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Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Surgery

Definition: Weight loss surgeries such as gastric bypass are collectively called bariatric surgery. These surgeries make changes to the digestive system to aid in losing weight.

Bariatric surgery is recommended when exercise and diet were not effective in weight loss or if you have serious health conditions due to weight

Some procedures can limit the food intake and others reduce the ability of body to absorb nutrients and some do both

After surgery you have to make permanent changes to you diet including healthy food and continue an exercise regimen

Bariatric Surgery

Why is it needed?

  • For those who are at risk of life threatening conditions such as stroke, heart disease, Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, etc. due to excess body weight
  • The ideal candidate for this surgery are:
  • Those who have BMI (body mass index) equal to 40 or higher
  • Those whose BMI is 35 but suffer from medical conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, heart disease and so on, and would benefit from weight loss
  • Aged between 18 -55 years and willing to followed prescribed diet (and restrictions)

Facts and Figures

There are many types of bariatric surgery, such as:

  • Gastric bypass
  • Gastric band
  • Sleeve gastrectomy
  • Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

There are more than 40 comorbidities associated with obesity, which have been shown to be resolved or improves after bariatric surgery

Celebs who had bariatric surgery:

  • Mariah Carey. Gastric Sleeve
  • Sharon Osborne. Gastric band
  • Vicki Mooney. Gastric bypass & bypass revision

Advantages

  • Bariatric surgery which is successful, saves and extends patient life
  • Patients get relief from symptoms and can continue to live with improved quality of life
  • A surgeon named Dr. A.J. Kremen performed the first Gastric Bypass surgery in 1954

Disadvantages

  • Dumping syndrome, leading to diarrhea, lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting, flushing
  • Hernias
  • Gallstones
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Ulcers
  • Malnutrition
  • Acid reflux
  • need for second, or revision, surgery

Reaction to surgery, medication or anesthesia

  • Infection
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Adverse reactions to anesthesia
  • Lung or breathing problems
  • Blood clots
  • Leaks in your gastrointestinal system
  • Death (rare)
Bariatric surgery
Bariatric Surgery

Preoperative Preparation

  • Physical examination
  • Urinalysis and Blood test
  • Ultrasound-abdomen, X-ray- chest
  • Get list of medicines to be taken pre and post-surgery
  • Inform surgeon about alcohol or smoking habits
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Arrange work leave, help at home and driving, and post-operative care
  • Fasting after midnight before surgery
  • Medical tourists should select a hotel near the hospital

Post-operative care

  • Patients must walk slowly after they reach home
  • Do’s, Don’ts, and Precautions:
  • Take surgeon prescribed medicines
  • Keep incision site dry and clean
  • Avoid being pregnant for as long as doctor advises
  • Avoid drinking carbonated beverages
  • Maintain food intake diary and record weight loss post-surgery
  • Do strictly follow the diet regime prescribed
  • No driving until permitted by a doctor
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