Obesity is soon turning out to be an epidemic in adults across the globe since the onset of the 21st century. An automated lifestyle combined with unhealthy eating habits and low physical activity is a major contributing factor to widespread obesity.rnAn individual with a Body Mass Index (BMI-Kg/m2) of 30 and above is considered obese. Severe and complex obesity has added the risk of certain health conditions like:rn1. Type 2 diabetesrn2. Hypertensionrn3. Arthritisrn4. Sleep apnearn5. Heart diseasesrn6. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)rn7. Varicose veinsrnAccording to a recent study, more than 135 million individuals are affected by obesity in India.
Bariatric Surgery for Weight LossrnBariatric surgery is a branch of surgery that deals with operating on the digestive system to help manage obesity in individuals. It involves the manipulation of the stomach and/or small intestine to help with weight loss. rnThis surgery leads to a weight loss of 25-35% of your body weight (usually at least 15 kg) after 1 year and sustained at 15-25% after 20 years. Bariatric surgery is generally advised for people who haven't lost weight after diet and exercise and have some serious health issues due to being overweight.rnIn a restrictive bariatric surgery, your surgeon restricts or reduces the size of your stomach or small intestine and slows down digestion.rnA mixed bariatric surgery (restrictive/malabsorptive), limits the food intake and interferes with absorption of calories.
Eligibility for Bariatric SurgeryrnBariatric surgery isn't recommended for everyone who's overweight. Only in cases where intensive lifestyle changes regarding diet and exercise haven't been successful and/or you're suffering from a serious health condition; your doctor may suggest bariatric surgery.rnIf you have a BMI of 40 or above - severe and complex obesityrnIf you have a BMI of more than 30 along with a severe weight-related health concern and the weight loss surgery will help you reduce the effects of that conditionrnAdditionally, you must be willing to make permanent changes to your daily life and choose to live healthily.
Common Types of Bariatric SurgeryrnDeciding which type of bariatric surgery will suit you the best will depend on various factors. Surgeons often take into account your history, health condition and expectations before coming out with the best-suited plan.rnToday, the goal of all surgical procedures is to be minimally invasive, meaning smaller incisions and speedy recovery. Let's learn about the types of bariatric surgery.rn1) Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-en-Y)rnThis is the most commonly used procedure in bariatric surgery. In this, your surgeon disconnects the topmost part of the stomach and creates a pouch which is the size of a walnut. A part of the small intestine is then cut and attached to this pouch, thereby re-routing your gastro-intestinal (GI) tract. Every time you eat food, it directly enters the middle part of your small intestine.rnGastric bypass works by limiting the amount of food you can eat in a single sitting aiding in sustainable weight loss.
2) Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG)rnThis surgery is directly performed on the stomach in which 80 to 85% of it is removed, leaving a long, sleeve-like pouch connected to the intestine. The doctor joins the remaining stomach together using surgical staples.rnIt may also decrease your desire to eat by ensuring less production of the ghrelin- hormone that regulates your hunger. The risk of complications is lower in this surgery as compared to gastric bypass. Since there's no re-routing of the GI tract involved, it also requires a shorter hospital stay.
3) Gastric BandingrnLaparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) involves your surgeon putting an instrument called a laparoscope through small incisions in the abdomen. The surgeon plants an adjustable band around the top part of your stomach to create a small pouch. It makes you feel full after eating a small amount of food.rnYour doctor can adjust the opening of the band as per your food intake requirements. After the surgery, if the band causes problems or is not helping you lose weight, your surgeon may decide to remove it.
4) Duodenal SwitchrnIt is a more sophisticated form of bariatric surgery which involves a mix of gastric bypass surgery and sleeve gastrectomy. It is a two-part surgery wherein the first part includes cutting a portion of the stomach as in sleeve gastrectomy. In the second part, your surgeon redirects food to bypass most of your small intestine.rnThough this surgery ensures greater weight loss, it has higher health risks involved. Hence, it is not an often preferred procedure. This surgery is also called biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgeryrn1. Leads to long-term survival benefitrn2. Greatly reduces the risk of weight-related health problemsrn3. Improves overall quality of life
Risks and Complications of Bariatric SurgeryrnLike every major procedure, bariatric surgery may pose certain health risks which can include:rn1. Bowel problemsrn2. Internal herniarn3. Infectionrn4. Malnutrition due to lower appetitern5. Acid refluxrn6. Gastro-intestinal leakage
Recovering From Bariatric SurgeryrnBariatric surgery recovery time will depend on the type of procedure performed and the individual complications. The less invasive a procedure, lesser is the recovery time. If there are complications during the surgery, it is likely for you to take time to recover.
However, you need to take care of your diet following bariatric surgery. Your doctor may advise you to have liquids initially for some days before going on to soft, digestible foods. rnDepending on your case, it may take about two months for you to finally start having a regular diet—that too, with some restrictions. Reach out to CK Birla Hospital for further information on
Bariatric surgery in Gurgaon.
To ConcludernBariatric surgery is not the 'magic potion' to your obesity woes. It is important to make permanent daily changes like eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise to ensure the long-term success of the surgical procedure. rnEven though bariatric surgery can offer many benefits, any form of weight-loss surgery has the potential to cause serious risks and side effects. However, the benefits usually outweigh the risks of bariatric surgery but only for those who are consciously willing to make a change in their behavior and attitude towards healthy living.
Healthy habits equal a healthy life!