How Weight Loss Surgery Can Improve Your Health & Wellbeing

Imagine a Life Free from the Struggles of Obesity: Your Guide to Weight Loss Surgery

Imagine a life where every step feels like a struggle, and your breath hitches with every simple task. That’s the harsh reality for many living with severe obesity.

Struggling with obesity can be overwhelming, impacting daily life and long-term health. obesity-related comorbidities like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure can significantly affect one’s quality of life. Weight loss surgery offers a lifeline to those battling not just the bulge, but a cascade of health problems that come with it.

It not only improves mobility by taking pressure off joints but also reduces the risk of associated health complications. For some, the most life-changing benefit is the effective management & control of type 2 diabetes, often happening soon after surgery.

Understanding Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, includes interventions such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy and offers a transformative approach to obesity management by modifying the anatomy of the stomach and small intestine. These interventions act on the body’s hormonal signaling system, influencing satiety (feeling of fullness) and hunger cues, while also impacting metabolic processes that regulate calorie intake. As a result, individuals experience a shift in their physiological makeup, facilitating significant and fast weight loss.

If you qualify for bariatric surgery, your weight loss surgeon and the healthcare team will determine the best surgical intervention for you and tailor a pre-surgery plan specific to your needs accordingly. Your pre-surgery preparation may involve:

Medical Checkups: Expect pre-operative lab tests and physical exams to establish your fitness levels for surgery.

Dietary and Medication Adjustments: You may receive instructions on what to eat and drink, and which medications (if any) need to be stopped or taken before surgery.

Exercise and Lifestyle Changes: Starting a physical activity program and quitting tobacco and alcohol might be crucial for a successful surgery and recovery.

Health Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

Imagine shedding 70 to 80% of your excess weight and keeping it off for good!
Bariatric surgery offers impressive long-term success rates. Patients achieve substantial weight loss, shedding around 70 to 80% of their excess weight and keeping it off in the long term. Beyond the numbers, the impact is life-changing. Many report increased energy, reduced pain, and the ability to engage in activities they once struggled with. The rapid weight loss even triggers hormonal changes that further support weight management. Remember, consistency is key! Regular exercise and a healthy diet regimen after surgery play a crucial role in maintaining weight loss and newfound vitality.

Moreover, studies show a significant reduction in the risk of death from various conditions:

Heart Disease: Patients see a remarkable 40% decrease in their risk of dying from heart-related issues.
Diabetes: The risk of death from diabetes plummets by an impressive 92% after surgery.
Cancer: The chances of succumbing to cancer also see a significant 60% drop.

Well-being and Quality of Life Improvements

Diet-induced weight loss often isn’t sufficient nor sustainable, so health complications associated with obesity tend to persist.

Bariatric surgery offers a significant transformation that extends far beyond just weight loss. While significant weight loss is a key benefit, the true magic lies in the overall health improvements it unlocks. Patients report a surge in energy, a brighter outlook, and a newfound confidence that empowers them to fully embrace life. Activities that may have once been difficult or avoided become accessible, leading to a more fulfilling lifestyle.

The positive impact doesn’t stop there. Bariatric surgery becomes a catalyst for adopting healthier habits, including better food choices and regular exercise. This ripple effect often extends to loved ones, creating a supportive and healthy environment within families. Ultimately, weight loss surgery empowers patients to take control of their health, not just for the present, but for the long term. It’s a testament to the power of modern medicine in promoting a healthier, longer, and more fulfilling life.

Who Should Consider Weight Loss Surgery?

If you are trying hard to lose weight and/or have been battling weight-related complications, you might be wondering if weight loss surgery is a viable option for you. It is important to understand that Weight Loss Surgery is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here’s a breakdown of who might be a good candidate for bariatric or weight loss surgery:

BMI above 32.5 kg/m2 with obesity-related co-morbidities
BMI above 37.5 kg/m2 without co-morbidities.
BMI > 30 kg/m2 with life-threatening obesity-related disorders like uncontrolled diabetes, cardiovascular disease/cardiomyopathy, and severe obstructive sleep apnoea.
Patients motivated to lose weight and are committed to long-term follow-up.
Patients who have unsuccessfully attempted conservative methods of weight loss in the past.
Weight Loss Surgery is to be considered only between the ages of 18 – 65 years.
Weight Loss surgery may be considered in patients more than 65 years old in case of severe obesity-related co-morbidities/disability.
Weight Loss Surgery may be considered in patients < 18 years in special situations as recommended by a trained pediatrician/endocrinologist, or after attainment of puberty/completion of skeletal maturity.

