Anyone who seriously considers weight loss surgery has a visual of themselves after the surgery. They picture themselves wearing the latest fashions, tight jeans, and feeling confident again. All of this can occur, but all these positives happen in conjunction with some negative changes you should be ready for. How will my appearance change after weight loss surgery?
The Good Changes
After gastric bypass surgery, most people can expect to lose 66% to 80% of their extra body weight. With gastric banding, people lose 40% to 50% or their extra weight. So all those visualizations about fitting into tight jeans can become a reality and change your life.
Other changes will also occur after weight loss surgery, and you should be aware of them. They may or may not be a problem for you.
Hair Loss
If you are someone whose identity is wrapped up in their locks, get ready for some unexpected changes after weight loss surgery.
Gastric bypass patients have a higher risk of losing hair than banding or gastric sleeve patients. Hair loss is common and occurs in about 40% of patients. Individuals typically notice this within 3 to 6 months after weight loss surgery. The good news is it will grow back.
Hair loss is caused by a number of reasons:
- Drastic change in nutrition. The initial change in nutrition and vitamin consumption from less calories and absorption of nutrients can be a shock to the body.
- Protein and iron deficiencies can cause hair to grow back shorter and thinner.
- Changing hormones. Fluctuating hormones can cause hair growth to become stunted.
- Trauma of surgery. Everyone reacts to surgery differently, and it can cause hair loss.
Your hair will start to regain its former thickness about a year to 18 months after weight loss surgery as your weight and eating patterns begin to stabilize.
Talk with Board-certified surgeons at the Surgical Alliance of Middle Tennessee about your specific reason for hair loss, and how you can mitigate it. Following your custom weight loss plan is essential.
Loose and Saggy Skin
When you lose a lot of weight, there will be places on your body where excess skin and loss of muscle mass will occur. Places like the belly, thighs, buttocks, and upper arms are typical places you will see excess skin. You may also see changes to your neck, face, and chest.
How much weight was lost, how quickly the weight was lost, genetics, the patient’s age, and a patient’s ability to heal all contribute to the amount of excess skin after weight loss surgery.
Talk with your care team about the body contouring surgeries available to remove most of the excess skin and tightening the skin that remains. Patients can choose from a number of cosmetic procedures. It is best to wait until you have reached your desired weight before considering another surgery.
Weight loss surgery can be a dream come true for many overweight and obese patients. Be sure you have all the information you need to make a knowledgeable decision.
Contact Surgical Alliance of Middle Tennessee, at (615) 205-9559 to get all the facts if you are considering weight loss surgery in Middle Tennessee .