If you are suffering from severe obesity and diet and exercises have not been of great help in reducing weight, or if your weight is causing serious health concerns, bariatric surgery is a promising treatment for an effective and probably irreversible way for weight loss. However, bariatric surgery has its own set of challenges. It is important to know both the ups and the downs before diving in. In this blog, you’ll learn everything important about bariatric surgery.
Synopsis
What Are the Types of Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery has different kinds, each with its procedure, mechanism, and potential effects. However, they share a common goal - being of assistance in your road to losing weight. This, in turn, helps you manage the related health issues, too.
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Gastric bypass limits your food consumption. It also alters the absorption of nutrients by rerouting a portion of the small intestine and creating a smaller stomach pouch.
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Sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive procedure. It reduces your food intake and hunger hormone (ghrelin) production. This leads to sustained weight loss by removing a significant portion of your stomach.
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Gastric banding is a reversible bariatric surgery. It creates a smaller pouch around your stomach, allowing for smaller meals. This method adjusts the band's tightness post-surgery for optimal weight loss.
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Biliopancreatic deviation with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) is a bariatric procedure that reduces stomach size and reroutes intestines to limit calorie absorption. This results in weight loss by bypassing a significant digestive tract and reducing calorie absorption.
An expert bariatric surgeon will use the most suitable one per your health requirements.
What Are the Benefits of Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery offers an approach to address obesity effectively. It promotes better physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
- Bariatric surgery often leads to significant and sustained weight loss, contributing to your overall health. It has the potential to reduce obesity-related complications.
- Bariatric surgery effectively helps manage obesity-related health issues. These include:
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
- Type 2 diabetes
This, altogether, results in weight loss, improved metabolic control, and reduced medication reliance.
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Bariatric surgery has an impact on the well-being of patients. By shedding that extra weight, your mobility gets better. As a result, you can engage in different activities with confidence. This will change your experience and enhance your self-esteem. It has a positive effect on your mental health, reducing depression and anxiety.
The initial results of surgery are important. Making dietary and lifestyle changes after the surgery is essential to maintain good health in the long run. This requires regular checkups and support.
What Are the Risks of Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery provides hope for individuals struggling with obesity. However, it does not come without any complications. It's important to have an understanding of these risks to make informed choices and receive thorough postoperative support and care.
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Mal-absorptive procedures like gastric bypass or biliopancreatic diversion can cause nutritional deficiencies due to altered digestive tract anatomy. It is important to continue taking vitamins and minerals throughout your life. Make sure to get blood tests done and follow the recommended supplements as prescribed by an experienced medical professional at the best weight loss surgery hospital in Bangalore.
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It requires significant lifestyle changes. These include:
- Dietary modifications
- Gradual reintroduction of solid foods
- Regular physical activity
Commitment to these changes is crucial for long-term success and maintaining muscle mass.
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Bariatric surgery can significantly affect individuals' psychological well-being, necessitating pre-surgery counselling and postoperative support. This can help individuals navigate the emotional aspects of weight loss and body transformation.
Other complications may include:
- Gastric leaks
- Bowel obstructions
- Hernias
This calls for timely management, long-term follow-up, and dietary counselling for safety and success.
Bariatric surgery necessitates careful planning and comprehension of potential problems. Skilled surgeons place importance on having proficient staff and properly equipped facilities. They also emphasise the use of modern technologies and strict safety measures.
Postoperative Care
Ensuring care after surgery is essential in promoting the overall health of patients. This includes:
- Monitoring patient’s wellbeing
- Addressing any possible complications that may arise
- Offering continuous support throughout the recovery process.
Postoperative counselling and support groups help patients adjust to changes in body image, self-esteem, and relationships. This contributes to the overall success and sustained positive outcomes of bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery gives a transformative solution for individuals with excessive weight problems. It is important to improve fitness and create an exceptional life. It requires sessions with healthcare experts and psychosocial improvements. Be in good health and shape with knowledgeable selection-making, postoperative care, and ongoing help. Talk to the best gastroenterology consultant to receive the best treatment and support. Visit Manipal Hospitals, Sarjapur Road, Bangalore.
FAQ's
Divide your weight (kgs) by the square of your height (metre) to find your BMI (Body Mass Index). This is a screening method to help identify if you are overweight, underweight, or just right! A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal weight, 25.0 to 29.9 is overweight, and a BMI above 30.0 is considered obese.
If you have severe obesity, which cannot be treated with other conventional methods, bariatric surgery is your best bet.
Post-surgery pain experiences vary from one patient to another. Usually, narcotic pain medication users may experience more pain post-surgery.