Losing Weight: When Surgery or Medical Tourism May be the Answer

Weight loss is always a hot topic, especially for those of us that aren’t in our “peak condition”. Obesity is a major issue in North America and people are becoming more and more aware of the ill effects of processed food and inactivity. But just because you arrive at the realization that you need to be healthier, that doesn’t make it any easier to lose the weight that may have crept up on you for years. Diet and exercise are key and some programs are successful for overweight individuals, but for very obese people, these may not be viable options in the beginning. Weight loss is not an easy journey which is why sometimes surgery and / or a medical vacation may be a life-saving option.

There are different types of weight loss surgery, each has its own pros and cons and is recommended for different people with different issues. Perhaps one of the most popular and least intrusive is the Lap or Gastric Band surgery. A small band is placed around the top of the stomach, reducing the portion that is able to hold food. The band is removable if the patient wishes to do so after the weight loss.

The Gastric Bypass and Mini Gastric Bypass are weight loss surgeries that make the patient feel fuller quicker, therefore forcing you to consume smaller portions. These surgeries are performed routinely on medical vacations and allow for decreased calorie absorption in the small intestine. Surgeons create a smaller stomach and connect it directly to the small intestine in a different spot. The larger

Gastric Plication allows for reversal, like the Band surgery. The stomach is folded and held together with sutures. On the other end of the spectrum, the Sleeve Gastrectomy removes about 75% of your original stomach, leaving only a small portion inside your body.

These surgeries are recommended for people with a BMI of 4o+ or a BMI of 35+ plus an obesity related health condition like diabetes or high blood pressure. The surgeries all come with different sets of pros and cons and each patient has to choose the right method as recommended by a qualified surgeon. Also, most patients will be asked to follow a pre and post surgery meal plan and exercise plan. You must be serious about maintaining the lifestyle and being healthy overall.

Whether you’re choosing a surgeon in your city, or planning a medical vacation, be sure to choose a surgeon who is well versed in weight loss or bariatric surgery.