Understanding Bariatric Surgery: Is It Right for You?

Obesity rates world-wide have nearly tripled since 1975. According to WHO, in 2023, over 2 billion adults worldwide were overweight, and more than 650 million were obese. So, weight loss management plays a crucial role here. Understanding Bariatric Surgery and its growing relevance in today’s modern times becomes quite important in these circumstances. So let’s learn about Bariatric Surgery and how it can bring a life changing transformation to your life.

If you or anyone from your family is struggling with excessive body weight or obesity, feel free to reach out to us and book an appointment with our Bariatric Surgeons in Jaipur at CK Birla Hospitals. This blog will be a helpful guide for those looking for weight management with surgery. 

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a collection of procedures that help obese people lose weight. Several procedures like gastric bypass and other types of weight-loss surgery also come under this surgery. It involves making changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight over the period.

Types of Bariatric Surgery

Majorly, four types of bariatric surgery are performed by doctors. Let’s learn about those four types of surgeries - 

• Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y): This is the most common type of bariatric surgery, in which a small part of the stomach is separated and bypassed to the small intestine. Due to this, the person eats less and also reduces the absorption of calories, resulting in weight loss gradually.
• Sleeve Gastrectomy: In this procedure, a large part of the stomach is removed, which reduces the person's appetite because the production of 'ghrelin' (hunger-inducing hormone) is reduced in the body. The surgeon removes approximately 80% of the stomach and makes a sleeve-like structure with the remaining part of the stomach.
• Adjustable Gastric Banding: In this, a band is inserted in the upper part of the stomach to control the size of the stomach. It decreases the stomach’s size due to which the person’s appetite also reduces. It is an effective way, but the process of weight loss may be slow.
• Biliopancreatic diversion (BPD): This is a less common surgery, in which the surgeon removes a large portion of the stomach and a part of the intestine and connects it. It is an effective weight loss surgery, but carries a high risk because it results in nutritional deficiency.

Is bariatric surgery right for you?

Now, the question arises is bariatric surgery right for you? Here are a few parameters, that can tell you whether you can go for the surgery or not - 

• Body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or between 35 and 39.9.
• Having obesity-related health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure.
• sleep problems

If you fall into any of the categories, then bariatric surgery may be an option for you. Bariatric surgery can be challenging for you, so before getting it done, it is advisable to be mentally and physically prepared, because entire weight loss is a lengthy procedure. Here, patience and consistency are the key to successful weight loss management. 

Health Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Surgery not only helps in weight loss, but it also helps in several ways. Several health benefits of bariatric surgery are there like - 

• Diabetes control: After surgery, extra body fat is removed, resulting in the balance of blood sugar levels automatically. In many cases, doctors automatically reduce the dosage of the medications for Diabetic patients.
• Improvement in high blood pressure: Blood pressure also comes under control after surgery, resulting in a reduced risk of heart disease.
• Relief in sleep problems: In many cases, after surgery, patients get relief in sleep problems due to weight loss. 

How to maintain weight loss after bariatric surgery?

The real challenge is to maintain your body weight after the bariatric surgery. It requires strict lifestyle changes and diet changes. You need to follow post-bariatric surgery tips for maintaining weight loss - 

• Dietary modifications: After surgery, it is advisable to eat in smaller amounts and eat frequently. Try to create a diet with high protein with low fat and sugar items.
• Add nutrition: When you are having a small portion of the meal, your body needs the necessary nutrients, so taking the help of any nutritionist will help.
• Be Active: After surgery, it is advisable to be active. You can go for walking, yoga, or swimming, which can essentially help in reducing your weight and maintaining your fitness.
• Attention to mental health: The weight loss journey can be very challenging for you both mentally and physically. For mental health, you can join any counseling group or support group.
• Avoiding alcohol and smoking: It is strongly advised to avoid alcohol and smoking after surgery as these can hurt the body.

Along with these tips, it is beneficial to have constant contact with the doctor and if you are facing any issues or side effects of bariatric surgery, tell them. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who needs bariatric surgery?

If you have a BMI of 40 or more, or between 35 and 39.9, then you need to have bariatric surgery. Along with this, people with obesity-related health problems also need bariatric surgery.

How much does bariatric surgery cost?

The cost of the surgery depends upon the type of surgery, and the patient's health condition and other factors. For the estimated cost, you need to visit a specialist doctor first. 

What is the best form of weight loss surgery?

The best form of weight loss surgery depends on each individual. In most cases, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are considered the safest and most effective options for weight loss management.

What foods cannot be eaten after Bariatric Surgery?

Fried foods, high-sugar foods, carbonated drinks, and very high-calorie snacks should be avoided after surgery.