We as a nation are getting fat – and so is the world at large. As a chronic disease, it greatly increases the likelihood of a range of serious health problems, including heart disease, diabetes and some cancer types. Unfortunately, diet, exercise do not cut it for most when it comes to losing substantial weight In these optimal conditions, the intervention of obesity surgery also known as bariatric surgery is a remarkable way to solve this problem. In this article, we discuss the different types of obesity surgery, why they are used, what they involve, and the risks and benefits associated with each.
Types of Obesity Surgery
Bariatric surgery (BS) is a series of procedures with diverse mechanisms, pathophysiologies, and consequences.
- Gastric Bypass Surgery: Gastric bypass surgery, commonly referred to as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, is one of the most frequently performed bariatric procedures. The surgery creates a small stomach pouch and connects the new pouch directly to your small intestine. This leads to a large reduction in the amount of food the stomach can hold as well as a reduction in calorie absorption.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: Sleeve gastrectomy involves removing about 75-80 percent of the stomach so that the stomach takes on the shape of a tube or “sleeve. Ghrelin, the hunger hormone is reduced, and this is the hormone that stimulates our appetite, and makes us want to eat, imagine a constant feeling of satiety!
- Adjustable Gastric Band: The adjustable gastric band (lap band) The adjustable gastric band, also called lap band, is a thin silicone band placed around the upper part of the stomach to form a small pouch.
- Band: The band is adjustable for increasing and decreasing restrictiveness. It is at least as successful as the Roux-en-Y, but is associated with less immediate postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery, loss of a slightly smaller amount of excess weight.
Criteria for Obesity Surgery
Bariatric surgery is not an option for all people with obesity. A candidate will always satisfy the following:
- Body Mass Index (BMI): Surgery is considered for patients who have a BMI of 40 or more, or with a BMI of 35-39.9 and weight-related health problems such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Previous Weight Loss Attempts: Eligible candidates will have made repeated unsuccessful attempts to lose weight with diet, exercise, and in some cases medication under medical supervision.
- Psychological Evaluation: A battery of psychological testing processes ensures each candidate is a candidate not only physically, but enough psychologically to undertake the massive lifestyle changes post-surgery. I would evaluate these markers to see if they may create any problems during the recovery and adhering post-op.
Benefits of Obesity Surgery
Bariatric surgery has benefits well past a number on the scale.
- Health Improvement: Weight loss can significantly improve or even cure obesity-related co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea and joint pain.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Some of the benefits of significant weight loss are increased energy, healthy ways of eating, improved mobility, mental well-being and physical health. Patients often smile more and have a higher quality of life.
- Longevity: Research has shown that bariatric surgery helps people live longer by reducing the risk of life-threatening obesity-related diseases.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies of vitamins and minerals can occur as a result of altered digestion and nutrient absorption, for which patients require lifelong supplementation with periodic monitoring.
- Recovery & After Care: Different Stages of Recovery after Bariatric Surgery: Recovery following bariatric surgery can be divided into a few stages that include progressive resumption of normal activities in addition to the required dietary changes.
- Dietary Changes: After surgery, patients progress through a strict dietary intake, which starts with clear liquids and progresses to pureed, soft, and regular foods over time. It is very important to have long-term changes in the diet to get enough nutrients and keep the weight down.
- Follow-Up Care: Follow-up visits are an essential step to evaluate your progress, solve issues, and modify the diet, and supplement plans. Psychological support and support groups are also useful to encourage long-term success.
Conclusion
Severe obesity is a serious health disorder and is very difficult to control and treat on your own, but bariatric weight loss surgeries offer benefits for severe obesity that are not possible through conventional methods or weight-loss medications. Yet as you know it takes thought, planning and a sustained commitment to continuing life-style changes.
Learning about the various the surgeries and who is an appropriate candidate for them, along with the potential advantages and risks, and the post-operative process, individuals can feel empowered in making an educated decision to begin their health journey to wellness.
Mark Henry 
Freya Parker