Weight Loss surgery is a life-changing procedure, and the surgeon you choose plays a critical role in your safety, success, and overall experience. Here’s why selecting a right bariatric surgeon is crucial:

Long-Term Support: A good bariatric surgeon offers comprehensive care beyond surgery. They will guide you through pre-operative education, support you during recovery, and provide long-term follow-up care. This includes nutritional counseling, managing potential side effects, and monitoring your overall health.
Understanding Your Needs: Not all bariatric surgeries are the same. A skilled surgeon will take the time to understand your individual needs, medical history, and weight loss goals. They should discuss the various bariatric surgery options available (gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, etc.) and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each concerning your specific situation.
Experience Matters: Look for a surgeon who specializes in bariatric surgery and has a high volume of successful weight loss procedures under their belt. Experience translates to better surgical technique, improved efficiency, and a deeper understanding of potential complications and how to manage them.

Why Choose Dr. Atul Peters for Metabolic or Bariatric Surgery?

At Smart Cliniqs, we’re dedicated to your overall well-being, from the surgery itself to your post-operative recovery. Dr. Atul Peters, a renowned bariatric surgeon with over two decades of experience, has successfully performed numerous surgeries and is passionate about helping patients achieve their health goals. He leads comprehensive bariatric programs both locally and nationally, supported by a highly skilled team. Our global certification and active involvement in various National & International Surgical Societies underscores to our commitment to providing you with the best possible care.

Conclusion

While undergoing a weight loss surgery, you need to understand that results can vary, and long-term success requires a commitment from your side as well. Remember, obesity is a chronic condition, and additional treatments might be needed down the road. There are different surgical options with varying risks and benefits. Discuss these with your surgeon to see which weight loss surgery works for you.

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Navigating Bariatric Surgery With Laparoscopic and Robotic Techniques

Debunking Myths and Making Informed Choices: A Guide to Bariatric Surgery

Struggling with severe obesity and its health risks?

You’re not alone. Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a safe and effective option for many people. This blog aims to debunk certain myths associated with Bariatric Surgery and simultaneously help people overcome the fear of going for surgery.

It is crucial to choose a physician, who specializes in Bariatric Surgery and understands your anatomy and emotions to significantly enhance your procedural outcomes, reducing recovery time and helping maintain results post-surgery.

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery involves rerouting the intestines to limit nutrient absorption. Besides being a potent treatment for obesity, this procedure is quite effective in managing diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and high cholesterol, among many other diseases.

Bariatric surgery has come a long way! The origins of bariatric surgery date back to the 1950s, when weight loss surgeries were complex and intense procedures . Today’s bariatric surgeries are safer and more effective. Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted bariatric surgery, have simplified the procedure to a great extent, making it less invasive.

Understanding Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery?

Laparoscopic weight loss surgery is a well-established method, the surgeon uses a laparoscope, which is basically a mini camera, to see inside the abdomen and perform the surgery through small cuts. It’s a well-established technique with a proven track record for helping patients achieve significant weight loss.

Knowing About Robotic Bariatric Surgery?

Robotic Gastric Bypass, or robotic weight loss surgery integrates laparoscopic procedures with the precision of robotics to facilitate intricate surgical procedures. With the assistance of a robotic arm and high-definition visualization, it offers a wider range of motion and tremor filtration for smoother movements and a magnified 3D view of the surgical site, enabling greater precision and amplifying the efficacy of the procedure. Similar to laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery requires only a few small incisions, therefore significantly reducing the risks of complications and enabling even faster recovery.

Which is a Better Technique for Me? Laparoscopic Vs. Robotic?

Both laparoscopic bariatric surgery and robotic bariatric surgery are minimally invasive techniques that have become game-changers in weight loss surgery. They offer smaller scars, shorter hospital stays, and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Laparoscopic weight loss surgery has emerged as a safer route than traditional approaches and uses a minimally invasive technique, which means smaller scars, less pain, and a faster recovery.

