eat during this time.

Cheating on the diet can cause constipation, dehydration, diarrhea, gastric leaks or bowel obstruction. This phase of the diet includes decaf tea, water, Jello, broth, sugar free popsicles and decaf coffee.  Be sure to avoid caffeine, sugar and carbonated beverages.

During the second week after recovery you may begin to feel hunger pains. You will still need to stick to the diet ordered by your physician. During this phase you can begin adding some soft foods such as yogurt, sugar free pudding, soft noodles, cream soup, sugar free juice, applesauce and watery oatmeal.

The diet changes significantly during week three. This phase allows you to add some real food into your diet; however, you will need to puree it. The goal for your diet this week will be to consume at least sixty grams of protein a day, eat slowly and add new foods to your diet one by one.

The Last Week of the Post-op Gastric Surgery Diet

After surgery food may taste differently and may be tolerated differently than before surgery. For many patients dairy will be hard to tolerate, so it’s recommended that you begin slowly, by eating diary in small portions. It’s important that you give your body time to react to each new food. Doing so allows you to identify the foods that are causing diarrhea, stomach upset and gas.

Week four means allows you to start introducing real food into your diet. Your stomach may still be sensitive so it’s important that you add these new foods slowly. These foods include cereal, veggies, fruits, fish, chicken, mashed or baked potatoes and fruits.