Do you often feel depressed because of your weight?
Do diets not seem to be helping despite repeated efforts?
As a weight loss surgeon in El Paso, Texas, one thing Dr. Benjamin Clapp has repeatedly seen is the indecisiveness of patients when deciding whether to move forward with weight loss surgery. Many people will spend years researching various articles, websites, and posts for information without ever taking action. For help regaining control of your weight, we encourage you to take action by requesting an appointment.
El Paso Weight Loss Surgery Information
Weight loss surgery is indicated in patients with a Body Mass Index (or BMI) of 30 or greater experiencing persistent medical problems related to obesity, or a patient with a BMI greater than 35. These operations are generally performed laparoscopically (through small incisions) and usually require one to two nights in the hospital.
Types of Weight Loss Surgery in El Paso, TX
Gastric Bypass
The gastric bypass is performed laparoscopically (through small incisions). A small pouch is created in the upper portion of the stomach, bringing up a piece of intestine and bypassing the distal stomach and a portion of the small intestine.
Gastric Sleeve
The sleeve gastrectomy is also performed laparoscopically and usually requires one night in the hospital. About 80-85% of the stomach is resected, changing the metabolic status of the patient.
Revisional Bariatric Surgery
Sometimes patients need a previous surgery modified or revised. These are technically difficult operations that not all surgeons perform.
A surgeon such as Dr. Benjamin Clapp will determine which specific procedure is the best choice for you.
Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery in El Paso, TX
Patients can typically expect to lose up to 50-70% of their excess weight within the first two years.
Medical problems such as heart disease and high blood pressure can improve after weight loss surgery.
Patients often report improved quality of life following surgery.
Patients may recover quicker if the procedure is done laparoscopically, thanks to the smaller incisions.
Some studies show that weight loss surgery not only helps people lose a significant amount of weight, but that the weight “appears to stay off for at least 10 years”.
Patients typically must stay in the hospital for one to two days following surgery. Our team will leave you with a list of post-operation directions that should be followed for a speedy recovery process and for the best results.
Expect to be on a liquid diet (including protein shakes) for the first two weeks following your surgery as your body heals. Oftentimes, during week three, you may shift to soft foods such as meatloaf, fish, eggs, etc. By week four, you should be able to resume eating normally.
Yes, this procedure will require you to take anywhere from 3-6 weeks off depending on what specific procedure is used and other factors.
Is Weight Loss Surgery in El Paso Right For You?
Not everyone is a good candidate for weight loss surgery. No matter what information you read online, the absolute best way of finding out whether or not weight loss surgery is the right choice is to schedule an in-person consultation.
Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective way to not only reduce weight, but also ward off the dangers of obesity, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, among others.
What To Expect During Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery involves reducing the size of your stomach to physically reduce the amount of food you need to consume. The procedure also causes metabolic changes, such as changes in some hormone levels, which help to lower your appetite and boost insulin sensitivity. This is actually one of the benefits of bariatric surgery for diabetic patients.
Depending on the procedure, the doctor may remove 80% of your stomach, using the sleeve gastrectomy approach. This procedure is particularly suited for patients with a BMI of 35 to 40. Severely obese patients, on the other hand, often use the gastric bypass approach, which involves bisecting the stomach and small intestines into two segments, then linking the smaller ones together to reduce both your food intake and absorption in the intestines.
