Weight loss surgeries and tummy tucks are popular solutions for those struggling with obesity and excess body fat. While these procedures may offer some immediate benefits, it's crucial to understand their long-term impacts on health and longevity. Additionally, addressing the root causes of weight gain through natural methods, including acupuncture, can lead to more sustainable results.
Weight Loss Surgeries: What People Need to Know
Types of Weight Loss Surgeries
Gastric Bypass: Involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine.
Sleeve Gastrectomy: Involves removing a portion of the stomach, leaving a tube-like structure.
Adjustable Gastric Band: Involves placing a band around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch.
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch: Involves a more complex procedure where part of the stomach is removed, and the digestive tract is rerouted.
Digestive Issues Following Weight Loss Surgeries
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): There is a risk of developing bile reflux, which can be more challenging to manage. Sleeve Gastrectomy can increase the incidence of GERD due to the creation of a high-pressure system in the remaining stomach.
Abdominal Pain and Discomfort: Common after gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, characterised by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and dumping syndrome (rapid gastric emptying) can occur. It occurs when food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine. Symptoms of dumping syndrome may persist indefinitely, significantly affecting quality of life.
Adhesions and Hernias: Post-surgical adhesions (scar tissue) can cause abdominal pain and lead to complications like bowel obstructions and hernias.
Changes in Bowel Movements: Many patients experience significant changes in bowel habits, including chronic diarrhea or constipation. These issues often stem from changes in digestion and nutrient absorption.
Malabsorption: Surgeries like biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch can cause severe malabsorption of nutrients, leading to chronic diarrhea and nutrient deficiencies, necessitating lifelong supplementation and monitoring. Persistent deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals (e.g., B12, iron) can lead to serious health problems like anaemia and neurological issues.
Weight Regain After Surgery: Despite possible initial weight loss, many patients experience weight regain in the long term. Studies indicate that a significant proportion of individuals regain at least some of the weight lost through surgery.
Irreversible Damage from Weight Loss Surgeries: Weight loss surgeries can sometimes cause irreversible damage, leading to long-term health issues that persist even if weight is regained.
Physiological and Behavioural Implications
Stomach Stretching: Over time, the stomach pouch can expand, allowing patients to eat larger portions.
Hormonal Changes: Ghrelin, the hunger hormone, can increase after initial weight loss, driving increased appetite.
Dietary Habits: Returning to high-calorie, low-nutrient foods can undermine weight loss efforts.
Lack of Exercise: Sedentary lifestyles contribute to weight regain. Physical activity is crucial for maintaining weight loss. Also relying on the weight loss surgeries without adequate exercise and nutrition leads to further weight gain.
Emotional Eating: Stress, depression, and other emotional challenges can lead to overeating.
Behavioural Adjustment: Some patients struggle to adapt to the lifestyle changes required post-surgery, leading to weight regain.
Bone Density Loss: Chronic malabsorption can lead to osteoporosis and other bone-related issues due to inadequate calcium and vitamin D absorption.
Evidence of Weight Regain
A study published in JAMA found that about 50% of patients begin to regain weight two years after surgery, with 20-30% regaining a significant amount by five years post-surgery. (Weight Regain after Bariatric Surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA.)
Research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that long-term weight maintenance is challenging, and many patients regain weight due to dietary and behavioural factors. (Long-term outcomes of bariatric surgery. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.)
Statistics in Australia
Approximately 16,000 Australians undergo weight loss surgery each year. Obesity affects around 31% of adults in Australia, leading many to seek surgical interventions.
Tummy Tucks: Cosmetic vs. Functional Benefits
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening the underlying muscles. It is often sought for cosmetic reasons but may also have functional benefits, such as improved posture and reduced back pain.
Long-Term Health Impact
Enhanced Physical Appearance: Boosts confidence and self-esteem.
Physical Health Improvements: Can alleviate issues related to excess skin, like rashes and infections.
Surgical Risks: Includes potential complications like infections, blood clots, and scarring.
Importance of Addressing the Root Cause of Weight Gain
Natural Weight Loss and Root Causes
Long-term weight management requires understanding and addressing the root causes of weight gain, which can include poor diet, lack of exercise, hormonal imbalances, and psychological factors.
Benefits of Natural Weight Loss
Sustainable Results: Lifestyle changes lead to lasting weight management.
Improved Overall Health: Reduces risk of chronic diseases without surgical risks.
Holistic Well-being: Incorporates mental and emotional health improvements.
Acupuncture: A Natural Aid in Weight Management
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Understanding
In TCM, obesity is often linked to imbalances in the body's homeostatic systems and issues with the digestive system (Spleen and Stomach). Acupuncture aims to restore balance and improve the function of these organs.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Weight Loss
Appetite Control: Reduces cravings and suppresses appetite by stimulating specific points.
Metabolism Boost: Enhances metabolic rate and improves digestion.
Stress Reduction: Lowers stress levels, which can contribute to weight gain.
Hormonal Balance: Regulates hormones related to weight control.
Acupuncture and Weight Loss Surgery
In the event where weight loss surgery is required and prescribed by a medical professional due to health implications if remaining overweight, acupuncture can be used in conjunction to it.
Pre-Surgery: Prepares the body for surgery by improving overall health.
Post-Surgery: Helps manage pain, reduce inflammation, promote faster recovery, and reduce scar tissue.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Often used in conjunction with acupuncture, Chinese herbal formulas can aid in weight loss by improving digestion, reducing water retention, directly addressing digestive issues and balancing energy.
Success Rate of Acupuncture
Studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in supporting weight loss, particularly when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. It is a safe, non-invasive option that can complement other weight management strategies. We offer weight loss in a very easy to implement and done for your plan called “Slim & Trim” - ask us how we do it on 4620 9798.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Weight Management
While weight loss surgeries and tummy tucks may provide immediate results, they come with risks and require significant lifestyle changes to maintain long-term benefits. Addressing the root causes of weight gain through natural methods, including acupuncture, can lead to more sustainable and holistic health improvements. By combining traditional and modern approaches, individuals can achieve and maintain a healthy weight, enhancing both their longevity and quality of life.
About our Weight Loss Specialist
Dr Mohammad Hassan is focused on helping his pateints achieve long term weight loss – he is qualified and experienced as an Acupuncturist, Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and a Personal trainer. He educates patient and empowers them with the knowledge to overcome their obstacles without restrictive diets so they can live the amazing life they deserve.
Dr Mohammad combines his knowledge of Western Science with Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine to gain a thorough understanding of his patient's individual needs – and guides them through every step of the weight loss journey.
To learn what we can do for you, Contact our team today👇
AcuLife
(02) 4620 9798
5 Stewart St, Harrington Park
Bookings: www.aculife.com.au