is lasik surgery something for you to consider?

Bariatric surgery could be the right solution when you can't lose weight by yourself and you're worried about your health. Being overweight has a lot of downsides, and some of them are health complications that could shorten your life. As long as your doctor agrees, surgery could be the right approach and one that helps you lose weight quickly. Here are some things to know about bariatric surgery.

You Need To Diet First To Shrink Your Liver

There are a few reasons your doctor may want you to lose weight before you have surgery, but an important one is so your liver shrinks. When you lose weight, you lose fat in your liver too, and that helps shrink it so it isn't in the way when your surgery is done. If your liver is too large because you didn't follow the diet, your surgery might be canceled or postponed.

You May Be On A Liquid Diet Before And After

One way to lose weight before you have your surgery is to go on a liquid diet that's high in protein. However, your doctor will give you specific instructions on what you can eat and drink. You'll probably be on a liquid diet after surgery too. You'll gradually progress to normal foods, but that could take a few months. Initially, you'll probably take a small amount of liquids frequently throughout the day until your doctor clears you for pureed or soft foods.

There Are Different Types Of Bariatric Surgery

You might have a particular type of surgery in mind, but your doctor will choose the right one for your weight and other factors. You might have a gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or gastric banding. Of those, a gastric band is the only one that's reversible. It may be done as an outpatient. Other types of bariatric surgery require a short hospital stay.

You Can Still Gain Weight After Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is intended to help you lose weight, but it isn't foolproof if you don't change your eating habits. If you go back to eating junk food and eating too many calories, you'll gain your weight back. Before you have surgery, be sure you're ready to commit to lifestyle changes that help you lose weight and keep it off for good so you'll get the best results from your procedure.

Your doctor will provide you with all the information you need about the surgery, and you may even have sessions with a dietitian or counselor to make sure you're ready and prepared for the surgery and the changes you have to make.