Which Bariatric Surgery Is Right for You?
You, and only you, can answer this important question after you have considered all the medical evidence and facts about the risks and benefits of each procedure. You may choose to research weight loss surgery on your own. As with any search for medical information, be sure that your sources are responsible. Talk to your general practitioner and any specialist that is involved in your care.There is no substitute for consulting with recognized experts in laparoscopic bariatric surgery (Drs. Chow or Christou) who have extensive experience with all the procedures you are considering. Finally make sure you know the answer to these questions. Write them down and go over the answers several times before you decide.
- What is the risk of the worst possible outcome with each procedure?
- What are the short-term complications (within 30 days of the surgery) of each procedure?
- What are the long-term (basically for the rest of your life) complications of each surgery?
- What are the weight loss results in the short term (5 years) and long term (beyond 10 years) after the surgery?
- Do you want to eliminate the hunger you always feel?
- Do you want to lose as much of the extra weight you carry as possible?
- How fast do you want to lose the weight?
- What is the “back-up plan” if the procedure you chose fails to produce your weight loss goal?