Bariatric Surgery FAQs for Our Birmingham, Huntsville, and Tuscaloosa, Alabama Area Patients
Bariatric surgery can provide those who are obese and/or have obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure with the ability to live more active, healthier lifestyles. However, it is important to remember that bariatric surgeries are involved procedures that require serious consideration, planning, and commitment. For those considering bariatric surgery, our center serving Birmingham, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, and other Alabama communities can provide a better understanding of bariatric surgery treatment options, the causes of obesity, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Obesity and Bariatric Surgery
These frequently asked questions are provided by Dr. Dewitt to help you get a better idea about the general nature of your condition, as well as the bariatric procedures that can help you eliminate obesity and related health problems.
If you suffer from obesity and are considering bariatric surgery, our experienced surgeon serving patients from Birmingham, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, and across Alabama can help you determine the right course of action. To attend an educational weight-loss seminar, contact Dr. Andrew M. Dewitt today.
- What causes obesity?
- What are some of the health risks associated with obesity?
- What are the treatment options for morbid obesity at your practice?
- What are the risks associated with bariatric surgery?
- What is the recovery from bariatric surgery like?
- What lifestyle changes should I expect to make after bariatric surgery?
- Are there support groups for those who are considering or have undergone bariatric surgery?
- What costs are associated with bariatric surgery?
- What is the best way for me to determine if I am a candidate for bariatric surgery?
What causes obesity?
There are many reasons why a person might become obese. It is impossible to pinpoint a single reason for any particular individual, but research has indicated that obesity is due largely to genetics. Heredity can combine with environmental factors such as high-calorie food and inactivity to cause obesity and various obesity-related health issues.
What are some of the health risks associated with obesity?
Minimizing or eliminating obesity-related disease should be one of the main reasons a patient decides to undergo bariatric surgery. Health conditions related to obesity include heart disease, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, and sleep apnea. Also related to obesity is obesity hypoventilation syndrome, respiratory insufficiency, bronchitis, asthma, degenerative arthritis of weight-bearing joints, heartburn, gall bladder disease, and psychological conditions such as depression.
What are the treatment options for morbid obesity at your practice?
Using the latest techniques in bariatric surgery, Dr. Andrew M. Dewitt provides patients from Birmingham, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, and elsewhere in Alabama with life-changing weight-loss results. Bariatric surgery procedures at our office include Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, LAP-BAND® System weight-loss surgery, and laparoscopic gastric sleeve resection.
What are the risks associated with bariatric surgery?
Like all surgical procedures, bariatric surgery involves certain risks. During a consultation with Dr. Dewitt, our patients from Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, and throughout Alabama receive thorough information regarding the possible risks associated with bariatric surgery. These can include, but are not limited to, internal bleeding, bowel obstruction, cardiac problems, anesthesia complications, blood clots in the legs, wound ruptures, food intolerance, hernias, wound infections, internal stomach fluid leakage, ulcers, pneumonia, spleen injuries or tears, and temporary hearing loss. On very rare occasions, complications from bariatric surgery can result in death.
What is the recovery from bariatric surgery like?
The recovery for bariatric surgery depends on which procedure is performed. Generally, patients are required to refrain from strenuous activity for six weeks following their procedure. A patient may return to light work (such as at an office) after three weeks. The ability to return to work, however, depends on each person’s individual physical condition, the type of surgery performed, and the professional duties to be carried out. Most bariatric surgery patients can return to work in roughly six weeks, regardless of which procedure they undergo.
What lifestyle changes should I expect to make after bariatric surgery?
The success of bariatric surgery depends, ultimately, on the ability of patients to adhere to the dietary and lifestyle changes required by their procedure. At our office serving patients from across Alabama, our experienced bariatric surgery professionals will help you develop a dietary plan as well as provide tips on everyday lifestyle changes that can enable you to get the most out of your procedure.
Are there support groups for those who are considering or have undergone bariatric surgery?
Joining a support group comprised of individuals who have undergone — or are considering undergoing — bariatric surgery is recommended, although not required. A support group is an excellent way for our bariatric surgery patients in Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, and other Alabama communities to connect with one another and discuss various personal and professional issues relating to their obesity. Bariatric surgery will not erase the emotional toll that obesity can take on a person's life. However, support groups often help patients enjoy greater self-confidence and psychological well-being in addition to the weight loss achieved through bariatric surgery.
What costs are associated with bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery cost varies from procedure to procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Dewitt and his staff will fully discuss the expected costs associated with your weight loss surgery. Our knowledgeable staff can also help you determine how you may be able to finance your bariatric surgery.
What is the best way for me to determine if I am a candidate for bariatric surgery?
The only way to conclusively determine if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery is to visit a medical professional. Serving Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, and all of Alabama, our experienced bariatric surgeon will be happy to meet with you to discuss your candidacy for weight-loss surgery. Before having a one-on-one consultation, however, prospective patients are required to attend an educational weight-loss surgery seminar. To attend a seminar with our bariatric surgeon, contact Dr. Andrew M. Dewitt today.
If you have further questions regarding options for managing obesity, please feel free to contact our Alabama bariatric surgery provider serving Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, and surrounding areas.
Andrew M. Dewitt, M.D.
2401 15th Ave N
Suite 140
Birmingham, Alabama 35234
Phone: (205) 502-4400
Fax: (205) 502-1210
