Misconceptions about Bariatric Surgery
There is a surge in the prevalence of obesity since the start of the 21st century. Being overweight is becoming a norm in the western world, where two-thirds of adults are reported as being overweight and suffering from obesity. Obesity is a significant cause of metabolic syndrome, including diabetes type 2, hypertension, dyslipidemia, high triglyceride, and reduced HDL level. Obesity and lack of physical exercise have a significant impact on the general public. That is why every clinician has an experience of facing obesity and its associated conditions during part of their medical practice.
Bariatric surgery is a sub-field of surgery involved with manipulating the stomach and small bowel to help weight loss. This surgery is known to reduce 25-35% of weight (at least 15kg) in the first year and sustained weight of 15-25% after 20 years. With weight reduction, bariatric surgery plays a pivotal role in reducing metabolic syndrome prevalence and contributing to a healthy life for the individual. The eligibility criteria for every patient is determined based on international guidelines IFSO that is followed globally. The decision depends on various factors. Some worth mentioning associated conditions with severe and complex obesity are type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, arthritis, and functional impairment, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and clinical depression. For those with a BMI of more than 37.5 or an excess weight of 35 or 40kg, bariatric surgery is the only treatment available. Those with a BMI of more than 32.5 along with any medical condition, are also eligible for surgery. For those with BMI less than 32.5 and whose medical conditions are not controlled by medicines, surgery is also an option.
Main Reasons To Choose Weight Loss Surgery
With being overweight becoming a common health problem, many of its treatments and prevention methods are becoming well known among the public. The most common of which are dieting and treatment of diabetes through oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin. These methods are helpful for the initial stages but not for severe obesity. Some important reasons why you need to know about bariatric surgery are as follows.
Bariatric surgery helps you lose weight. This allows you to eliminate the main reason for your problem. Those who are suffering from diabetes for more than 5 years may benefit from this surgery, as they may get rid of diabetes, especially if they are on oral hypoglycemic drugs. The reason for this lies in the pathophysiology of diabetes type 2. Obesity causes increased levels of free fatty acids and insulin resistance. These free fatty acids in the liver convert to glucose, and with insulin resistance, diabetes develops. When you get rid of diabetes, you also avoid its severe vision complications, kidney, circulatory, nerve, etc.
In addition to diabetes, this surgery helps to reduce hypertension. According to studies, there is a straight association of almost 1mm drop of blood pressure per kilogram of weight. Cholesterol levels can be controlled by effective weight loss, with an eventually reduced dose of medications. Joint pains, which are a common complaint of most obese patients, can be efficiently dealt with after this surgery. Asthma and gastroesophageal reflux disease are not uncommon in overweight and obese patients. Hence, all these problems are overcome after bariatric surgery.
Misconceptions about This Surgery
It is very commonly observed in our society that there are always a number of misconceptions when it comes to the word “surgery.” This is a scary word for people to understand. Hence, there are always plenty of alternative ideas available and made acceptable very quickly among the general public. Some note-worthy misunderstandings are as follows.
This Surgery Can Cause Death
The most common myth among laymen about this surgery is an extreme danger to life. This is an entirely false statement, as with the recent advancements in techniques and technology, the risk to life has dramatically reduced.
You Cannot Have Children after Weight Loss Surgery
After any surgery, there are certain things to take care of. After bariatric surgery, the purpose of which is weight loss, patients are advised not to get pregnant for at least 2 years. This is because pregnancy involves weight gain, the complete opposite of the outcome of the surgery. Polycystic ovarian syndrome, a common problem in obese patients, affects decrease fertility rates. Hence, after bariatric surgery and loss of weight, fertility levels may increase.
Bariatric Surgery Leaves a Big Scar
Where there is the term ‘surgery’ used, the next thing that comes to our mind is a big ‘scar.’ Laparoscopic surgery is a recent advancement in the field of surgery, which involves giving a small scar, that of a pinhole size, to reduce the rate of infections and to avoid providing ugly scars to the patients. The same technique is now commonly used for bariatric surgery.
Summary
Bariatric surgery is one of the recent advancements for treating obesity and promoting a healthy lifestyle for many individuals. Eliminating obesity can cure related morbidity and reduce its prevalence rates. There are a number of reasons for which bariatric surgery has been proved to be effective. With proper post-operative care, individuals can lead a healthy and fit lifestyle.
