Losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be a significant challenge. For individuals who have struggled with obesity and have not found success with traditional weight loss methods, bariatric surgery can be a transformative option. This article explores weight loss surgery options available in Delaware, providing information on procedures, benefits, and support systems.
Understanding Post-Bariatric Surgery and Body Contouring
Whether you have recently undergone bariatric weight loss surgery or have recently lost a significant amount of weight, you have completed a major step in living a healthier lifestyle. Following a substantial amount of weight loss, the skin and underlying tissues often lack elasticity and do not represent your true size and shape. Individuals who have undergone bariatric weight loss surgery or have recently lost a large amount of weight often experience drooping, excess skin in many areas of the body. Post-bariatric and after-weight loss surgery involves procedures designed to eliminate these areas of excess fat and loose skin for a more contoured appearance.
Post-weight loss surgery can involve a number of procedures designed to provide more defined contours and tighter skin. A lower body lift involves removing excess fat and skin with incisions made around the belt-line, across the lower part of the stomach, and down the inner thighs. These areas can include the buttocks, hips, love handles, abdomen, and thighs. Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed. An upper body lift focuses on the arms, back, and breasts. Excess fat and skin are eliminated in these areas and the remaining skin is sculpted to achieve a firmer aesthetic appearance.
One of the areas of the body that can be particularly affected by significant weight loss is the lower stomach. Excess skin that hangs below the belt line is referred to as the pannus, and can be so severe that it can often cause skin ulcers, rashes, back pain, and problems maintaining hygiene. A panniculectomy can be performed to eliminate the excess skin and fat that causes the pannus to form.
Recovery from after-weight loss surgery will depend on the type and extent of procedures you undergo. Full recovery from lower and upper body lift procedures may take up to a few months to a year for the body to completely heal. Compression garments and scar reduction products are used to help reduce the noticeable signs of scarring after surgery as well as assist with the healing process.
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Bariatric Surgery: A Solution for Significant Weight Loss
Bariatric surgery involves making changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight. Bariatric surgery is the most effective solution for significant and healthy weight loss.
Types of Bariatric Surgery
Several types of bariatric surgery are available, each with its own advantages and considerations. Some common procedures include:
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: This procedure involves removing a large portion of the stomach, creating a smaller, tube-shaped stomach. This restricts the amount of food that can be eaten and reduces the production of the hunger hormone ghrelin.
- Gastric Bypass: This procedure involves creating a small stomach pouch and connecting it directly to the small intestine, bypassing a portion of the stomach and small intestine. This reduces the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs.
- Duodenal Switch/Single Anastomosis Duodenal Switch (DS/SIPS): This is a more complex procedure that combines a sleeve gastrectomy with a bypass of a significant portion of the small intestine.
Reading Hospital: Bariatric Surgery Volume and Outcomes
According to data from Reading Hospital, between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2024, the following surgical volumes were recorded:
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: 930
- Gastric Bypass: 111
- Duodenal Switch/Single Anastomosis Duodenal Switch: 151
Surgical outcomes (% of surgical patients with occurrence):
| Sleeve Gastrectomy | Gastric Bypass | DS/SIPS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leak of intestine or stomach at stapled area | 0% | 0% | 3.3% |
| Wound infection or problem | 0.1% | 0% | 3.3% |
| Pulmonary embolus (blood clot in lungs) | 0.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Bleeding (requiring transfusion within 72 hours of surgery) | 0% | 1.8% | 0% |
| Related readmission | 1.5% | 9% | 10.6% |
| Related reoperation (second operation) | 0% | 0.9% | 3.3% |
| Death | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Reference: American College of Surgeons Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.
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ChristianaCare Bariatric Surgery Program
ChristianaCare Bariatric Surgery Program offers a comprehensive approach to weight loss, including surgical and non-surgical options. They provide support groups and educational resources to help patients achieve long-term success.
Finding Support and Information
Bariatric Surgery Seminars
Free Bariatric Surgery Seminars: Our virtual seminars are designed to answer all your questions about weight loss surgery options, including gastric sleeve and gastric bypass.
Support Groups
Support Groups: We understand that bariatric surgery is a big decision. Bariatric Support Groups are incredibly important after bariatric surgery. This hour-long session involves an educational presentation led by one or more of our ChristianaCare healthcare providers and patients followed by an open discussion.
Newsletter
A Newsletter for You: Our newsletter is packed full of great information like Zoom links for our monthly support group, recipes, fun exercises, and other health tips. Register for our ChristianaCare Bariatric Surgery Program Monthly eNewsletter!
Addressing Excess Skin After Significant Weight Loss
Following a substantial amount of weight loss, the skin and underlying tissues often lack elasticity and do not represent your true size and shape. Individuals who have undergone bariatric weight loss surgery or have recently lost a large amount of weight often experience drooping, excess skin in many areas of the body. Post-bariatric and after-weight loss surgery involves procedures designed to eliminate these areas of excess fat and loose skin for a more contoured appearance.
Read also: Inspiring Health Transformation
Body Contouring Procedures
Post-weight loss surgery can involve a number of procedures designed to provide more defined contours and tighter skin.
- Lower Body Lift: A lower body lift involves removing excess fat and skin with incisions made around the belt-line, across the lower part of the stomach, and down the inner thighs. These areas can include the buttocks, hips, love handles, abdomen, and thighs. Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed.
- Upper Body Lift: An upper body lift focuses on the arms, back, and breasts. Excess fat and skin are eliminated in these areas and the remaining skin is sculpted to achieve a firmer aesthetic appearance.
- Panniculectomy: One of the areas of the body that can be particularly affected by significant weight loss is the lower stomach. Excess skin that hangs below the belt line is referred to as the pannus, and can be so severe that it can often cause skin ulcers, rashes, back pain, and problems maintaining hygiene. A panniculectomy can be performed to eliminate the excess skin and fat that causes the pannus to form.
Recovery from after-weight loss surgery will depend on the type and extent of procedures you undergo. Full recovery from lower and upper body lift procedures may take up to a few months to a year for the body to completely heal. Compression garments and scar reduction products are used to help reduce the noticeable signs of scarring after surgery as well as assist with the healing process.
Advanced Plastic Surgery Center
Advanced Plastic Surgery Center is located in Newark, Delaware, convenient to Wilmington, Elkton Maryland, Chester County Pennsylvania, and Southern New Jersey. Our well trained staff and highly qualified surgeons are available to assist you with your cosmetic needs. Please contact us today to learn more about after-weight loss surgery or to schedule a personalized consultation.
Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?
Considering Bariatric Surgery? Watch our weight loss seminar. In this video, our bariatric surgeons explain how they determine if youâre a candidate for surgery and outline the risks and benefits of each procedure. You will also learn how to fill out a secure online form that allows you to request a bariatric surgery consultation.
Not Sure of the Best Approach for You? If you or your child are ready to lose weight and want to learn more about your options, give us a call today: 484-628-5673. Our program coordinator will set up a time to go over your medical history and weight loss goals.