Life is a journey is something that slightly smug older people or teachers say to you, but in terms of loosing large amounts of body weight, it is so true. Whilst I often see people after they have lost the weight, I also see those before who come to see me for liposuction. Let’s be really clear about this now – liposuction is not a cure for being overweight. You carry body fat both under your skin and also surrounding your organs. It is this second type of fat that is detrimental to your health, but also it can’t be treated surgically. Not that people expect me to lipo them tiny (well some do), but it’s often just a first place to start, and as I have said, it’s a journey. Think of me as your travel guide!
When is comes to loosing weight and then adjusting your old body envelope to fit you new body, that in my experience is a two year journey. The first thing is deciding that you want to change you weight, which can be done either though strict diet and exercise or by some sort of bariatric surgery such as a lap band or more commonly gastric partition. Many people try the diet and exercise route first, and I often refer them to Dr Sharon Marks, who is a metabolic physician specialising in helping people to loose weight. She also can refer people on for gastric surgery if necessary.
Often weight loss surgery is swift and dramatic, and can cause profound changes in how you view yourself and lifestyle. Many people find a new lease of energy, and take up exercise as part of the process.
My preference is to see patients once their weight has been stable for six months. There is no point in trying to shape a body to a moving target. Having said that, some people are so debilitated by large flaps of loose skin during the weight loss phase, that we have to do some surgery just to let them function.
As gastric partition surgery essentially starves you, it is important that before we embark on any procedure that your blood work is normal. Many people suffer from iron deficiencies, which can significantly impair wound healing, and they may need iron infusions. Others have protein deficiencies which require dietary supplements along with those provided by your weight loss surgeon. It is vital that you take these (often a multivitamin), as if you stop, your wounds won’t heal properly.
The fact that you’re taking the time to read this blog means that you’re already on the journey or thinking about it. Remember, we are here to be your travel guides and point you in the right direction.
This week I’m going to talk about a different area of the body each day, starting tomorrow with “the big one” – the abdomen.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.