subject: Finding A Bariatric Surgery Program In Oklahoma [print this page] If you are one of the many people in the Plains States who are struggling with obesity, there are healthy weight loss options for you. Many who live in places such as Joplin, Missouri or Wichita Falls, Texas have traveled to Oklahoma in search of the best weight loss treatment. Perhaps you have considered bariatric surgery as a way of losing excess pounds. There are a lot of different bariatric procedures, however, so which is the best for you? If you are interested in a safe procedure that allows you to manage your weight in a healthy way, you may be interested to learn about the adjustable gastric band or gastric sleeve surgery.
Adjustable gastric banding is a safe, minimally-invasive type of weight loss surgery available. With this procedure, the surgeon laparoscopically installs a LAP-BAND around the top of the stomach. This creates a small pouch that allows the patient to feel full sooner when eating. The average gastric band patient spends less than 24 hours in the hospital. Many can return to work in about a week and can exercise in four to six weeks.
Gastric sleeve surgery is another newer bariatric procedure that has revolutionized the way people lose weight. The procedure involves the removal of 75% of the stomach, resulting in a banana-shaped pouch. After undergoing this procedure, patients lose a significant amount of weight because they eat smaller portions and experience less hunger. The reduced stomach pouch causes the patient to feel full after eating a relatively small amount of food. Also, the surgery removes the portion of the stomach that produces ghrelin, a hormone believed to cause hunger cravings.
In order to qualify for weight loss surgery with your insurance company, you may need to participate in a physician-supervised weight loss program. This can be done through your primary physicians office, your bariatric clinic or through an outside program. If you choose a self-pay option for the procedure, you may not have to proceed with the prerequisite program.
