Carnie Wilson recently opened up about having Bariatric surgery for the second time in 13 years. The singer revealed that she wanted to look good for the April show “Wilson Phillips: Hold On”, so she underwent Bariatric surgery. The results were, indeed, astonishing, and here we talk to a leading surgeon in the Bariatric field, Dr. Carson Liu, who explained the procedure to us and gave us an insight into what it entails.

Here is our interview with him…

Celebzter: Can you tell us a little about what Bariatric surgery is?

Dr. Carson Liu: Bariatric surgery is any kind of surgery on the stomach or small intestines that helps with weight loss. We use the procedure to help improve health or reverse problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, joint problems, heartburn or sleep apnea.

Celebzter: Who are the primary candidates for such surgery?

Dr. Carson Liu: Usually, people with a Body Mass Index, BMI > 35 kg/m2, with a medical problem for Bariatric surgery such as the gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.

People who wish to have a lap band need to have a BMI > 30 kg/m2 according to FDA guidelines.

You can calculate the BMI on our website, www.DrCarsonLiu.com and click on the BMI calculator.

Celebzter: Is there a big demand for the surgery?

Dr. Carson Liu: Yes. Randomized studies have shown that Bariatric surgeries will prolong life, increase quality of life, and the latest news is that Bariatric surgery is better at treating diabetes than the pills.

Celebzter: How does one prepare for it?

Dr. Carson Liu: Being educated on a diet plan and exercise program is important to lose the weight, maintain the weight loss, and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Losing some weight (5-10 lbs) before surgery will also reduce the risks of general anesthesia. A psychological and nutritional evaluation is also helpful before surgery.

Celebzter: Carnie Wilson recently had her second Bariatric surgery, why did she need to have it?

Dr. Carson Liu: 10% of people will fail to keep the weight off and a revisional surgery is helpful at continuing the weight loss. The stomach will stretch with time and if the patient has not changed their diet, weight regain is a possibility. Ultimately, learning how to eat healthy in small portions and some exercise everyday will keep the weight off!

Celebzter: Will she be successful in keeping the pounds off?

Dr. Carson Liu: It all depends if she follows a program. Weight loss is so much more than just the surgery. Patients have to keep in touch with their surgeon and get the lap band adjusted tighter or looser.

Celebzter: How does it actually work to keep you at a healthy weight? Sometimes food is associated with emotions, so having surgery doesn’t negate that?

Dr. Carson Liu: Some people eat all the wrong things for all the wrong reasons.

Celebzter: What is the success rate amongst patients?

Dr. Carson Liu: 90% will keep the weight off at 5 years after surgery. That is a pretty good success rate.

Celebzter: There has been a lot of negative news about the 1-800-Get-Thin offices, what is your opinion on them?

Dr. Carson Liu: I have never worked with them or know of the people at this outfit. My opinion is that patients should seek out a surgeon with a long history of performing weight loss surgeries. Do not go to an outfit if you don’t even know who the surgeons are and they have been there for more than 5 years! We do more research on shopping for a car. Don’t go to a referral agency!

And, here are some examples of the results of the surgery, with before and after shots. The difference is quite extraordinary.