Weight Loss Surgery

Losing weight is not easy for most people. Many approaches are available today to help you safely and sustainably remove excess pounds. One of the most popular ways is to go under weight loss surgery. Also known as bariatric surgery, proper weight loss surgery involves modifying the gastrointestinal tract to assist and speed natural weight loss.

Skin Works is honored to offer weight loss surgeries that deliver excellent results for qualified candidates. Our experienced surgical team can perform gastric balloon, lap band, and gastric sleeve surgeries, whichever is ideal for your weight loss journey.

We understand that you are researching to find your best option, so we invite you to a free consultation where we can patiently listen to your concerns to help you find the best method to get your desired results. During your consultation, we will transparently explain all the costs and possible financing and insurance options. Booking a consultation is easy and saves you time, effort, and money.

 

What is Bariatric Surgery?

The defining characteristic of all types of bariatric surgery is that they involve some intervention on a person’s stomach and intestines. This will reduce the amount of food the body can take in. Done accurately by the experts, after a successful bariatric procedure, patients will eat fewer calories and use up the ones from their bodies, aiding in effective weight loss.

 

Who is Weight Loss Surgery For?

Not everyone can get weight loss surgery. Specific qualifications must be met before you’re eligible for the procedure. At the most basic level, you’ll need to be diagnosed with class III obesity. This could mean either of the two:

1. BMI of 40 or Higher: You must have a minimum of 40 body mass index (BMI). This is your body weight-to-height ratio.

 

2. BMI of 35 or Higher and at least one related health problem: To be diagnosed as under class III obesity, you’ll need to have a BMI between 35 and 39.9 while also having weight-related issues such as:

• • – Type 2 Diabetes
  • – High Blood Pressure
  • – Sleep Apnea
  • – Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
  • – Arthritis

What to Expect After Weight Loss Surgery

Since bariatric surgery is a delicate medical procedure, Skin Works follows a systematic process for all patients. This is how we ensure that your body can handle the surgery and the aftercare involved in the best possible way.

First, we will assess if you’re physically and mentally fit to handle the surgery. We’ll also discuss with you the possible risks and complications post-surgery. Then, you’ll undergo health screenings so we can determine if weight loss surgery is safe for you. We’ll also look at your medical history and may ask you to stop activities like smoking, drugs, and alcohol before your surgery.

Before the day of surgery, we may also ask you to follow a diet to reduce the amount of fat in your abdomen. A thinner layer of fat will make the surgery more accessible and safer. At every step of this life-changing procedure, we will be with you making sure you are on the right track.

 

How Long Before You Start Seeing Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery?

Unlike our other forms of surgery, bariatric surgery will take months to a year before you start seeing results. This is because weight loss surgery is more holistic than liposuction and other cosmetic surgeries. Instead of targeting specific areas in the body, bariatric surgery reduces fat by limiting what a person can eat.

You’ll experience rapid weight loss during the first few months — around a pound per week. After 12 to 21 months, you may lose up to 80% of your previous weight.

 

Gastric Balloon

A gastric balloon, also called an intragastric balloon, is a saline-filled silicone ball inserted into the stomach. This is meant to occupy a large volume of the organ. So whenever a person eats, they’ll feel full much faster because there’s less room for food. We recommend this procedure for those who don’t want surgery. Instead of making incisions, we use a catheter to administer the balloon.

 

Gastric Balloon Pros

• – Nonsurgical option
• – Quicker to insert and remove when necessary
• – Temporary option; patients can still gain weight after the balloon is removed.
• – A wider variety of patients can get qualified for a gastric balloon

 

Gastric Balloon Cons

• – Although it rarely happens, the balloon can rupture
• – Loss weight rates are much lower than the other procedures, so it might take longer for you to start seeing results
• – Some foods may stick to the balloon, so you must avoid eating them

 

Gastric Sleeve

Another weight loss surgery option we offer is gastric sleeve surgery. Unlike a gastric balloon, this will involve administering an incision on the abdomen. Our doctors will then create a “sleeve” by removing a part of the stomach until only around 1/10th of it is left. With this smaller sack, you’ll feel full much faster. The surgery also removes the part of the stomach that creates hormones for appetite.

 

Gastric Sleeve Pros

• – Ideal for more high-risk patients because of quicker weight loss results
• – Shorter procedure
• – Lowered appetite
• – Less acid secretion for lower chances of developing an ulcer

 

Gastric Sleeve Cons

• – Permanent and irreversible, but this can be an advantage depending on the circumstance.
• – Potential for leaks since the stomach is stapled.
• – The body will still tolerate high-fat and high-calorie foods, which can nullify the effects of weight loss.