People who suffer from obesity can find relief through bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery. Reducing the size of the stomach is a common method of modifying the digestive tract to control food intake.
People who are really overweight may find that this surgery helps them avoid or cope with health problems like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, so it’s not just about looks. Learn about the many bariatric surgery options, their procedures, eligibility requirements, and possible side effects and advantages in this article.
Bariatric Surgery Varieties
Several distinct bariatric surgical procedures exist, each with its own unique method of modifying digestion and decreasing stomach size. Among the most prevalent types are:
- 1 Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass): Among bariatric procedures, gastric bypass is among the most common. During this operation, the surgeon makes a tiny incision in the upper belly that is about the size of a walnut and attaches it straight to the small intestine. Bypassing the larger portion of the stomach allows food to go straight from the small pouch to the intestines, thereby lowering calorie absorption and the amount of food that may be eaten.
- Gastrectomy with a Sleeve: About eighty percent of the stomach is removed during a sleeve gastrectomy, leaving behind a tube-like structure, also called a “sleeve.” Since the new, smaller stomach has a lower capacity for food and produces less of the hunger hormone ghrelin, patients report feeling full sooner and having less appetite in general. Though less involved than a gastric bypass, this method nonetheless produces impressive results when it comes to losing a lot of weight.
- Lap-Band an Adjustable Gastric Band: By enclosing the upper part of the stomach with an inflatable band, adjustable gastric banding creates a tiny pouch that restricts food intake. To regulate the amount of food that can be swallowed, the band can be inflated or deflated using saline. Compared to other bariatric procedures, this one usually doesn’t lead to as much weight loss, but it’s reversible and modifiable.
- This procedure is called Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS): A sleeve gastrectomy and bypass are combined in this more intricate operation. Surgeons reduce food intake and nutritional absorption by rerouting a substantial piece of the small intestine after removing a portion of the stomach. Since this procedure carries a higher risk but also has a better potential for weight loss, it is typically reserved for people who are extremely obese.
Bariatric surgery is an option for certain people.
Everyone does not meet the criteria to undergo bariatric surgery. Eligibility is determined by doctors using precise criteria. Applicants usually need to fulfil a few of the following criteria:
- body mass index (BMI)of 40:Being extremely obese, as indicated by a body mass index (BMI)of 40 or more.
- Having a body mass index (BMI): Between 35 and 39.9 and experiencing obesity-related health complications such type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease.
- Conventional weight loss strategies: Despite consistent attempts, conventional weight loss strategies such as food restriction, physical activity, and medication have proven ineffective.
- Dedication to modifying one’s way of life: Prospective patients are expected to show that they are prepared to adhere to pre- and post-operative food and exercise regimens prescribed by their doctors.
Bariatric surgery is not a magic bullet nor a replacement for leading a healthy lifestyle; these things must be addressed together. For this weight reduction strategy to work in the long run, you’ll need to make some serious adjustments to your daily routine.
Bariatric Surgery Process
The goal of bariatric surgery is to either decrease calorie absorption or the stomach’s capacity to store food. The alterations in the body’s physiology are as follows:
- Procedures that limit the size of the stomach: Such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric banding, limit the amount of food that can be eaten before feeling full.
- The second issue is malabsorption: which is reduced calorie and nutrient absorption due to surgical procedures that bypass a portion of the small intestine, such as gastric bypass or bariatric pouch diversion surgery (BPD/DS).
- Changes in Hormones: The hormones that control hunger and fullness are frequently altered after bariatric surgery. The “hunger hormone,” ghrelin, is lowered after sleeve gastrectomy, which means that patients experience less hunger.
Potential Dangers and Difficulties
Bariatric surgery has the same risks and possible problems as any other type of surgery. Here are some common risks:
- There is always the chance of infection:Either at the site of the incision or elsewhere in the abdominal cavity, after any kind of surgery.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Patients may need to take supplements for the rest of their lives due to nutrient deficits that may occur after surgery since the body absorbs less nutrients.
- Dumping syndrome: Nausea, dizziness, and diarrhoea can result from food moving too rapidly from the stomach to the small intestine.
- Surgical problems: Leakage from the surgical site, blood clots, or intestinal obstruction** are examples of uncommon issues that patients may encounter.
Conclusion
When it comes to managing health issues associated with obesity and losing weight, bariatric surgery is a potent tool. Significant and long-lasting weight loss is possible because it shrinks the stomach, which in turn makes people eat less and absorb fewer calories.
A nutritious diet and consistent exercise are two of the many lifestyle adjustments that patients must commit to for the rest of their lives after surgery. Bariatric surgery has the ability to improve the lives of people who are a good candidate for it, both physically and emotionally. However, before deciding to undergo the procedure, it is vital to consider the risks and have reasonable expectations for the results.
