For people who struggle with obesity losing weight can be a daunting task. For many, diet and exercise is not effective and not because of lack of trying. Many have tried every new diet and exercise program as they are introduced and marketed. Yet, try as they may are still unsuccessful at meaningful sustainable weight loss. For these people, they may find hope and a viable solution through reliable surgical procedures. These procedures can help in getting rid of unwanted fat.
The top three surgical procedures that people seek are liposuction, lap band surgery, and a tummy tuck. Each of these procedures is unique and seeks particular goals. Understanding these differences is a key factor in selecting the proper procedure to engage in.
Liposuction Liposuction is probably the most popular of all the cosmetic procedures for weight loss. Most people assume that liposuction involves the suctioning out of fat from certain regions of the body. This is correct but it is only partially correct. In addition to removing fat from particular areas of the body, fat can be re-contoured. That means the body can be sculpted to create a unique, new, and lean appearance.
Tummy Tuck The official name for this procedure is an abdominoplasty and it is actually a combination of two procedures. First, minor liposuction is employed to remove some excess fat deposits. Then, the main component of this procedure is the cutting and tightening of the abdominal muscles and fascia. This is down to make the abdomen look tighter and firmer. When done properly, this procedure can truly make the abs region look truly fit.
Lap Band This is probably the most expansive of all fat loss procedures. Lap band surgery is often used by those that are extremely obese and have very limited options available. This surgery is radically different from the two aforementioned procedures since it does not deal with direct cosmetic alterations. Instead, the surgery seeks to alter the gastrointestinal tract in order to reduce food intake. Often, this is achieved by making the gastrointestinal tract smaller.
In many cases insurance does not cover the cost of these procedures. The costs can vary; the following are the average cost for the procedures:
Liposuction – based on the area of the body and the amount of fat remove the cost can range from $1,200 to $7,000.
The “Tummy Tuck” procedure cost can range from $3,000 to $9,000, factors that affect the cost are the surgeon and extent of the procedure.
Due to the fact that Lap band procedures are generally used by severely obese individuals, insurance generally covers the cost which runs in range of $17,000 and up.
The time to complete recovery varies among procedures and from person to person. Recovering from liposuction could take up to 2 weeks, while a more minor procedure could only take 4 days. A tummy tuck usually ranges from one week to four weeks in recovery time. Finally, a lap band procedure, which is much more invasive, will take much longer; upwards of a month.
Plastic surgery can be expensive and invasive, and there are many who choose other alternatives such as meal replacement plans. Those who choose surgery find that weight loss goals can more efficiently be met.
Dorthy Weatherbush is a health and fitness professional who has written many articles on the benefits of losing weight the healthy way: through diet and exercise. She recommends Medifast as a good way to diet and often uses the Medifast Diet Program to help her clients.