Questions about Weight Loss Surgery
Los Angeles, California
What are the benefits of weight loss surgery?
Weight loss surgery does more than just correct obesity. It has been shown to correct other obesity related diseases as well.
What are the different types of weight loss surgery?
There are three standard types of weight loss surgery, including:
- Rouen-en-Y gastric bypass,
- The Lap-Band procedure
- The REALIZE band procedure.
Dr. Carson Liu also performs Revisional surgeries as warranted by a patient's circumstances.
What is the different between gastric bypass, Lap-Band, and REALIZE band surgeries?
- Gastric bypass is an invasive surgery that requires stapling of the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch and the rerouting of the lower intestine to limit the absorption of nutrients. Gastric bypass is done both in an "open" procedure (requiring incisions) and via laparoscopic methods.
- The Lap-Band is a silicone band that is placed over the upper part of the stomach to restrict stomach size. The Lap-Band procedure is adjustable and reversible. It is a non-invasive surgery that does not include cutting or staples.
- The REALIZE band is similar to the Lap-Band procedure in that it works by limiting the size of the upper stomach, which makes a patient feel fuller faster.
How do I prepare for weight loss surgery?
The best way to prepare for weight loss surgery is to start by educating yourself. It is vitally important to understand that the surgery alone doesn't get results; the patient does. Bariatric surgery requires a lifetime commitment to restricted diets, exercise programs, and other lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation. It is a good idea for patients to take advantage of all opportunities to learn about the benefits, risks, and costs of bariatric surgery. Dr. Carson Liu offers weekly seminars on weight loss surgery at his Los Angeles clinic.
What happens after surgery?
A comprehensive support system is essential to helping patients learn new, healthy habits. Patients must follow up regularly with their surgeon, on a schedule determined by the procedure type and individual circumstances. Patients must also adjust to several permanent lifestyle changes.
Dr. Carson Liu offers patients who choose the Lap-Band procedure the chance to participate in My Lap-Band Journey, a program that offers information, counseling, and nutritional help. This program also allows patients to track their progress with online tools and share their own stories.
If you would like to learn more about weight loss surgery options and you live in the Los Angeles area, please contact Dr. Carson Liu today to schedule your initial appointment.
