Weight Loss Surgery and Rhinoplasty / Nose Reshaping

After the massive weight loss has occurred, many patients enjoy a greater level of self-confidence and are often motivated to learn about other elective cosmetic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty is a common type of plastic surgery procedure performed after weight loss surgery. The paragraphs below provide background about bariatric surgery and the various procedures that would be performed before the rhinoplasty.

The Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

Many people suffering from obesity explore the benefits of weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery. The two main types of weight loss surgery are Lap Band surgery and gastric bypass surgery, each of which has the potential to help obese people dramatically lose weight and reduce the risk of other diseases such as diabetes and high cholesterol.

Persons who have been unable to conquer obesity through exercise and a healthy diet should meet with a bariatric surgeon to discuss their weight loss surgery options. A bariatric surgeon will be able to explain the different options for bariatric surgery and the qualifications a candidate must possess.

Who is a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

During an initial weight loss surgery consultation, a bariatric surgeon begins by determining a candidate’s body mass index (BMI). The BMI is a body fat calculation based on an individual’s height and weight. In the early 1990s the National Institutes of Health created criteria to determine candidacy for weight loss surgery based on their BMI.

If a candidate's BMI is between 35 and 39, an associated condition such as diabetes, hypertension or high blood pressure needs to be present for that person to be qualified. Candidates with a BMI of 40 and over may not be required to suffer from an associated condition in order to qualify for bariatric surgery.

Gastric Bypass and Lap-Band Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery and Lap Band surgery are the two popular forms of bariatric surgery. Both procedures effectively limit the size of a patient’s stomach to facilitate weight loss.

Gastric bypass is an invasive procedure during which a bariatric surgeon surgically removes portions of the abdomen and create two pouches out of the stomach. The upper pouch is smaller and functions as the patient’s new stomach. The surgeon also modifies the small intestine so both pouches are connected to it.

Gastric bypass patients typically spend 48-72 hours in the hospital following surgery. A full recovery is often achieved in as little as three weeks after the procedure.

Due to the number of incisions and the invasiveness of gastric bypass surgery, the risk of infection is a concern. Patients who have undergone gastric bypass need to closely monitor their incisions and inform their bariatric surgeon if they have any concern or discomfort.

Lap Band surgery is typically a same-day procedure during which a bariatric surgeon places a small, belt-like band around the upper part of the stomach to create two pouches. Similar to gastric bypass, the upper pouch created by the Lap Band serves as the patient's new stomach. The minimized invasiveness of the procedure means patients may fully recover in approximately two weeks.

Although a less invasive procedure, Lap Band surgery has its own risk of complications. For some patients, rapid weight loss has led to the band moving from its original spot causing the new stomach to go over the band. Sufferers of this complication normally experience vomiting and severe heartburn. Other complications include the Lap Band leaking, the stomach pouch enlarging or the stomach outlet becoming blocked. Most often these problems can be corrected laparoscopically, though in some cases an individual may need a more invasive surgery to resolve any complications.

The Importance of Finding a Qualified Bariatric Surgeon

Locating a qualified bariatric surgeon for your gastric bypass or Lap Band surgery procedure will better ensure maximum weight loss while reducing the risk of complications. Those interested in bariatric surgery should find out how many procedures the surgeon has accomplished and the level of post-surgical care that is available.

Many bariatric surgery patients positively remark on the level of support and motivation offered by their surgeon during the lengthy process. Each patient deserves the assistance of an experienced weight loss surgeon while working towards a healthier and happier life.