Reconstructive Surgery?

“Plastic” or reconstructive surgery is a reality for many weight loss patients, but not for all of them. We have seen fewer patients being referred to plastic surgeons since we started doing the band.

We do not know why, but we have a few thoughts:
First, we do not see the muscle wasting with the band or the gastric sleeve that we see with either the duodenal switch or the roux-en-y gastric bypass. Second, while weight loss is slower with the band, and ultimately catches up with the other weight loss procedures, patients feel better overall — hence, they are motivated to exercise. Toned muscles are a wonderful thing and often they help take up space that was once occupied by fat cells.

Still, plastic surgery is an individual decision, both in terms of what a person feels they need and in terms of your own genetic make-up. We all know people who have had one child and have many stretch marks, and someone who has had many children and can still wear a bikini.

The first best investment you can make for yourself is the band — but if you find you are unhappy with some excess skin, or wish to have breasts placed back on your chest — we will help you find a plastic surgeon that is qualified to deal with patients who have had weight loss surgery. We believe that you live in your body 24 hours a day, and much like the band, investing in yourself is always a good option.