Is Weight
Loss Surgery Reversible
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Weight loss surgery is a hot topic. You hear
and read about it everywhere-in books, on the radio, on
television and in magazines. Those who have had the surgery
often talk about how much weigh they have lost and how much
better they feel. People of all ages are starting to have
these surgeries to help them lose very large amounts of
weight. Weight loss surgery has become so popular recently
due to the new technology that makes the surgeries safer and
reversible. There are still some types of weight loss
surgery that are permanent, but with one type, the Lap-Band,
the band can be removed at any time.
There are three different types of weight
loss surgeries. The new Lap-Band is the only one that is
considered reversible. Others can be reversed in extreme
conditions, but that is generally not recommended.
There are several reasons why weight loss surgery
patients may want their surgery reversed. |
One reason may be that
the surgery is not working. There are a very small percentage of
weight loss patients that do not experience weight loss
following his or her surgery. In fact, a very small percentage
of patients may actually gain weight. Another reason why
patient’s may chose to have the surgery reversed is because of
pregnancy. While some of the more invasive forms of weight loss
surgery do not recommend pregnancy, this can happen. There can
be complications if a person cannot have adequate nutritional
intake. Also, a patient may wish to reverse their surgery if
they find that they are sick. Nausea and the “dumping syndrome”
are very common following these types of surgeries. Some
patients are not able to tolerate feeling sick and may wish that
surgery reversed.
Whether or not the surgery can be reversed largely
depends on what kind of surgery is done. The Lap-Band weight loss
surgery is the only one that is considered reversible. This is one of
the biggest advantages of the Lap-Band. The stomach is not permanently
altered during this type of surgery. Instead, a band is placed around
the upper portion, which creates a new, smaller stomach.
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This surgery has the lowest mortality rate
and has the lowest operative complication risks. In
addition, there is no stapling of the stomach or cutting of
the intestines. This surgery is completely adjustable
depending on the person’s individual needs and reversible.
With the other types of weight loss surgery,
it is much more difficult to reverse the procedure. This is
because with these surgeries, the stomach is stapled and
cut. The intestines are often re-routed. This is true of the
gastric bypass, the Biliopancreatic diversion, and the
vertical banded Gastroplasty. Often, these surgeries, which
are usually performed as an open procedure, require more
down time and more time for healing and recovery. These
surgeries are not adjustable and often have a high risk of
complications. In addition, it is very difficult to reverse
these types of weight loss surgery and pregnancy is not
recommended after these types of surgeries. |
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