Robotic weight loss surgery is a newer approach that uses a robotic platform to assist the surgeon and provides technical ease for complex laparoscopic procedures. This technology can offer even more precise movements and potentially shorter recovery times.

Both procedures are equivalently effective surgical methods for the patient suffering from obesity but only in the case of severely obese patients, it is advised to opt for Robotic weight loss surgery for more precision.

For the long-term success rate of bariatric surgery, it is important for the patient to adopt healthier habits, as advised by the bariatric surgeon and his team, including a balanced diet and regular exercise as part of post-procedural care, thereby maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Choosing the Right Surgeon… Because Expertise Matters?

Post-bariatric surgery, a patient may lose 60-80% of their excess weight on average, lessening their vulnerability to serious health complications like diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. It is of utmost importance to reach out to the right surgeon because indisputably, every surgeon’s experience varies, and the right surgeon can guide you about the surgical outcomes. They can assess your individual needs, discuss the risks and benefits of each technique, and recommend the best approach for your weight loss goals and medical history.

Consider their specific experience:
A potential surgeon must be equipped with the skills to perform a bariatric procedure safely and effectively. A surgeon’s learning curve is a determinant factor, for robotic surgery demands extensive technical training.?It may be worthwhile to consider a surgeon’s personal experience with bariatric surgery, both in terms of years as well as the number of procedures successfully performed.
Look out for a surgeon who makes you feel comfortable:
Along with surgical prowess, a good surgeon must make you feel safe and comfortable so that you can openly discuss personal information.
Supportive Team:
The surgeon should be backed by a team of specialists, including assistant surgeons, registered bariatric dietitians, nurses and coordinators. This team will guide you through dietary changes, manage post-operative complications, and provide emotional support throughout your journey.

Don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon about their team and their approach to aftercare. A skilled surgeon with a dedicated team by their side is more likely to help you achieve long-term success.

Boosting Your Confidence: Narrating the Success Stories?of Our Patients

Many people have found success with bariatric surgery, and they’re happy to share their stories! Our proud heroes, Ms. Anisha and Mr. Satinder Singh share their positive experiences post-bariatric surgery and how it optimistically encouraged them, boosting their confidence to pursue their dreams.?

Mr. Satinder Singh shares “It’s a new birth for me,” stating the problematic health scenarios pre-surgery.?

While Ms Anisha shares how she faced the situation of body shaming, post-bariatric surgery, she feels positively motivated and encourages – “It’s never too late to get that change in yourself; you owe it to yourself.”

These are just a few examples of how bariatric surgery can transform lives.

Making an Informed Decision Because ‘Healthy Choices, Healthier ME’

Bariatric surgery isn’t just about weight loss; it’s about taking control of your health and well-being. If you’re struggling with severe obesity and its health risks, consult a qualified bariatric surgeon to discuss your options. Remember, bariatric surgery is a life-changing decision. By understanding your options and working with a skilled surgeon, you can take charge of your health and achieve lasting weight loss success, leading to a happier you!

References

Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery: A Key to Better Health and Improved Quality of Life

Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide to Transformative Weight Loss Surgery

Sleeve gastrectomy is a weight-loss surgery that involves reducing the size of the stomach into a tube-like shape. This is often referred to as vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery or gastric sleeve.

This procedure helps patients eat less by limiting stomach capacity, without altering the digestive process. It’s primarily used for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher.

Sleeve gastrectomy is considered a relatively safer surgical intervention. The procedure is typically performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy or robotic surgery.

Understanding Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery

Sleeve gastrectomy involves the removal of approximately 75% of the stomach, leaving a tubular-shaped remnant. Unlike other weight-loss surgeries, it doesn’t alter the anatomy of the small intestine.

The bariatric procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. Surgeons typically employ a minimally invasive approach using laparoscopic/robotic surgery, which involves several small incisions in the abdomen. The method entails removing approximately 75-80 percent of the stomach, and reshaping the remaining portion into a narrow, banana-shaped sleeve using surgical staples. Once completed, the incisions are closed. The entire procedure usually takes between 30 to 45 minutes.

