Bariatric surgery real solution for Obesity

By Dr. G. Srikanth, Surgical Gastroenterologist and Managing director at Sahasra Hospitals.  

Why bariatric surgery?

Patients who are morbidly obese (BMI>40) are mentally lazy due to excessive weight and are uncomfortable with physical exercises. Hence as an easy way out they can choose the surgery providing their health permits them to do so after required medical obligations

What is bariatric surgery?

It is type of surgery that is performed to induce long term weight loss and to facilitate cure of the associated medical conditions, e.g., diabetes, hypertension.

How does bariatric surgery help to reduce overweight?

It will restrict the amount of food that you can eat or reduce the amount of its absorption or a combination of both.

Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?

If you are morbidly obese (BMI lies between 35-40); and you have failed to lose weight significantly by other methods, and if you are committed and motivated for a long life change in the life style, then you qualify for bariatric surgery. It is also important to make sure that you do not have any metabolic disorders causing obesity.

How is the surgery performed?

Advanced in laparoscopic surgery have facilitated these immensely beneficial procedures to be done with lesser pain, faster recovery and fewer wound related issues. The most commonly performed procedures are described below.

Laparoscopic sleeve of removal of part of Stomach

The stomach is converted into a long thin tube by stapling along its long axis. The excluded part of the unwanted stomach is removed. Maintaining the natural continuity between the throat to the small intestine.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass

This procedure works by changing the anatomy of your digestive system. Stapling is done to create a smaller upper stomach pouch, which restricts the amount of food able to be consumed. A portion of small bowel is bypassed thus delaying food from mixing with digestive juices to avoid complete absorption.

Mini Gastric Bypass

This is an alternative gastric bypass procedure to the Roux-en-y bypass. Technically, however, it is considered as an easier procedure with a single connection made surgically between adjacent blood vessels. The ease of revision and reversal, non-inferior weight loss has resulted in a wider adoption of this procedure.

How do I know that which bariatric procedure is right for me?

After preliminary work-up, a team of multidiscipline (Surgeon, Cardiologist, Endocrinologist, Dietician, Psychologist and Anaesthesiologist) will work together with you to create a customized plan that will help you safely achieve your weight loss goals in addition to the cure or control of obesity.

How much weight loss will occur after my bariatric surgery?

Weight loss is not immediate. Different procedures result in different weight loss outcomes. However, on an average, patients may lose 30-50% of their excess weight in first 6 months and nearly 77% in the first year. This is highly dependent upon the patient’s commitment to and the compliance with post-surgical diet, exercise and prescribed course of medical treatment.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

The risks of remaining obese will eventually outweigh the risk associated with the surgery. When performed in appropriate patient by an expert, this risk can be minimized. The risks including bleeding, loosening of the staple lines, blood clots in the leg, affecting the lungs and vomiting due to the decreased size of the stomach, vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies.

How long will I stay in the hospital after surgery?

After a laparoscopic bariatric surgery, most of the people stay for 2-3 days after surgery. You can return to work in 7-10 days after surgery. 

What advice should I follow after surgery?

There are certain life style changes necessary in order to succeed in this big step along your weight loss journey. Your diet and exercise routine will be the two most important component of this journey, especially in the first year after the journey. Post-operative follow up care and support group meeting are the additional key components after the surgery

Individuals who are committed to their post-operative care and follow the advice of their doctor are more likely to be successful in maintaining their weight loss.

Corporate Comm India (CCI Newswire)