Bariatric or weight reduction surgery is done to help people with severe obesity lose fats. It is not recommended for everyone with obesity but only for those who have unsuccessful tried to use other traditional methods of weight reduction. People are categorized as either underweight, healthy weight or overweight considering their Body Mass Index (BMI). A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight while that of 30 or more is considered as obese.
Bariatric surgery seeks to mainly resolve problems experienced by patients due to obesity. Because losing weight after the operation may not be that automatic, commitment to lifestyle changes by patients is required. Additionally, support from friends, family, support groups and healthcare experts are also very critical. The procedure, which is usually a last resort after other traditional ways have failed, has saved the lives of many patients worldwide.
The main benefit of bariatric operation is simple to understand, weight reduction. Surgery on gastric bypass causes about 50% to 61% weight loss while gastric banding results into about 47% loss of excess weight. The removal of excessive fats is in itself a major breakthrough and the beginning to resolving a number obesity related health complications that normally accompany the condition.
The surgery is also helpful to patients suffering from high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. After the procedure, about 60% of high blood pressure patients are able to stop medication while 80% report improvement to the condition. 77% of type 2 diabetes patients who are obese and chose to undergo the operation are also able to stop medications thereafter.
At the time of evaluation for the procedure, many patients are normally found to be suffering from undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. However, after bariatric operation around 65% to 95% of the patients report a resolution to the problem. Yet, that is not all because the operation also results into a significant improvement in quality of life and reduced risk of long-term death.
As mentioned before, there are also a number of risks associated with the operation that patients need to be aware of before committing themselves. Just like in any major abdominal operation, the operation carries the risks of bleeding, bowel blockage as a result of scar tissue and infection through incision. Others include the risks of hernia through incision and adverse reactions due to anesthesia.
Bariatric operations are also known to cause nutritional deficiencies due to the lack of proper absorption of valuable nutrients in the body. For example, calcium and iron cannot be effectively absorbed as food bypasses the duodenum and jejunum. Lack of vitamin B12 can also cause anemia in menstruating women. After the surgery, patients are advised to eat only as per the instructions of the doctor.
Ulcers of the stomach and small intestines, though considered minor risks, are also other problems that may be caused by a weight reduction surgery. Diarrhea, palpitations, sweating, lightheadedness and cramps due to dumping syndrome are also reported by some patients who have undergone the operation. Any center performing the operation should be well equipped.
Bariatric surgery seeks to mainly resolve problems experienced by patients due to obesity. Because losing weight after the operation may not be that automatic, commitment to lifestyle changes by patients is required. Additionally, support from friends, family, support groups and healthcare experts are also very critical. The procedure, which is usually a last resort after other traditional ways have failed, has saved the lives of many patients worldwide.
The main benefit of bariatric operation is simple to understand, weight reduction. Surgery on gastric bypass causes about 50% to 61% weight loss while gastric banding results into about 47% loss of excess weight. The removal of excessive fats is in itself a major breakthrough and the beginning to resolving a number obesity related health complications that normally accompany the condition.
The surgery is also helpful to patients suffering from high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. After the procedure, about 60% of high blood pressure patients are able to stop medication while 80% report improvement to the condition. 77% of type 2 diabetes patients who are obese and chose to undergo the operation are also able to stop medications thereafter.
At the time of evaluation for the procedure, many patients are normally found to be suffering from undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. However, after bariatric operation around 65% to 95% of the patients report a resolution to the problem. Yet, that is not all because the operation also results into a significant improvement in quality of life and reduced risk of long-term death.
As mentioned before, there are also a number of risks associated with the operation that patients need to be aware of before committing themselves. Just like in any major abdominal operation, the operation carries the risks of bleeding, bowel blockage as a result of scar tissue and infection through incision. Others include the risks of hernia through incision and adverse reactions due to anesthesia.
Bariatric operations are also known to cause nutritional deficiencies due to the lack of proper absorption of valuable nutrients in the body. For example, calcium and iron cannot be effectively absorbed as food bypasses the duodenum and jejunum. Lack of vitamin B12 can also cause anemia in menstruating women. After the surgery, patients are advised to eat only as per the instructions of the doctor.
Ulcers of the stomach and small intestines, though considered minor risks, are also other problems that may be caused by a weight reduction surgery. Diarrhea, palpitations, sweating, lightheadedness and cramps due to dumping syndrome are also reported by some patients who have undergone the operation. Any center performing the operation should be well equipped.