Sleeve gastrectomy significantly impacts appetite regulation by modifying gut signals associated with taste, hunger, and blood sugar control. The reduced stomach capacity limits food and liquid intake, contributing to weight loss by decreasing calorie consumption.

Moreover, by removing the portion of the stomach responsible for producing a significant amount of the “hunger hormone,” sleeve gastrectomy influences metabolism, reducing hunger, enhancing feelings of fullness, and facilitating weight management and improved blood sugar control.

Health Benefits of Sleeve Gastrectomy

People who undergo sleeve gastrectomy typically lose between 70 to 80 percent of their excess body weight. The bariatric procedure offers a transformative approach to weight management, providing a range of benefits that contribute to improved overall health and quality of life.

Technically simple and shorter surgery time
Can be performed on certain patients with high-risk medical conditions
May be performed as the first step for patients with severe obesity
May be used as a bridge to gastric bypass or SADI-S procedures
Effective weight loss and improvement of obesity-related medical conditions

Quality of Life Improvements

A remarkable 95% of patients reported a significant enhancement in quality of life following bariatric surgery, while mortality rates decreased by a substantial 89% within five years.

Migraines 57% resolved
Depression 55% resolved
Pseudotumor cerebri 96% resolved
Obstructive sleep apnea 74% -98% resolved
Dyslipidemia hypercholesterolemia 63% resolved
Asthma 82% improved or resolved
Cardiovascular disease 82% risk reduction
Hypertension 52% -92% resolved
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease 90% improved steatosis; 37% resolution of inflammation; 20% resolution of fibrosis
GERD 72% -98% resolved
Metabolic syndrome 80% resolved
Type II diabetes mellitus 83% resolved
Stress urinary incontinence 44% -88% resolved
Polycystic ovarian syndrome 79% resolution of hirsuitism; 100% resolution of menstrual dysfunction
Degenerative joint disease 41% -76% resolved
Venous stasis disease 95% resolved

Who Should Consider Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Bariatric surgery can be considered an appropriate alternative for:

BMI above 32.5 kg/m2 with obesity-related co-morbidities
BMI above 37.5 kg/m2 without co-morbidities
BMI > 30 kg/m2 with life-threatening obesity-related disorders like uncontrolled diabetes, cardiovascular disease/cardiomyopathy and severe obstructive sleep apnea
Patients motivated to lose weight and committed to long-term follow-up
Patient should have attempted conservative methods of weight loss and failed in the past
Bariatric surgery is to be considered only between the ages of 18 – 65 years
Bariatric surgery may be considered in patients more than 65 years in the presence of severe obesity-related co-morbidities/disability
Bariatric surgery may be considered in patients < 18 years in special situations after paediatrician/endocrinology certification, or after attainment of puberty or completion of skeletal maturity

Bariatric surgery offers potential benefits, but it’s essential to weigh these against individual risks. Your weight, age, and medical history play a crucial role in determining your suitability for surgery. To make an informed decision, careful consideration of specific guidelines and patient factors is necessary.

Choosing the Best Weight Loss Surgeon and Facility

Your choice of clinic and surgical team plays a crucial role in the success of your sleeve gastrectomy. Here’s why top bariatric surgery centres can make all the difference:

Expertise at Every Step: A renowned bariatric surgeon runs a comprehensive bariatric program with all the infrastructure required to facilitate bariatric surgery candidates. They’ll guide you through pre-operative evaluation, ensure you have access to state-of-the-art surgical facilities, and provide extensive support post-surgery.?
A Team You Can Trust: To run a comprehensive bariatric program, it is essential that the team comprises a Bariatric Surgeon, Bariatric Nurse, Bariatric Dietician, Program Managers and Coordinators to provide the best guidance and facility.

Before deciding, take some time to research renowned bariatric surgeons. Here are some key factors to consider:?

Accreditation: Look out for clinics and surgeons accredited by recognized healthcare organizations, ensuring they meet the highest safety standards.?
Surgeon’s Qualification: Research the surgeon’s experience and qualifications in performing sleeve gastrectomy. ?
Success Rates: Inquire about the surgeon’s success rates for the procedure.?
Patient Testimonials: Reading real patient experiences can offer valuable insights into the surgeon’s approach and patient care.?

