Bariatric Surgery for Weight Loss: What Is It, How Does It Help You Lose Weight, And Is It Safe?

Bariatric surgery refers to various weight-loss procedures that are frequently recommended for people with chronic obesity and obesity-related health issues like diabetes and hypertension. 

Losing weight is a difficult task for most people. Many people still believe that obesity is merely a cosmetic issue. 

In this article, Dr.Samrat Jankar, a gastroenterologist from Pune, has discussed various aspects of Bariatric Surgery

Obese or overweight people, on the other hand, are at risk for a variety of ailments, including:

  • Diabetes mellitus type 2
  • Blood pressure that is too high
  • Cholesterol levels are high.
  • Pains in the joints
  • Heart and circulatory problems
  • Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Fatty liver disease 
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Stroke
  • PCOD
  • Infertility
  • Gout

Before considering bariatric surgery, most people go through a cycle of weight loss and gain for several years.

In patients with morbid obesity, bariatric surgery is the only practical option for achieving long-term weight loss.

Unfortunately, obesity has now reached epidemic proportions.

Obesity and related diseases kill more people than any other non-communicable disease, and it is a silent killer.

There are many misconceptions about treatment.

“It’s critical to understand that, like any other disease, obesity must be treated according to its stage and severity,” says Dr. Samrat Jankar.

There are a variety of weight loss procedures available, including sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and banded weight loss procedures.

These, when combined with dietary and lifestyle changes, can help you achieve much more long-term weight loss. 

Is it however, secure?

Weight Loss

The following are some of the mechanisms that will assist you in losing those extra pounds:

  • Food restriction
  • After smaller meals, a feeling of satiety
  • Appetite suppression
  • Nutrient mal-absorption
  • Hormonal shifts
  • Bacterial changes in the gut

After a clinical evaluation, your bariatric specialist will recommend the operation that is best for you.

Bariatric surgery can reduce your risk of fatal conditions such as: 

  • stroke and heart disease
  • Apnoea (sleep apnea) 
  • Diabetes type 2
  • High blood pressure
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

It also alleviates joint pains, gout, PCOS, infertility and lowers the risk of various cancers linked to obesity.

Who should choose it?

A person with a BMI of 35 kg/m2 is eligible for bariatric surgery, according to the Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society of India (OSSI).

In the presence of two associated diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and so on, an individual with a BMI of 30 Kg/m2 is also eligible for bariatric/metabolic surgery.

After a thorough clinical evaluation by the bariatric surgery team, patients’ eligibility for bariatric/metabolic surgery is determined.

What should you do to get ready for weight-loss surgery?

Weight Loss

You will be advised to encounter medical examinations following your clinical evaluation, and concerned doctors will assess your medical fitness.

Before your surgery, you will be asked to follow a few essential dietary instructions.

 Depending on your clinical profile and weight, this could last anywhere from 7 to 15 days.

You will be advised to avoid carbohydrate-rich foods and encouraged to consume protein-rich foods. Sugars should be avoided at all costs. Before surgery, you must quit smoking and drinking.

Supplementation for vitamins, iron, or calcium will be started before surgery if your tests reveal any nutritional deficiencies.

It’s also critical to have all of your questions answered and stress-free before the procedure.

 As a result, the more rounds of consultation with your bariatric surgery team you have, the better.

After bariatric surgery, what can you expect?

You will be fasting for 24 hours after having bariatric surgery. You will be given intravenous fluids during this time.

For the first 15 days after surgery, you will be on liquids only. You’ll be on pureed foods for another two weeks in stage 2. 

It’s best to chew your food thoroughly, eat slowly and in small amounts. In some cases, eating too quickly or in large portions can cause chest pain or vomiting.You will be put on a regular diet after a month. However, the portion sizes will be minimal. You’ll only be able to eat 3 or 4 portions at a time. You’ll need to eat slowly and give each meal at least 30 minutes. 

It’s also a good idea to eat every 2 to 3 hours because you won’t eat much in one sitting.Foods high in sugar and carbohydrates should be avoided. From the start, stay away from fried foods and junk food. You will be able to eat more significant portions as time goes on, and if you continue to eat the wrong foods, you may begin to gain weight.

 If you’re a vegetarian, focus on high-protein foods like chicken, eggs, meat and paneer, tofu and sprouts, and so on.

After 2 to 3 months of surgery, low-impact exercises such as:

  •  Walking 
  • Yoga 
  • stretching  
  • Swimming may benefit.

 You can gradually resume strength training, cardio workouts, and weight training after six months.Exercise is essential because it helps tone up the body and reduces skin sagging after weight loss.Bariatric/metabolic surgery can completely transform your life. It can completely transform a person.

According to Dr. Samrat Jankar, people who adopt a healthy lifestyle and eat a balanced diet after surgery have better results and maintain their weight loss for a longer period.

Obesity has unfortunately reached epidemic proportions today. Obesity and related diseases kill more people than any other non-communicable disease, and it is a silent killer.

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