Weight Loss Surgery and Breast Augmentation

Weight loss surgery patients often undergo plastic surgery after massive weight loss has occurred and a new lower level of weight is stable. Massive weight loss can result in sagging skin and excess fat that cannot be eliminated with diet and exercise along. Breast augmentation is a common type of plastic surgery procedure performed after weight loss surgery. The paragraphs below describe bariatric surgery and the various procedures that would be performed before the breast augmentation.

Many overweight people have had one form of weight loss surgery or another to succeed in their battle with obesity. Also known as bariatric surgery, weight loss surgery is offered in different forms, including gastric banding surgery and gastric bypass surgery.

To be considered for weight loss surgery, a bariatric surgeon will need to analyze a candidate's body mass index (BMI). The BMI is a calculation of body fat based on an individual's height and weight. In the early 1990s, the National Institutes of Health established criteria stating that individuals with BMI of 35-39 need to have a pre-existing condition such as diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol, to be considered for weight loss surgery. If the BMI is 40 or above, most surgeons do not require a candidate to have an associated condition to be considered for a weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass or gastic sleeve surgery.

Two Most Common Types of Weight Loss Surgery

The two most common types of weight loss surgery are Lap Band and gastric bypass surgery. Realize Band surgery is also now widely used. This type of surgery is similar to Lap Band. Many people have been able to successfully correct obesity through the significant weight loss associated with these surgeries. As part of the gastric bypass and Lap Band procedures, the stomach is divided into two separate pouches, with the upper one being much smaller. The smaller pouch serves as the new stomach and allows patients to better control their hunger and eating habits while reaching a feeling of satiety quicker.

Lap-Band Surgery

During Lap-Band surgery, the bariatric surgeon places a belt-like piece of plastic around the upper part of the stomach to create the two pouches. The Lap Band ring is filled with saline solution and can be adjusted via an access point embedded under the skin. Most patients who undergo Lap Band surgery require 6-8 adjustments following surgery to maximize weight loss. These adjustments help facilitate weight loss.

Lap Band surgery is typically a same-day procedure, and most patients are fully healed after two weeks. Weight loss associated with Lap Band surgery is noticeably slower than that associated with gastric bypass. Lap Band patients typically notice a weight loss plateau approximately 24 months after surgery.

Realize Band Surgery

Realize band surgery is similar to Lap Band, in that both are gastric banding procedures. The bariatric surgeon can help the patient determine whether a Realize Band or Lap Band is the best option if a banding procedure is chosen.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery is considerably more complex than a Lap Band insertion. During a gastric bypass procedure, the bariatric surgeon surgically removes portions of the abdomen and creates two pouches out of the stomach. The small intestine is then modified so it may connect to both pouches.

The invasive nature of gastric bypass surgery generally requires patients remain in the hospital for 48-72 hours after surgery. Gastric bypass results in rapid weight reduction over a 3-6 month period, with the final weight loss being achieved 10-16 months after surgery.

Finding the Best Weight Loss Surgeon

Many people find it beneficial to schedule an appointment with a bariatric surgeon when researching different types of weight loss surgery. During this consultation, the surgeon can make a determination if the prospective patient is a candidate for weight loss surgery, and if so, which bariatric procedure will work the best, including the duodenal switch procedure.

Most surgeons have completed extensive surgical training and are certified by a governing organization such as the American Board of Surgery. It is important that patients find a bariatric surgeon they are comfortable with, as considerable time will be spent with this doctor before and after surgery.

Weight loss surgery can be a long process, though its rewarding results are often life-changing. By consulting a local bariatric surgeon, patients will have a better understanding of the risks and benefits as they begin a path to a healthier and happier life.

Cost of Gastric Bypass Surgery and Lap Band Surgery

The cost of weight loss surgery is also a big question when making a decision about surgical weight loss. Similar to dental care insurance, health insurance plans typically only cover medically necessary procedures and not elective or cosmetic surgery. If your level of obesity is considered to be a serious medical condition, then all or part of the procedure may be covered. There also may be costs after surgery for nutritional supplements and conditioning programs. To learn more about the cost of gastric bypass or lap band surgery cost, visit the Consumer Guide to Bariatric Surgery.