Real-Life Success Stories

Peter Arthur, a Kenyan businessman, was struggling with severe obesity, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, joint pain, and backache. His weight of 171 kilograms significantly impacted his professional and personal life.

Despite repeated attempts at diet and exercise, he was unable to achieve sustainable weight loss.

Bariatric surgery ultimately proved to be a successful intervention, leading to a weight loss of nearly 45 kilograms within a year. As a result, he has experienced significant improvements in his overall health and quality of life.

Conclusion

Sleeve gastrectomy offers a transformative path to improved health and well-being for individuals struggling with obesity. By reducing stomach capacity and regulating hunger and satiety hormones, this procedure can lead to significant weight loss and the resolution of obesity-related health conditions. However, it’s essential to remember that surgery is just the beginning. Long-term success depends on adopting healthy lifestyle changes, including balanced nutrition and regular exercise.

In cases of extreme obesity (BMI 60 or above), sleeve gastrectomy surgery can be the initial step in a two-part surgical plan. This first surgery helps patients lose significant weight, making them healthier candidates for a second weight-loss procedure, if necessary.

If you’re considering sleeve gastrectomy surgery, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified bariatric surgeon to determine if you’re a suitable candidate. By partnering with experienced professionals and committing to a holistic approach, you can embark on a journey towards a healthier, happier you.

Remember, every individual’s experience is unique. While sleeve gastrectomy has shown remarkable results for many, it’s important to manage expectations and understand the potential risks and benefits involved.

Banded Gastric Bypass Achieve Lasting Weight Loss

Is losing weight becoming a struggle for you?

At times, following a healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise alone isn’t helpful in losing those extra kilos putting you at risk of developing obesity-related complications like diabetes and hypertension. In such a scenario, Bariatric surgery is a suitable and established alternative to lose weight.

One such surgical intervention is Banded gastric bypass. Like other bariatric surgeries, it can help patients achieve significant and sustained weight reduction, thereby enhancing their overall well-being.

Understanding Banded Gastric Bypass

Banded bypass surgery is a modification of the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) that enhances its restrictive component. In the bariatric procedure, a band encircles the upper portion of the stomach pouch, created during the RYGB surgery.

This band, in conjunction with the bypass, aims to

Calibrate and standardize the size of the pouch and the stoma (the opening between the stomach pouch and the small intestine).
Reinforce the sizes to improve the restrictive effect of the surgery.

The rationale for adding a band is to further restrict the size of the stomach pouch and the stoma which helps in slowing the passage of food and preventing overeating. This modification is intended to sustain weight loss for a long-term.

It’s a minimally invasive procedure performed under general anaesthesia.

How Banded Gastric Bypass Presents a Unique Approach?

Banded gastric bypass offers numerous benefits. Patients often experience:

Long-term maintenance of weight loss
Reduced risk of obesity-related co-morbidities, such as Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and Sleep Apnea
This minimally invasive surgery restricts food intake and, helps to achieve significant weight loss

With its advantages, Banded Gastric Bypass surgery proves to be an effective option for combating obesity and its associated health issues.

Who Should Consider Banded Gastric Bypass?

Banded Bariatric Procedure can be considered an appropriate alternative for:

BMI above 32.5 kg/m2 with obesity-related co-morbidities
BMI above 37.5 kg/m2 without co-morbidities
BMI > 30 kg/m2 with life-threatening obesity-related disorders like uncontrolled diabetes, cardiovascular disease/cardiomyopathy and severe obstructive sleep apnea
Patients motivated to lose weight and committed to long-term follow-up
Patient should have attempted conservative methods of weight loss and failed in the past
Bariatric Surgery to be considered only between the ages of 18 – 65 years
Bariatric surgery may be considered in patients more than 65 years in the presence of severe obesity-related co-morbidities/disability
Bariatric Surgery may be considered in patients < 18 years in special situations after paediatrician endocrinology paediatrician/endocrinology certification, or after attainment of puberty or completion of skeletal maturity

Banded Gastric Bypass is proven to be an effective approach to reducing BMI and maintaining a healthy weight.

Success Stories: Real-life Transformation

Dr. Vivek Gupta, a senior orthopaedic and joint replacement surgeon, has openly shared his successful journey with gastric bypass surgery. Struggling with obesity since childhood, his weight peaked at around 130 kilograms, accompanied by alarmingly high cholesterol levels. His blood pressure soared to dangerous levels of 210 over 140. Despite rigorous exercise and strict dietary regimens, he was unable to shed the excess weight.

