Bariatric surgery is a weight loss method tailored for individuals struggling with obesity. It's often considered a last resort when traditional weight loss approaches have fallen short, and obesity poses significant health risks.
How does bariatric surgery work? It involves modifying the digestive system, typically the stomach and sometimes the small intestine, to alter how food is digested. This results in a smaller stomach, causing individuals to feel full with smaller portions. Additionally, hunger signals sent from the digestive system to the brain may decrease.
Who Is Eligible for Bariatric Surgery?
Not just anyone can undergo bariatric surgery. It's reserved for individuals with specific criteria. This procedure is prioritized for long-term treatment of class III obesity. This is crucial because individuals with this level of obesity may struggle to shed weight solely through dietary and exercise changes.
Obesity puts individuals at risk for various health issues and chronic diseases. Bariatric surgery aims to mitigate these risks. Those undergoing this procedure may have or be at risk of developing conditions such as:
- High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Kidney problems
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Osteoarthritis
- Non-alcohol Related Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
- Cancer
Bariatric surgery is done when a person with obesity is not able to decrease his/her weight just by dieting and exercising
Requirements
As mentioned earlier, bariatric surgery isn't suitable for everyone. Individuals diagnosed with class III obesity are potential candidates. Eligibility criteria for weight loss surgery slightly differ between adults and adolescents:
- Body mass index (BMI) of 40 kg/m² or higher (adult)
- BMI of 35 kg/m² with at least one obesity-related health issue, such as diabetes or heart disease (adult)
- BMI of 40 kg/m² with medical conditions linked to obesity (adolescent)
- BMI of 35 kg/m² with a severe medical condition tied to obesity (adolescent)
The operation requirement is a BMI of 35 kg/m² with a related medical condition
Procedure
Before undergoing bariatric surgery, individuals typically need to be in good physical and mental health and undergo specific medical evaluations to ensure the surgery's safety. Smoking, alcohol, and certain medications must be discontinued beforehand. A pre-bariatric diet is often prescribed a few weeks before the surgery.
Bariatric surgery is usually performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques. Small incisions are made for quicker healing, less pain, and reduced scarring compared to open surgery. There are four types of bariatric surgery options, including:
- Gastric Sleeve
- Gastric Bypass
- Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD-DS)
- Stomach Intestinal Pylorus Sparing Surgery (SIPS)
The most suitable surgery type is determined after a comprehensive assessment by the doctor. After the surgery, a gradual diet progression—from liquids to regular foods—is followed. Surprisingly, even drinking water can make the stomach feel full.
Health Impacts of Bariatric Surgery
Around 90% of people who undergo bariatric surgery experience a weight loss of roughly 50% of their excess weight. The extent of weight loss varies based on the type of surgery. Many individuals maintain a stable weight for up to two years, with fluctuations occurring afterward. Additional health impacts of bariatric surgery include:
- Reduced hunger hormones and increased metabolism
- Maintenance of cholesterol and blood sugar levels
- Improved prospects for a longer and healthier life
In conclusion, bariatric surgery is exclusively for those diagnosed with class III obesity. The aim is to mitigate potential risk factors that could be life-threatening. After the procedure, weight loss can exceed 50%. Do you still have questions? Feel free to ask in the comments section!