What Is Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery?

Laparoscopic bariatric surgery may be one of the best methods for getting weight loss surgery available. Though not everyone is a candidate for it, this procedure may be ideal for several reasons. Because of its less invasive approach, it allows doctors to make the necessary changes in your body without actually putting you at risk for long-term debilitation. Consider if this type of procedure could be what you need to get fit again.

Who Can Have Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery?

Many people qualify for this type of weight loss procedure. You will need to be at least 100 pounds over your ideal body weight and your BMI will need to be 35 to 40. You likely will need to have other health risks present that make you a candidate for the procedure, such as having diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, or sleep apnea. Your doctor will help you to determine if you are a good candidate for laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

What Are the Benefits of Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery?

During this procedure, the doctor will make very small cuts in the skin to insert devices. The devices work like very small tools that the doctor can operate with and make cuts and changes to your body as a result. However, there is no large open wound. Because of this, this type of procedure may be beneficial to you because it does not require a lot of healing after it is complete.

There are other benefits to this procedure as well, including:

• Less risk of infection

• Better likelihood of success

• The ability to reduce healing time

• Reduced amount of time in the hospital

• Reduced pain and discomfort

What Can You Expect from This Procedure?

With this procedure, you may spend up to three days in the hospital. You may need to be off work for two to four weeks. When you get home, you will need to follow a very strict diet, which may allow the interior of your body to heal and may help you to lose weight. You may need to have additional appointments with your doctor during this timeframe. Most people will see 40 to 50 percent of their desired weight loss occur within the first year after this procedure.

If you think that laparoscopic bariatric surgery could be the right option for you, discuss the options with your doctor. Find out what you can expect and whether or not this method can help you to improve your life.