Dr. Gupta underwent gastric bypass surgery and achieved a remarkable weight loss of 89 kilograms in a relatively short period. Now he enjoys a higher quality of life and has experienced a significant boost in self-confidence.

Embracing a Healthier Future

Banded Gastric Bypass is a promising option for those battling obesity. This minimally invasive procedure offers significant weight loss and tackles obesity-related health concerns.

While Banded Gastric Bypass offers a compelling choice, it is necessary to consult an accredited surgeon about the type of bariatric surgery suitable for you, based on your anatomic needs. Bariatric surgery can effectively help you reach your weight-loss goals and maintain long-term results when combined with careful adherence to your surgeon’s post-operative care plan.

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Examining the Pros and Cons of Bariatric Surgery

Experience a Journey Towards a Healthier You!

Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, can be a transformative step towards a healthier and happier you. This procedure acts as a powerful ally in your weight loss journey, helping you achieve significant, lasting weight loss. As a result, the risk of developing serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers can be significantly reduced. Bariatric surgery allows you to unlock a future filled with increased energy, improved mobility, and a renewed sense of well-being.

Moreover, here’s the good news: weight loss surgery has become much safer over time. Thanks to newer techniques, better training for surgeons, and quality control programs, the mortality risk associated with this surgery has gone way down, from around 1.5% to a much lower 0.3%. So, while it remains a major procedure, it can be a powerful tool to help people with obesity live longer, healthier lives.

Consider the Option that Best Meets Your Requirements

There are different procedures available for Bariatric surgery, and surgeons can choose the best option based on each patient’s, individual needs.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: This two-pronged surgical approach tackles weight loss by both curbing appetite and reducing nutrient absorption. Staples are used to create a smaller stomach to limit the amount of food intake, and certain section of the small intestine is bypassed to limit the nutrients and calories absorbed.

Sleeve Gastrectomy: The method encompasses the stapling and removal of a portion of the stomach to reduce the size of the stomach to that of a small banana. It also influences weight loss by altering gut hormones that regulate appetite, taste, and blood sugar levels, contributing to feelings of fullness after consuming a smaller volume of food.?

Mini Gastric Bypass: In this surgery, the surgeon creates a long, sleeve-shaped pouch from the stomach. This pouch is then connected directly to the small intestine, forming a loop.

Banded Gastric Bypass: By adding a band to a gastric bypass surgery, surgeons can precisely control the pouch and stoma sizes in this banded gastric bypass procedure. This standardization and adjustability can potentially improve weight loss outcomes in the long run.

Single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) is a two-part weight loss surgery. The first part involves reducing the stomach’s size through a procedure called sleeve gastrectomy. The second part reroutes the digestive system. This reduces the body’s ability to absorb fats and calories, leading to weight loss.

Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for Me?

Weight loss surgery isn’t for everyone. The question comes round to:

Am I qualifying for bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery is for patients with:

BMI > 32.5 kg/m2 with obesity related co-morbidities

BMI > 37.5 kg/m2 without co-morbidities

BMI > 30 kg/m2 with life-threatening obesity-related disorders like uncontrolled diabetes, cardiovascular disease/cardiomyopathy, and severe obstructive sleep apnoea

Bariatric Surgery to be considered only between the ages of 18 – 65 years

Bariatric surgery may be considered in patients more than 65 years in the presence of severe obesity-related co-morbidities/disability

Bariatric Surgery may be considered in patients < 18 years in special situations after paediatrician/endocrinology certification, or after attainment of puberty or completion of skeletal maturity

Obesity treatment encompasses a lot more than stated. A good lifestyle works wonders with a follow-up routine. Moreover, regularly consulting the multidisciplinary team to monitor progress is fundamental to addressing the underlying potential complications.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Bariatric Surgery

Weight-loss surgery is an effective and more reliable alternative to lose 60-80% of your excess weight within a year of surgery. Significant weight loss after bariatric surgery positively impacts cardiac metabolism, workload, performance, and structure.?

