Selecting the best weight loss surgery clinic and surgeon is paramount to ensuring long-term success when considering bariatric surgery.
Bariatric surgery assists those struggling with obesity by altering the digestive system through restrictive methods like the gastric sleeve or bypass procedures.
It drastically changes your life but its success doesn’t solely depend on the procedure itself, it is highly dependent on the expertise and niche experience of the clinic and the post-operative care provided.
What Is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is an umbrella term that includes different surgical techniques that modify the stomach or intestines to limit food intake and nutrient absorption. Common procedures include gastric sleeve surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy), gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y), single anastomosis gastric bypass, duodenal switch and adjustable gastric bands.
These surgeries are aimed at helping patients lose weight and improving related health conditions such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
The long-term success of bariatric surgery goes beyond the immediate weight loss. It is essential to have an experienced surgeon, the best weight loss surgery clinic and a comprehensive care plan in place to ensure that weight loss is sustained and health complications are minimised.
Post-Operative Treatment and Adjustments
Following surgery, post-operative care is a key factor in achieving long-term success. Patients must adhere to specific dietary guidelines and lifestyle changes.
Immediately after surgery, Dr Puhalla will guide you with a liquid-only diet, gradually progressing to pureed foods, soft foods and eventually solid foods.
Regular follow-ups with Dr Puhalla and his team, including nutritional support and counselling, are essential to address any issues related to eating habits and your emotional well-being.
Maintaining weight loss requires ongoing commitment. Regular physical activity and a healthy, balanced diet are necessary to sustain the benefits of surgery.
Additionally, Dr Puhalla will advise you which bariatric-specific vitamins are crucial to take due to the reduced ability to absorb nutrients after surgery.
Complications and Why Expertise Matters
Bariatric surgery has an excellent track record of being safe but complications can arise, especially if the procedure is not performed by a highly experienced surgeon.
Issues which could occur include:
- Infections or bleeding
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Weight regain
A skilled specialist Bariatric surgeon will have vast experience in the probability of these risks and will know how to preempt their occurrence. With careful, bariatric-specific monitoring, expert advice and effective interventions, Dr Puhalla will greatly increase your chances of success.
Bariatric-experienced surgeons also provide personalised, appropriate post-surgery care, helping you navigate the psychological aspects of weight loss and ensuring your body adjusts to the changes. Proper guidance can prevent complications like dumping syndrome and gastrointestinal obstructions, making your recovery process smoother and more successful.
The Risks of Non-Specialist Surgeons & Clinics
It is critical to select the best weight loss surgery clinic led by a specialist in bariatric surgery. Some clinics may offer bariatric surgery without the depth of experience, risk mitigation knowledge or post-operative care required for optimal results.
Surgeons who are not specialised in bariatrics may not have the expertise to manage complications or guide patients through the lifestyle changes necessary for long-term success.
Choosing a clinic with a specialist focus on bariatric surgery, holistic approach and ongoing post-operative care ensures you receive the highest quality treatment and support, minimising risks and maximising the benefits of your surgery.
Ready for a transformative weight loss journey? Book an appointment with Dr Puhalla – leading surgeon at the best weight loss surgery clinic in Southport on the Gold Coast.