What is Bariatric Surgery?
Weight loss surgery is also known as bariatric and metabolic surgery.
These surgeries impact patients’ weight and the health of their metabolism (breakdown of food into energy).
In addition to their ability to treat obesity, these operations are very effective in treating diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and high cholesterol, among many other diseases.
These operations also have an ability to prevent future health problems.
The benefits allow patients with obesity who choose to undergo treatment to enjoy a better quality of life and a longer lifespan.
Who needs Bariatric Surgery?
Individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30 may consider bariatric surgery.
Age eligibility typically ranges from 9 to 70 years.
Those falling into BMI categories of grade I (30-35) obesity and beyond may benefit.
What are the risks associated with bariatric surgery?
Are there guaranteed results after bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery typically yields positive and enduring results, notably in weight loss and improved health.
However, individual outcomes can vary, and success depends on factors such as adherence to post-surgery guidelines, lifestyle changes, and overall health.
While many experience sustained benefits, it's essential to recognize that the long-term success of bariatric surgery requires commitment to a healthy lifestyle and ongoing medical follow-ups.
The Impact of Obesity on Your Body and Health
Obesity is classified as a disease because it involves the excessive accumulation of body fat.
Viewing obesity as a disease rather than a minor issue is crucial, given its association with various comorbidities.
Obesity brings a host of additional health concerns, highlighting the importance of recognizing it as a significant medical condition.
Obesity can wreak havoc on your body, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems, while also taking a toll on your overall well-being and vitality.
Making Choices About Surgery?
Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, alters the digestive system to aid weight loss. It can reduce stomach size or redirect intestines. The surgeon assesses the patient's medical history and BMI to recommend the most suitable surgery.
Bariatric surgeries do not have any major risk if the right guidelines and prescriptions are given by the healthcare team. It also depends on how well the patients follow the same.
Bariatric surgery has been a boon to people who are obese and are suffering in silence. It is better to kill the disease by going ahead with such safe and reliable procedures. Following the new lifestyle the right care will help one to improve the quality.
This procedure is done laparoscopically, wherein the surgeon makes one or more small incisions. Using a laparoscope (a small tube with a light source and camera), thus through laparoscopic surgery large open wounds and incisions can be avoided.
Who is a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
Candidates for bariatric surgery are typically individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) exceeding 30, indicating eligibility for weight loss procedures.
Age criteria range from 9 to 70 years, and BMI classifications, including grades of obesity, help determine suitability for surgery, with the final decision made by a bariatric surgeon based on individual medical history and reports.
Is bariatric surgery advisable for children and adolescents? /Childhood and Adolescent Obesity?
Rising Epidemic- Childhood and adolescent obesity are escalating health concerns, contributing to long-term health issues. Sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits often play a pivotal role.
Bariatric Intervention: In severe cases, bariatric surgery can be considered for adolescents with extreme obesity, when conventional methods prove ineffective.
This intervention, though, is a last resort, emphasizing the critical need for early preventive measures and lifestyle changes to address this growing epidemic.
While bariatric surgery is a potential solution, it underscores the urgency of proactive strategies to curb childhood obesity, promoting healthier habits for a lifelong impact.
Life After Bariatric Surgery
Life after bariatric surgery often witnesses significant weight loss, boosting self-esteem and overall well-being.
Improved health is a hallmark, with resolved or reduced obesity-related conditions like diabetes and hypertension, enhancing overall vitality.
Post-surgery, embracing a healthier lifestyle becomes paramount, emphasizing mindful eating and regular exercise.
Beyond physical changes, individuals commonly report a surge in confidence and a renewed sense of control over their health journey.
Life after bariatric surgery is a transformative experience, not just in weight but in reclaiming health and confidence, marking the beginning of a revitalized and empowered chapter.
How quickly can we get weight loss surgery done? / When can i go back to work after bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery stands out as a remarkably efficient and straightforward procedure, often completed within a span of 1 to 4 hours
Referred to colloquially as a "weekend surgery," many patients can undergo the procedure on a Friday and return home within just a couple of days, resuming regular activities shortly after.
Thanks to advancements in surgical techniques and attentive postoperative care, individuals can swiftly resume their regular activities, emphasizing the procedure's simplicity and minimal disruption to daily life.
Will there be hair fall after bariatric surgery?
Some degree of hair fall is expected with any kind of weight loss be it due to dieting, exercise or bariatric surgery in india.
This hair fall is transient and once the weight loss stabilizes, hair growth increases.
At times, excess hair fall may happen due to protein or iron deficiency.
Proper nutritional supplementation can help in limiting hair fall.
Can I drink alcohol or smoke after bariatric surgery?
Patients often inquire about alcohol consumption post-surgery, but it depends on the procedure, recovery, and health conditions. Alcohol is generally discouraged for three reasons -
To begin with, alcohol can irritate the stomach pouch, resulting in sometimes severe discomfort for the patient.
Secondly, alcohol is a sugar in and of itself, and most alcoholic beverages also contain sugar as secondary ingredients. Alcoholic beverages are therefore generally detrimental to effective weight loss following surgery.
Additionally, the stomach pouch gets irritated by beers and other carbonated alcoholic beverages. The stretching caused by the bubbles may be quite unpleasant and, in the long run, may result in issues such as weight gain.
Bariatric surgery doesn't eliminate small pleasures; most patients can tolerate alcohol in moderation. Start with a few sips and understand your body's processing to determine if alcohol is appropriate for you.
For how long does one need to be on liquid diet post bariatric surgery?
The duration of a liquid diet after bariatric surgery can vary depending on the specific type of surgery performed and the individual's progress. However, it is common for patients to follow a progressive diet plan that typically includes several phases:
Clear Liquid Phase (5-7 days) usually begins immediately after surgery and lasts for a few days.
Full Liquid Phase (1-2 weeks,) patients may progress to a full liquid diet, including protein shakes, strained soups, and other liquids with higher nutritional content.
Pureed or Blended Phase (2-4 weeks) gradually, patients transition to pureed or blended foods.
Soft Solid Phase (3 weeks) soft, easily chewable solid foods are introduced during this phase. The focus is on incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense foods while avoiding tough or fibrous textures.
Regular/Modified Diet (Lifelong)- Eventually, patients move to a regular or modified diet, but portion control and mindful eating become essential lifelong habits.
Do I have to be on bed rest after bariatric surgery?
No, in fact we encourage you to start walking after 4 to 6 hours of your bariatric surgery in mumbai. You can go to the washroom yourself.
Even after getting discharged from the hospital, being active is recommended.
There is usually no need for bed rest after this weight loss surgery.
Surgery for Diabetes
Bariatric surgery, often called "diabesity" surgery, works beyond weight reduction, reshaping hormonal dynamics and metabolic pathways, leading to substantial improvement or resolution of diabetes.
This heightened sensitivity plays a pivotal role in managing diabetes, allowing for better blood glucose control and reducing the reliance on insulin medications.
What are the types of procedures under Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery encompasses various procedures aimed at weight loss, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric banding.
These procedures typically involve restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold or altering the absorption process, leading to reduced calorie intake.
Beyond its evident impact on weight, bariatric surgery has shown remarkable effectiveness in resolving or alleviating obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, underscoring its role not just as a weight loss tool but as a transformative intervention in the broader landscape of metabolic health.