Bariatric Surgery improved the quality of life for 95% of patients with an 89% reduction in 5-year mortality.

Migraines 57% resolved

Depression 55% resolved

Pseudotumor cerebri 96% resolved

Obstructive sleep apnea 74-98% resolved

Dyslipidemia hypercholesterolemia 63% resolved

Asthma 82% improved or resolved

Cardiovascular disease 82% risk reduction

Hypertension 52-92% resolved

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease 90% improved steatosis; 37% resolution of inflammation; 20% resolution of fibrosis

GERD 72-98% resolved

Metabolic syndrome 80% resolved

Type II diabetes mellitus 83% resolved

Stress urinary incontinence 44-88% resolved

Polycystic ovarian syndrome 79% resolution of hirsuitism; 100% resolution of menstrual dysfunction

Degenerative joint disease 41-76% resolved

Venous stasis disease 95% resolved

Understanding the risks associated is of equal importance. By and large, every surgery involves risks.

Risks of Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery

The more extensive the bypass operation, the greater the risk for complications and nutritional deficiencies. Patients with extensive bypasses of the normal digestive process require not only close monitoring but also may require the use of special foods and medications. Five to ten percent of patients who undergo weight-loss operations may require surgical/medical interventions to correct complications.

Rare complications of gastric bypass surgery include leak through staples or sutures, ulcers in the stomach or small intestine, and blood clots in the lungs or legs (it is hence important for all our patients to strictly adhere to the compression stockings and LMWH therapy as advised postoperatively), stretching of the pouch or oesophagus, persistent vomiting, and abdominal pain, inflammation of the gallbladder, and failure to lose weight.

Many a patient undergoing bariatric surgery develop gallstones. Gallstones are clumps of cholesterol and other matter that form in the gallbladder. A person’s risk of developing gallstones increases during rapid or substantial weight loss.

A few studies have reported up to 30 percent of patients who have weight-loss surgery may develop nutritional deficiencies such as anaemia, osteoporosis, and metabolic bone disease. These deficiencies can be avoided if vitamin and mineral intakes are maintained – a close follow-up with our dietician is thus emphasized.

Women of childbearing age should avoid pregnancy for 12-15 months until their weight becomes stable because rapid weight loss and nutritional deficiencies can harm a developing fetus. Though some bariatric procedures can be reversed, patients should carefully consider all of the risks and benefits before electing to have this surgery.

Patients with uncontrolled diabetes, retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy are advised a very close monitoring of their blood sugar and other medications with regular follow-up. Patients who have been advised C-PAP/Bi-PAP must strictly adhere to the usage, or else it could even prove fatal.

In short bariatric/metabolic surgery is not a magic pill but could work like magic if used and practised judiciously under supervision.

Post-Surgery Care and Management

Post-bariatric surgery, there are a few things to keep in mind to make it a success. Here’s what your post-bariatric surgery care must involve.

Your surgeon and healthcare team will be there to watch over you, answer questions, and help avoid any problems. They’ll also track your weight loss to see how you’re doing.

Having good people around you is important. Friends, family, or even a support group can be a big help after surgery. They can offer encouragement and understand what you’re going through.

Food after surgery is a step-by-step process. Right after, for 15 days it’ll be non-aerated, sugar-free liquids like fat-free milk, buttermilk, soy milk, almond milk, strained soups, coconut water, etc. It’s like giving your stomach a little rest for a few weeks to heal up. Then, things will slowly move to soft foods for the next 15 days that are easy to chew and digest. Make sure to get plenty of protein during this time, like lean meats or dairy products. After a month the diet becomes normal, focusing on protein-based foods.

Don’t forget to move your body! So, getting some exercise is a great way to manage the long-term effects of bariatric surgery, feel better overall, and keep the extra kgs away for good.

Your Weight Shouldn’t Be the Barrier to the New ‘You’!

Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery isn’t just about the numbers on the scale. It can be a major win for your overall well-being!

Studies show that people who have weight loss surgery not only manage health problems better but also feel a lot better about themselves. They have more energy, and they feel more confident in their own skin.

Of course, everyone’s reasons for wanting weight loss surgery are different. The important thing is to talk to your surgeon about all your options and concerns. They can help you decide if weight loss surgery is right for you and provide support before and after surgery.

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