fast weight loss dubai | quick weight loss dubai | lap band dubai | gastric banding dubai - FAQ's

Of course, we can't predict exactly how your life will change after losing 35, 50 or 75+ Kilograms. I can assure you that your life will change and the changes are very likely to be quite dramatic! Over the years that we have monitored our patients, we find that some of the major changes to be: 

Improved physical status, for example, blood pressure, blood sugar and respiratory regulation), more energy, less body aches and pains, improved sleeping. 

Improved psychological status, including decreased depression, improved self esteem, improved social skills, more confidence and realistic hope for the future. 

Changes in relationship, including family, love relationships, friends and co--workers. In general these changes are positive and exciting. They are also demanding. In order to cooperate with our program, patients must really put their own health care choices first. This is very often a change for our patients, since many have felt depressed and hopeless they have given their own lives the lowest priority. Our patients have to learn to make assertive, healthy decisions for themselves, even when these decisions upset their loved ones. For example, they may choose to go on their exercise walk instead of sitting down and eating pretzels, or they may have to deal with their spouse's jealousy or discomfort when they become increasingly attractive and independent. 

Body image: Patients undergo incredible changes in how they see and feel their bodies. Losing 100 or more pounds creates drastic changes in body size, appearance, and related areas such as dressing choices, feelings of being attractive and sexy. 

Accepting normal body image is sometimes a major challenge for obesity surgery patients! Even though wearing a size 8 dress may be a lifetime goal, some patients require some adjustment time to accept this reality, sometimes still "feeling fat", or worrying that they will gain weight back. We find that as more time passes and patients learn to become experts in managing the program guidelines with their individual lives, they experience more real success, and the new healthy body image becomes more comfortable. 

Q. Is there any scaring after surgery?

A. There is minimal scaring after laparoscopic surgery. However - if you loose 50 Kg you will probably need a tummy-tuck. That produces a long scar along the entire abdominal midline. After a tummy-tuck the scars will thus look the same whether you have had laparoscopic or open surgery. 

Q. How many days in the hospital, and how much down from work is necessary?

A. The patient normally spends one night in the hospital, and can generally be back at work within three to six days. 

Q. How does the body know when to stop losing weight? (I don’t want to look anorexic)

A. Food is the same thing as gas in your furnace. If you have a bigger house you need more gas to heat it. If you have a small house you need less. So - every human being sooner or later reaches a steady state in terms of weight. You will continue to loose weight until your intake is equal to what your body is consuming. The smaller you get the less you consume, and eventually you stop loosing weight. We know, from experience, how much bowel should be out of loop so that your intake is on an appropriate level. 

I am a compulsive and emotional eater - do people that eat for these reasons have as much success as the ones who just happen to have large appetites (and aren't compulsive)? I fear that this band will not work for me because one of my worst compulsive tendencies is to eat ice cream, which doesn't seem like it would be restricted by the band. 

The results might be inferior, but there is no rule. I have patients with the same problem who have had excellent results. 

Q. How does the band affect reflux and heartburn?

A. The heartburn you have right now is caused by reflux of gastric juice up to the esophagus. The acid in the gastric juice is not produced in the whole area of the gastric mucosa. It is produced in something called parietal cells. The upper limit of presence of these cells is about 2 inches from the gastro-esophageal junction. The band is placed above these cells. This means that the band actually prevents acid from running up in the esophagus. The second factor of importance is the hiatus (the opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus goes up into the thoracic cavity). In most individuals the hiatus is tight and no gastric juice is allowed to pass up into the esophagus. In many obese individuals the hiatus muscle becomes slack - so reflux is actually a complication to obesity. When we perform gastric banding we usually tighten the hiatus muscle with a couple of sutures. The result of both these factors is those obese patients who have esophageal reflux in most cases experience an instant relief of those symptoms after surgery. The hiatus is tightened and the band prevents the acid from running up. Reflux disease can occur later as a result of dislocation of the band. If the band moves down it comes below the upper limit of the parietal cells and acid is produced above the band resulting in reflux. This nowadays not so common and we always try to prevent dislocation of the band by suturing it in place. 

Q. Will I have excess flab all over my body and need cosmetic surgery later?

A. You will probably need to have a tummy tuck later. 

Q. Can I get pregnant with the band and would the baby receive enough nutrients from me?

A. Oh yes - no problem. You will in fact have easier to become pregnant and your child will be healthier because you will have lower blood sugar. You can get pregnant anytime after surgery. There are no special dietary requirements after surgery. The rule is that the baby always takes what he/she needs. So, you can feel confident that there are no problems with pregnancy should you decide to have surgery. 

Q. How long can I keep the band in my body?

A. You can keep the band for 10-20 years. You should not consider removing it unless you are sure your weight is stable and you do not need it anymore. We remove the band through a scope via the same previous small scars we used to place the band previously.