Weight-Loss Surgery Considerations
For those who’ve faced challenges in achieving or sustaining a healthy weight, remarks like “Just eat less and move more” or “It’s all about self-control” might sound familiar. However, shedding pounds isn’t that simple. Factors such as genetics, financial circumstances, mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, and even some medications can influence how easily someone can drop weight and maintain that loss, that’s where Bariatric Surgery comes in.
That’s why tackling weight loss often demands a multifaceted strategy. This could involve learning about nutrition, working with a dietitian, finding a community for support, and potentially exploring options like medications or surgical procedures, which you can find all in-house at B+A Medical Center.
Are you prepared?
Deciding on weight-loss surgery requires mental readiness. For some, a pivotal moment—like struggling to lift a toddler, needing a larger seat belt on a flight, or facing a health scare—sparks the decision. The motivations behind choosing bariatric surgery are deeply personal and differ widely.
Perhaps you’ve thought about surgery for a while, but it’s that defining moment that finally prompts you to talk to a doctor. If you’re at that crossroads, here’s what to think about.
What Weight-Loss Surgery Offers
Our bariatric surgery services aids in weight reduction and cuts down the chances of obesity-related health issues, such as:
- Cancer
- Heart conditions
- Elevated blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Fertility struggles
- Sleep apnea
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
Typically, candidates have already attempted weight loss through better eating habits and physical activity.
How It Functions
Bariatric Surgery promotes weight reduction in two key ways:
- It reduces the stomach’s capacity, limiting how much food—and therefore calories—you can consume.
- It alters the small intestine’s path or length, decreasing calorie and nutrient absorption.
The most popular methods include:
- Gastric Bypass: Food passes into a small stomach pouch and then straight into the small intestine.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: Roughly 80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow, banana-sized tube.
Both are usually done laparoscopically, using small incisions in the upper abdomen to insert tools. - Gastric Band: Gastric band surgery involves placing a band around the top of the stomach to limit food intake.
Unfortunately, studies have shown this procedure to be ineffective for long-term weight loss. If you have a gastric band, our surgeons can remove it and, if desired, replace it with a more effective solution.
- Modified Duodenal Switch: B+A Surgeons, Dr. Basa and Dr. Abando, have performed thousands of minimally invasive bariatric surgeries in the North Austin area.
The modified duodenal switch (SADI) is a combination of a gastric sleeve (where part of the stomach is removed) and a gastric bypass (where the intestines are rerouted). Unlike a gastric bypass, patients can take NSAIDs after a modified duodenal switch in Austin.
What Weight-Loss Surgery Offers
The upsides of weight-loss surgery can include:
- Significant weight reduction—often 60% to 80% of excess weight lost within the first year.
- Better health overall, with improvements or resolution of issues like diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and joint discomfort.
- A boost in life quality, with more energy, confidence, and the ability to enjoy activities once avoided.
It’s not an instant solution, though. Reaching your ideal weight takes time, and even post-surgery, your BMI might still classify you as overweight. That doesn’t mean it failed—losing a substantial amount can still transform your life.
Bariatric surgery provides a foundation for managing weight long-term, but it demands lasting changes in diet and exercise. You’ll need to monitor both what and how much you eat, as your stomach’s new size limits intake.
Five years out, many maintain about 50% of their lost weight by sticking to a healthier lifestyle, eating habits, and staying active.
If surgery’s on your mind, reach out to us for a consultation, here.
Could This Be Right for You?
Wondering if bariatric surgery might be a fit? Start simple: take a quick Virtual Bariatric Tool Assessment. It’s private, takes just a couple of minutes, and could be the nudge you need toward hitting your health goals.
While some traditional insurance plans provide bariatric surgery coverage, Lantern (SurgeryPlus), Transcarent, or Carrum Health are an all-inclusive benefit offered by a select group of companies. The companies listed below are only some that offer the Lantern (SurgeryPlus), Transcarent, or Carrum Health benefit to their employees:
- American Airlines
- Delta
- Hyatt
- State Farm
- Home Depot
- Hilton
- AutoZone
- Apple
- Dell
- EZ Corp
- Michaels
- 7 Eleven
- Encompass Health
- Woodforest Bank
- Waste Connections
- Greystar
- Allstate
- McKesson
- DaVita
- Albertsons
- Randall’s
- Plus Many More….
Don’t see your employer listed? Talk with your surgeon or contact Lantern (SurgeryPlus), Transcarent, or Carrum Health to find out if your employer offers the benefit.
Bettering your health may seem like a daunting and expensive task at first but it does not have to be. By using healthcare resources provided by your employer you can expect doctors who care for you and are the most trusted professionals in the industry. If you are looking for surgeons who are passionate about providing quality care for both bariatric surgery in Cedar Park, give us a call at 512-260-3444. As proud surgeons of excellence partnering with Lantern (SurgeryPlus), Transcarent, and Carrum Health, you can gain access to procedures, treatments, and surgeries so you live a healthy and happier life.
If you’re ready to make a lasting change, we’re here to help. Learn more about our personalized weight-loss solutions by visiting bamedicalcenter.com.
B+A Surgeons
1410 Medical Pkwy, Cedar Park, TX 78613
(512)260-3444
