Bariatric Surgery

Overview

Bariatric surgery refers to a group of surgical procedures designed to help individuals who are severely overweight lose weight. These surgeries are usually recommended when other weight loss methods such as dieting and exercise have not been successful. The goal of bariatric surgery is to help reduce excess weight by making changes to the digestive system resulting in reduced food intake or nutrient absorption.

Why Bariatric Surgery Treatment is Required?

• Obesity related Health Risks: Bariatric surgery is necessary for individuals suffering from obesity and its related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
• Other Weight Loss Methods Failed: When diet and exercise are ineffective, bariatric surgery can be a safe and effective solution.
• Improvement in Quality of Life: It helps people regain mobility, energy and a better overall health outlook.
• Sustained Weight Loss: Bariatric surgery supports long term weight reduction which may not be achievable with non surgical approaches.

Key Advantages of Bariatric Surgery

• Significant Weight Loss: A substantial amount of weight loss can be achieved with results typically showing within the first year.
• Reduction in Obesity Related Diseases: Health conditions like diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea often improve or resolve completely.
• Improved Mental Health: Patients experience enhanced self esteem, body image and overall emotional well being.
• Long Term Results: Surgery helps maintain weight loss over time as long as patients follow healthy lifestyle habits.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Taking Bariatric Surgery Treatment?

• Consult a Bariatric Surgeon: Meet with a qualified bariatric surgeon to discuss options like VSG surgery or gastric sleeve surgery.
• Medical Evaluation: Complete a thorough medical evaluation to ensure you are a good candidate for surgery.
• Pre Surgery Diet: Follow the prescribed pre surgery diet plan to shrink the liver making the surgery safer.
• Mental Health Preparation: Consider counseling to ensure you are ready for the psychological changes after surgery.

How Bariatric Surgery is Performed?

• Gastric Sleeve Surgery: The most common type where a portion of the stomach is removed resulting in a smaller stomach that limits food intake.
• Gastric Bypass: A small pouch is created from the stomach and the small intestine is rerouted to the pouch.
• Adjustable Gastric Banding: A band is placed around the stomach to limit the amount of food you can eat.
• Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch: A combination of stomach reduction and intestinal bypass.

What You Can Expect Before Procedure, During Procedure, and After Procedure?

1. Before the Procedure:

Consultation with the surgeon

Pre surgery diet plan

Medical tests and evaluations

2. During the Procedure:

General anesthesia is administered

Small incisions are made in the abdomen for laparoscopic surgery

The chosen bariatric surgery procedure is performed

3. After the Procedure:

Short hospital stay for recovery

Gradual return to solid food

Follow up appointments for monitoring progress

Risk and Potential Complications

• Infection: Any surgery carries a risk of infection at the incision site.
• Bleeding: There is a potential for bleeding during or after surgery.
• Blood Clots: Post surgery blood clots may form posing a risk.
• Nutrient Deficiencies: Patients may develop deficiencies in essential nutrients.
• Gallstones: The rapid weight loss can increase the risk of gallstones.
• Dumping Syndrome: A condition where food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine.

Results/Outcomes

• Weight Loss: Typically patients lose 50-80% of their excess weight within two years.
• Health Improvements: Many patients see improvements in diabetes, blood pressure and joint pain.
• Long Term Results: Maintaining weight loss depends on the patient's lifestyle choices, including diet and exercise.