The fourth-largest American city, Houston, TX is located in Harris County and covers 579.4 square miles. As of July 2009, 2,257,926 lived there. This marks a population increase of 15.6% since 2000. Of those residents, 19.5% lived in poverty. There is a nearly even balance between males and females in the city. 42.7% of the population is Hispanic, with the other majority balancing between White and Black. Just 5.4% are Asian.
The median age of a Houston resident is 30.9 years, slightly younger than that of the state of Texas. The state's largest city, Houston boasts many zip codes including: 77001, 77002, 77003, 77004 and 77005. The median income per household is $44,315 Renters pay a gross average of $775 per month in rent.
Houston, Texas is home to an impressive array of hospitals including the Menninger Clinic and The Institute for Rehabilitation & Research. The city also houses the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world. The facility boasts 13 hospitals, including Texas Children's Hospital and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Known for its innovation in medicine, the city hosts patients from all over the world. Countless disciplines are represented, including ear, nose and throat, neurologists, plastic surgeons and cardiologists.
Weight loss surgery is a major surgery and carries with it the discomfort and temporary physical limitations of any major surgery as well as additional limitations unique to weight loss surgery. In addition, weight loss surgery requires lifestyle changes that you must adhere to for the remainder of your life.
Patients can expect to lose between 30 - 80% of their excess body weight within two years after surgery.
Weight loss surgery diets vary depending upon the type of surgery that you have and the instructions of your particular surgeon. The information that you read online might differ from the diet that you receive from your weight loss surgery specialists such as your surgeon or dietitian. Be sure to follow the instructions that you receive from your weight loss surgery team over anything that you might read elsewhere. However, in general, the following dietary guidelines are typical after weight loss surgery:
| Time Frame | Foods | Examples |
| first few days | clear liquids | diluted apple juice, broth, gelatin |
| first couple of weeks | full liquids | cream soups, protein shakes, dairy products such as yogurt and milk |
| after first couple of weeks | pureed foods | small protein-rich meals; gradually adding soft foods such as eggs and oatmeal |
| after four - eight weeks | normal foods | healthy foods, eaten slowly and chewed thoroughly |
See Weight Loss Surgery Diet for more detailed information on the types of foods that you can eat after weight loss surgery.
The amount of time that it takes to get back into your normal routine varies depending on the type of weight loss surgery that you undergo and your physical health at the time of surgery. Most patients are ambulatory on the day of or the day after surgery, and the hospital staff will help you take short walks during your stay. You can expect to return to work and be back into your normal routine from 1 - 6 weeks after surgery.
The amount of weight you lose after weight loss surgery is dependent on several factors, including, but not limited to, the following:
- type of weight loss surgery
- beginning weight before weight loss surgery
- adherence to doctor's and dietitian's instructions after surgery
In general, patients can expect to lose between 30 - 80% of their excess body weight within two years after surgery. Weight generally stabilizes after 24 months, though in the case of adjustable gastric banding, the band can be adjusted if needed. Patients rarely become what would be considered thin by American standards, but instead reach a safe weight. Get specific information about the amount of excess body weight you can lose with each type of weight loss surgery by clicking on the links in Weight Loss Surgery Options or see the links to the surgery types on the left menu.
Weight loss surgeons generally advise women to abstain from getting pregnant for 16 - 24 months following weight loss surgery. Your body needs time to adjust to your new physiology, and pregnancy places added strain on the body. You risk fetal stress and miscarriage if you become pregnant too soon after weight loss surgery, so it is important to use an effective contraceptive.
See Pregnancy after Weight Loss Surgery for more detailed information about becoming pregnant after undergoing weight loss surgery.
Weight loss surgery requires a life-long commitment. Your relationship with your weight loss surgery specialists such as your surgeon and dietitian do not end when your surgery is over. Because of changes to your anatomy, follow-up visits are required for the rest of your life (or with adjustable gastric banding, as long as the band is in place).
Your health care team will monitor the following at your postsurgical visits:
- anemia
- vitamin B12 deficiency
- iron deficiency
- folic acid deficiency
In addition, if you have adjustable gastric banding surgery, you will have follow-up visits to have your band adjusted. Your health care provider will add to this list as your health condition and postsurgical care demands.
The number and frequency of follow up visits with your weight loss surgery team differs. In general, your first follow-up visit with your weight loss surgeon is usually three weeks after surgery. You will then have visits every three to six months for the first year. In subsequent years, you will have annual follow-up visits. Follow the instructions from your weight loss surgery specialists regarding your follow up visits to ensure that your weight loss is a success and your health stays on track.
Some people have varying side effects from the rapid weight loss that comes with weight loss surgery. Flu-like symptoms can occur, including body aches, fatigue, feeling cold, drying skin, thinning hair or hair loss, and mood swings.
After a significant amount of weight is lost, many patients experience loose skin in various areas including the arms, neck, face, breasts, and legs. This loose skin can cause hygienic problems and other skin issues.
Plastic surgery, and in some cases, laser liposuction, can often be performed to correct the problem with loose skin. These cosmetic procedures should be performed no sooner than the first year after surgery to ensure that your weight has stabilized and you do not have any other postsurgical side effects. Discuss the matter with your weight loss surgery team to find the best solution for you.
Morbid obesity takes an emotional toll as well as a physical one. For most patients, low self esteem and other emotional issues do not automatically resolve themselves when weight is lost after weight loss surgery. These patients find that weight loss surgery support groups or counseling provide the final ingredient to becoming a new, thinner person and feeling good about themselves. Your weight loss surgeon can direct you to a psychologist or support group near you.
For more information about Houston Weight Loss Surgery Center, or to schedule a consultation, click here and contact us today!
