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After Weight Loss Surgery Alabama Patients Can Start Life Anew

By Joshua Hughes


Obesity has become one of the biggest health threats in developed countries. Obese and overweight people maintain dangerous lifestyles. They often suffer from concomitant conditions such as certain types of cancer, hypertension, diabetes and heart disease, to name just a few potentially life threatening diseases. Apart from being disease prone, they often suffer to breathe properly, to move a round and to bend over. Many have tried dieting, unfortunately without lasting success. With weight loss surgery Alabama residents can actually lose a lot of weight, however.

The most commonly perform operation is called a bariatric procedure. During this operation, the surgeon uses a powerful vacuum to remove masses of fat from the body. The procedure is risky and considered to be a major intervention. Like all surgical procedures, there is always the risk of complications, such as infection, to develop. This is why surgeons are very careful before accepting patients for this procedure.

Patients are required to immediately change their thinking about food. They also need to be dedicated to not only lose weight, but to keep it off permanently. This can only be achieved by means of a drastic change in lifestyle. For many patients, this is a very difficult process and some opt to attend counselling sessions in order to help them stay motivated.

Most surgeons will refuse to perform the procedure if the patient has been smoking or using alcohol during the past six months. This is because alcohol can cause serious fluctuations in the blood sugar levels and this, in turn, can lead to dangerous complications during and after the operation. Nicotine can cause blood clots and this too, can pose a serious risk during the procedure.

It is no surprise to learn that patients have to immediately change their diets. Not only do they have to eat less that they are used to, but they must also make sure that they follow a balanced eating program that includes protein with every meal. They have to cut out sugar and lower their salt intake too. They have to understand that these changes are permanent ones.

Doctors are also insistent that potential patients embark upon strict exercise regimes. They are advised to take up low impact exercises such as swimming, cycling or walking and they have to exercise for at least thirty minutes each day, preferably out of doors. Disciplines such as yoga or pilates can also help to increase flexibility and to help the patient to remain motivated about making major lifestyle changes.

Patients must prepare for the fact that the first few weeks after the procedure will be difficult. Most patients experience severe discomfort and some pain. Serious bruising can only be accepted, taking into account the invasive nature of the procedure. Patients may also struggle to walk or to bend. These side effects will fade after a week or two, however.

Opting for radical surgery in order to lose weight is a serious decision. This is why surgeons vet their patients so carefully. However, those that qualify and that manage to permanently change their mindsets enjoy a brand new lease on life.




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