Deciding whether weight loss surgery is a good option for you can be tough. Afterall, there are many factors when it comes to making this decision, and it is always something that will need to be discussed with your primary care physician.
At Colorado Choice Bariatrics, Dr. Timothy Brown M.D. specializes in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery. Also known as the Gastric Sleeve, this procedure is minimally invasive and doesn’t involve any bypassing of the intestines or gastrointestinal malabsorption. Most of the time, patients who receive this surgery will go home to recover on the same day of surgery.
Using a laparoscopic, or minimally invasive procedure, Dr. Timothy Brown, M.D. removes a large portion of the stomach (around 70-80%) and reshapes the remaining part into a long tube shaped like a slender banana, which creates a restrictive process in which patients can eat much less than before.
This weight loss surgery will result in caloric restriction, reduced appetite, and the correction of overeating behaviors, giving you the quality of life you deserve. But how do you know if this surgery is right for you? There are many factors that can help you decide this.
Your Body Mass Index (BMI)
When considering Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery, it is important to first take your Body Mass Index (BMI) into account. In order to qualify for LSG surgery, you must have a BMI of at least 40, or have a BMI of 35 to 40 and have an obesity-related condition such as severe sleep apnea, high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes.
According to Johns Hopkins, if you have a BMI over 50, a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy may be used first in order to help you lose weight before a more extensive surgery is necessary.
Your Age
In order to have a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, you must be between the ages of 21 to 55. Of course, there are some exceptions to this guideline.
Those younger than 21 may be eligible if they have one or more medical conditions related to their weight, as well as permission from their parent or guardian. And those who are older than 55 may also be eligible depending on their overall health and their need for weight loss surgery.
Your Desire To Make a Lifestyle Change
Through a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Dr. Timothy Brown, M.D. is able to help people make many positive changes in their lives related to weight loss. For those who have struggled with obesity, losing weight can change their lives forever.
But lifestyle changes don’t begin and end with surgery. After receiving the procedure, making healthy choices is a very important step in recovery and in keeping off unwanted weight.
In order to make sure the surgery is successful and remains effective indefinitely, it is important to stay active and continue to control food portions. While resting and no strenuous activity is important for weeks after the procedure, once you are cleared to do so, remaining active will be important.
At Colorado Choice Bariatrics we have a dedicated team on staff that focuses on a comprehensive weight loss program for you after your surgery with Dr. Timothy Brown, M.D. We require you to meet with this team for follow-up appointments after your surgery is complete.
This team will help you on your journey, both with making a nutrition plan and committing to daily exercise and activity. These things combined will ensure the success of your Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.
Your Initial Consultation with Dr. Timothy Brown, M.D.
If you are unsure whether or not a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is right for you, we would be happy to set up an initial consultation to discuss your options and go over the requirements for surgery. At Colorado Choice Bariatrics, our top priority is giving you the care and the quality of life you deserve. Our dedicated staff is always here to answer our questions and give support when they are able.