Is Weight-Loss Surgery Right for You?
Things you need to know about the surgery
Obesity is a widespread problem of nutritional imbalance. For many years, multiple ways have been opted by many individuals to counter obesity. Obesity is a hazard factor for many other adverse clinical conditions like diabetes type two, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, heart diseases, stroke, sleep apnea, PCOs and depression, etc.
Bariatric surgery is a well-known and modern way of treating obesity and acquiring a new and healthy lifestyle. It involves operating on the stomach and gut of the individual. This minimizes the consumption and absorption of the amount of food. Hence, allowing weight loss over a period of time.
For better decision-making, it is essential to collect all the relevant information related to the eligibility criteria, methods and types, benefits, risk factors, and the idea of life after surgery. Below given is all the vital information you need to know before going for bariatric surgery:
Criteria for surgery
The standard criteria for surgery include the following:
- BMI (Body mass index) more than 40
- BMI more than 35 with severe obesity-related health conditions or risks like diabetes type two.
- Previous unsuccessful attempts to lose weight through diet and exercise.
- Cause of obesity unrelated to endocrine conditions
- No drug or alcohol addiction
Types of surgery
These include sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgery. Sleeve gastrectomy involves removing the excess part of the stomach to give it a sleeve shape and reducing food intake. In gastric bypass surgery, an alternate pouch is created from where the food goes directly into the distal part of the gut.
The difference in techniques used for surgery are:
Open surgery in which a large cut for incision is made in the stomach. This method involves the risk of more infections, blood loss, and more time for recovery. Regarding this, laparoscopic surgery involves making a small incision and using the modern technique of a camera to guide the surgery. This method minimizes the chances of infections and excess blood loss. It also enables speedy recovery and early return to the regular routine.
Benefits of surgery
Some worth mentioning health benefits for bariatric surgery include the following:
- Treatment of obesity
- Treatment of type two diabetes
- Improvement of cardiovascular health
- Treatment of liver disease
- Treatment of PCOs and improved fertility
- Relief of joint pains
- Relief of depression
Risks and side effects
Some concerning risk factors for bariatric surgery may include the following
Early risk factors
- Infections
- Excess blood loss
- Respiratory Problems
- Anesthesia complications
Late risk factors
- Dumping syndrome
- Bowel obstructions
- Malnutrition
- Hypoglycemia
- Acid reflux
- Ulcers
- Gall stones
Read more: Bariatric Surgery Risks and Rewards
Life after bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery is not a simple surgical procedure. Its success lies in following a proper diet and lifestyle after surgery. Life after surgery requires you to make multiple changes in your daily routine. It would be best to change your eating habits, diet and give your time for workouts and physical activity to maintain your fitness. You may find it challenging to incorporate these changes into your daily routine. Proper psychological sessions will also help you to keep motivated.
Read more: Nutrition after Bariatric Surgery
What matters to you more?
Once you have collected all the essential info related to bariatric surgery, including its benefits, risks, prerequisites, and life after surgery, discuss with your doctor and make up your mind about what to do and what to not do. Make a list for both and count your score. Next, calculate how many do’s and don’ts you get from your list. Go for the desired option.
Conclusion
Obesity is a treatable risk factor. Bariatric surgery offers satisfying results for eligible candidates. The most crucial step for decision-making for surgery is to collect all the relevant information about the surgery and then discuss it with your doctor. You should be well satisfied after making your decision.
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