Bariatric Surgery Risks and Rewards

Bariatric surgery is a subspecialty of surgery that is involved with weight loss through different manipulations. It has been an efficient way for long-term management of weight loss after you have tried weight loss and dietary control through effective methods. Bariatric surgery is generally recommended in extreme obesity with a BMI of more than 37.5 and also for obesity along with metabolic syndrome and/or Diabetes, sleep apnea, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, etc. There are multiple kinds of research regarding the successful results of various types of bariatric surgery. The surgery also involves several risks, both early and long-term. Either way, bariatric surgery is a safe tool for sustained weight loss. Here are some Bariatric surgery risks and rewards.

Bariatric Surgery Risks

Bariatric surgery is, in general, a safe surgery. With many recent advancements, laparoscopic surgery has been a successful way for the purpose. Still, there are multiple risks involved during and after surgery that can complicate the procedure. Some of the critical early risk factors are as follows:

•         Infection 3%
•         Excessive blood loss 2.6%
•         Respiratory problems
•         Anesthetic complications
•         Gastrointestinal leaks
•         Blood clots. 0.5%

      Death 0.2%

Long-term complications may arise a week or two after surgery. These differ according to the type of procedure done. Some worth-mentioning ones are as follows:

•         Dumping syndrome causing diarrhea, flushing, lightheadedness, nausea, and vomiting.
•         Bowel obstruction
•         Gall stones
•         Malnutrition
•         Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar
•         Vomiting
•         Ulcers
•         Acid reflux
•         Hernia
•         A need for a second surgery

How to lower the risks?

Some important ways through which you can reduce the probability of risks after surgery are as follows:

• Decrease your body Mass Index (BMI)

Watch your diet, visit your surgeon and nutritionist and plan your intake accordingly

• Stop smoking

Quit smoking before surgery, as it may complicate the procedure. If not, avoid smoking to prevent long-term complications.

• Increase amount of exercise

Avoid a sedentary lifestyle and habitually acquire a healthy lifestyle, including daily walk and/or exercise.

Rewards of Bariatric Surgery

The rewards for bariatric surgery are worth mentioning. Where obesity has become a significant health issue from the start of the 21st century, the treatment in the form of bariatric surgery has also gained popularity. Some rewards that bariatric surgery offers you are as follows:

• Treatment for obesity

Bariatric surgery offers treatment for the primary health issue: obesity, when all other measures have failed to control weight gain, and there is the need for the prevention and control of many diseases.

It does so by both restrictive and malabsorptive methods. The former restricted the stomach’s size, and the latter acted on hormones to decrease the appetite. Either way, this surgery offers promising results for weight loss.

• Overcoming metabolic syndrome

Obesity is a significant risk factor for various conditions like Type two Diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, liver disorders, sleep apnea, etc. With the treatment of obesity, the most significant risk factor is avoided. Hence, this ensures overcoming the problem of metabolic syndrome through prevention. After surgery, there is remission for type two diabetes, improved cardiovascular health by improving hypertension and preventing heart failures, preventing liver diseases, and improving the symptoms for joint disease and sleep apnea.

• Relief of depression

Obesity is a cause of depression for the majority of people; overcoming the problem of obesity relieves depression and ensures good mental and physical health for an individual.

• Improving fertility

Obesity is a major risk factor for subfertility/ infertility. Overcoming the problem of obesity improves fertility outcomes through the regulation of cycles.

Conclusion

Obesity is a significant health problem currently, but at the same time, this is preventable and treatable. Bariatric surgery offers numerous benefits in addition to various avoidable risks. Proper dietary and lifestyle modifications can ensure a healthy physique for an individual.