Considering Bariatric Surgery Benefits and Risks

Bariatric surgery is a procedure that, in one of various ways, alters the stomach, intestines, or other components of the digestive track with the goal of reducing how much food is absorbed into the body. Many new techniques make it easy for this type of procedure to be done today, including laparoscopic procedures using very small incisions. Yet, there are both benefits and risks to having this type of procedure. Individuals considering it will want to learn about the procedure through a consultation with their surgeon.

The Benefits of the Procedure

Numerous benefits exist for bariatric surgery. The main benefit of this procedure is the limitation is places on a person. Since it alters the shape, size or abilities of the stomach, the body is unable to take in as many calories. This leads to significant weight loss. Individuals also do not have that hungry feeling that sometimes happens when dieting. The benefits of the procedure also include the following:

- Less ability to eat too much

- Significant ability to lose weight

- Ability to lose a lot of weight quickly

Many people who have this surgical procedure are able to reduce their weight rapidly because the process does not allow individuals to take in as many calories as they used to. However, there are still restrictions. Individuals must eat the right types of foods to ensure their body is getting the nutrition necessary.

The Risks to Consider

At the same time, individuals also need carefully to weigh the risks of this procedure before deciding to go with it. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with it including the risk that anesthesia will lead to complications or infections will occur. Aside from this, there are additional risks to take into consideration.

- Some individuals struggle with malnutrition because they do not eat the foods that contain the nutrients their body needs.

- Some individuals lose weight but then begin eating too much and gain it back.

- This process does not stop or treat emotional eating or the underlying cause of the weight gain in the first place.

Discuss your situation with your doctor and do so thoroughly. Ensure each one of your concerns and needs are thought about and planned for before you move forward. For many, bariatric surgery is life changing. It is the opportunity needed finally to take a step forward in improving not only their health, but also extending their lifespan and quality of life. In some situations, this process can actually save an individual's life. However, you have to be ready for it and for the changes that it will bring into your life. If you are, then it may be time to talk to a surgeon today about your goals and desires.

There are a lot of benefits and risks to bariatric surgery Anniston. Put your mind at ease and go to http://www.rmccares.org/.

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Lifestyle Changes, Long-Term Benefits

We live in a quick-fix society. We want instant results with minimal pain, effort and sacrifice. When it comes to our health and appearance, we're accustomed to looking for a pill or procedure, and many doctors are quick to prescribe them. But if the root cause of the problem or challenge is not addressed, drugs, surgery and treatments can simply mask the underlying issue, leading to more of the same - a vicious cycle.

Also, every drug, treatment and procedure has potential side effects and risks that can often be worse than the issue it was intended to treat. This includes cosmetic treatments, over-the counter meds and so-called natural products. Certain procedures are often lifesaving and life-improving. However, without accompanying lifestyle changes, the treatments may be minimally effective, if at all. More important, many issues can be solved simply by lifestyle changes alone. So how can changes make you look and feel better? Read on - you may just be surprised.

Quit Smoking
In addition to the numerous (albeit preventable) well-documented health risks, cigarette smokers are more prone to premature aging of the skin. Smoking can also result in dull, lifeless hair, and even premature graying and balding. If quitting cold turkey hasn't worked for you, consider attending smoking cessation programs, using nicotine patches, trying hypnotherapy and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation (See my previous post, Meditation Not Your Thing? Debunking the Myths).

Lose Weight
Joint replacement surgery has become increasingly prevalent. And while age and other factors put natural wear and tear on joints, excess body weight is a major contributor. If you wind up having joint replacement surgery, that excess weight can cause complications during and after surgery and may prolong your recovery. Consider consulting a dietician or nutritionist (your insurance may pay for this), attending weight-loss group meetings, and keeping a food diary to shave extra pounds and develop healthy eating habits.

Get Physically Active
Physical activity improves your appearance, memory, mood and sleep patterns, and it staves off cardiac disease and brittle bones. Better yet, exercise doesn't have to be drudgery. Consider taking a line-dancing class, swimming at your community rec center, getting on a bowling league, joining a walking club or regularly playing Frisbee with your kids or dog. Consider working with a personal trainer even for one session (many gyms offer free training sessions when you join) to develop a routine that works best for you.

Stay Hydrated
Even mild dehydration can cause mental confusion, elevate your blood sugar and cause headaches, muscle weakness, fatigue and dizziness. Our entire body - brain, heart, joints, muscles - needs water to function properly. Unless you are on fluid restrictions for health reasons, drink up (preferably caffeine-free, unsweetened beverages). And be careful not to consume too many artificially-sweetened drinks either, as the additives can cause serious side effects, including palpitations, headaches and ringing in the ears.

Develop Good Sleep Habits
Most Americans are sleep-deprived, and many use prescription sleep aides. Chronic lack of sleep affects moods, clarity of thought, weight control and more. If you have trouble sleeping, restrict caffeine intake, especially 8-12 hours before bedtime. Also, turn off the computer and TV at least an hour before bedtime, and lower the lights in your environment so that your body can naturally produce melatonin, which stimulates sleep. Develop a bedtime routine such as reading, journaling, meditating or taking a warm bath or shower just before sleep. Most adults should get 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

Manage Your Stress
Excess stress affects your skin, hair, creativity, happiness and productivity. Most of us can't eliminate the stress in our lives, but we can counteract its effects. Meditation, yoga (even for the elderly and disabled), aerobic exercise, hobbies, socializing and an occasional change of scenery are all great ways to unwind and de-stress.

Making small changes today will improve your life in numerous ways tomorrow.

You may know Donna as "Dear Donna" at Nursing Spectrum and NurseWeek magazines where she writes a regular column and doles out daily online career advice at nurse.com. She is also an "Expert" Blogger at DoctorOz.com - the first and only nurse blogging there!
Donna is author of 3 books: Your First Year as a Nurse, The ULTIMATE Career Guide for Nurses, and a Daybook for Beginning Nurses.
Donna has received numerous awards and recognitions but is most proud of being named a Diva in Nursing by the Institute for Nursing in NJ for outstanding achievements and excellence in practice.

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