Losing weight through bariatric surgery is often thought to be the easy alternative to working out and dieting. It’s important to note, however, that although most bariatric procedures are performed laparoscopically using small surgical instruments, the procedures are not without some discomfort and a process of recovery is still involved. This is true for most surgeries, even minimally invasive bariatric techniques.
At Lee Bariatrics, we are our committed to staying at the forefront of technological and procedural advancements in the field and offering a robust lineup of minimally invasive procedures. Unlike traditional bariatric surgery, which is an “open” procedure requiring large incisions, our minimally invasive surgical techniques are done using a small fiber optic tube (laparoscope) connected to a video camera and inserted through small incisions that enable Dr. Lee to complete procedures on the stomach or intestines.
Virtually all of the bariatric weight loss surgeries performed at Lee Bariatrics are classified as minimally invasive, meaning they are not as harsh on the body, include a shorter recovery period and minimal scarring, and pose less overall risk of complications. Procedures performed include:
- Sleeve gastrectomy: This surgery is performed by removing approximately 25 percent of the stomach to reduce food intake. The remaining stomach becomes a tubular pouch, or sleeve, that resembles a banana.
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: This surgery creates a path from the top of the stomach to the end of the small intestine — thus “bypassing” a large portion of both organs and streamlining digestion.
- Adjustable gastric banding: Gastric banding involves placing an inflatable band around the upper section of the stomach. This has been shown to create a feeling of fullness relatively quickly in most patients.
- Duodenal switch: Duodenal switch surgery removes part of the stomach to create a tube that then bypasses most of the small intestine to connect at its end. As much as 85 percent of excess weight can be lost through successful duodenal switch surgery.
- Revisional bariatric surgery: Several of the above bariatric surgeries may be reversed to a great extent using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques.
Learn more about minimally invasive surgery at Lee Bariatrics.
Preparing for Surgical Weight Loss is a Process
When considering minimally invasive bariatric surgery, it’s important to review such factors as preoperative health with your bariatric surgery team far in advance. Is high blood pressure, diabetes or another preexisting condition part of the equation? If you’ve had other surgeries in the past, how did your body respond? Post-surgical recovery time and pain threshold differ from patient to patient and these are things we will discuss with you before ever moving forward.
Only once the decision is made to undergo surgery will we work with you to determine the procedure that’s best for you based on your previous history, preference and lifestyle. When you are ready to commit to surgery, know that your weight loss journey will be highly individualized.
In preparation for surgery, one of our specialists will meet with you to discuss your preoperative plan. It is essential to carefully follow the diet and exercise guidelines prior to your surgery and to prepare for a regimented diet after surgery. Our registered dietitians, in collaboration with a physical therapist, will work with you to develop individual pre-surgery meal plans and fitness goals to get you as healthy as possible for the procedure.
We routinely place patients on a pre-operative liquid diet prior to surgery. Depending on your starting weight, your liquid diet may last two to four weeks. This helps shrink your liver so the surgeon can better access your stomach during surgery.
Comprehensive Weight Loss Begins Here
Surgery is an important part of a comprehensive weight loss journey, but it’s only part of the process. Your weight struggles didn’t happen overnight; neither will the journey to a healthier you. When you choose bariatric surgery, you must be willing to follow diet and exercise restrictions not only before but after surgery as well.
The process takes some hard work but the team at Lee Bariatrics will help you through the process the right way, from beginning to end. With time and commitment, you can reap the long-term benefits of the journey. Call us today to get started at 1-888-225-9514.
The above is for general information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the medical guidance from and discussion with your physician.