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Weight Loss surgery

About Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery is a weight reduction procedure that helps people lose weight permanently. It can be restrictive, malabsorptive, or a combination of both. Restrictive weight loss surgery reduces the stomach size to limit food intake, while malabsorptive procedures alter the small intestine to hinder calorie and nutrient absorption.

This surgery is typically performed on individuals with severe obesity where diet, exercise, medication, and lifestyle changes have failed. It is also considered when obesity has already caused serious health complications.

Why It Is Done

Weight loss surgery is advised when all other weight loss methods have failed, and the individual suffers from health issues caused by obesity. These health problems include:

  • Hypertension
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Severe sleep apnea
  • Cerebrovascular disease and stroke
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • High risk for cancer
  • Respiratory problems

Who It Is For

Weight loss surgery is not suitable for everyone. A physician or general surgeon will evaluate whether an individual is a good candidate based on BMI and overall health. Criteria include:

  • BMI of 40 or above
  • BMI of 35 with serious health issues
  • BMI of 30 with severe underlying health conditions

What You Can Expect

Weight loss surgery is usually performed in an operating theatre under general anesthesia. The general surgeon may perform it through open surgery (with a large incision) or laparoscopic surgery (using 5–6 small incisions).

The type of surgery and method used are discussed beforehand. Types of surgery may include restrictive, malabsorptive, or both.

Types of Weight Loss Surgery

Restrictive Procedures

Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery: Removes about 80% of the stomach, leaving a banana-shaped pouch. This reduces appetite and helps in significant weight loss. Lifelong vitamin supplementation is required. Average excess weight loss: 50%+.

Gastric Band Surgery: An inflatable band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to limit food intake. Performed laparoscopically. Average excess weight loss: 40–50%.

Combination Procedures (Restrictive + Malabsorptive)

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery: A small pouch is created from the upper stomach and connected to the small intestine, bypassing a large part of the stomach and intestine. Requires strict diet, regular follow-ups, and vitamin supplementation. Average excess weight loss: 50%+.

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS): A tubular stomach pouch is created and a large portion of the small intestine is bypassed. Highly effective against type 2 diabetes but has a high risk of nutritional deficiencies. Average excess weight loss: 60–70%.

Results

Weight loss surgery provides long-term weight loss results, which vary based on the type of procedure and the patient's post-operative lifestyle. It can also alleviate or resolve conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, GERD, and more.

Risks and Complications

While beneficial, weight loss surgery involves risks like infection, bleeding, respiratory problems, anesthetic side effects, and gastrointestinal leaks. Long-term complications may include:

  • Bowel obstruction
  • Gallstones
  • Dumping syndrome
  • Malnutrition
  • Ulcers and hernia
  • Stomach perforation
  • Internal bleeding

Recovery Time

Recovery typically takes 2 to 5 days depending on whether open or laparoscopic surgery was done. Laparoscopic patients generally recover faster. Complications may prolong hospitalization.

FAQs

Q: What is obesity?

Obesity is the presence of excessive fat in the body, usually identified by a BMI of 30 or more. It increases the risk for several serious diseases including diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular issues.

Q: What is Weight Loss Surgery?

It is a surgical method to reduce weight in severely obese individuals, especially when other methods have failed. It also helps manage obesity-related health conditions.

Q: What is the best treatment for weight loss?

Diet and exercise are first-line options, but if ineffective, weight loss surgery may be recommended for long-term results in obese individuals.

Q: Who needs Weight Loss Surgery?

Those with BMI ≥40, or BMI ≥35 with health issues, or BMI ≥30 with severe underlying conditions may be candidates. Proper evaluation by a doctor is essential.

Q: How to know if I am ready for weight loss surgery?

Readiness involves understanding the surgery, managing anxiety, discussing risks and outcomes with your doctor, and committing to lifestyle changes.

Q: How many types of Weight Loss Surgery?

There are four main types: sleeve gastrectomy, gastric band, gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y), and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS).

Q: Which is the new technique in Weight Loss Surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is the modern technique using small incisions, fiber-optic cameras, and specialized tools for faster recovery and fewer complications.

Q: What are the main advantages of Weight Loss Surgery?

It improves quality of life and resolves issues like diabetes, sleep apnea, joint pain, and high blood pressure. It also enhances fertility and emotional health.

Q: What are the myths of Weight Loss Surgery?

Common myths include: it’s unnecessary, leads to infertility, results in malnourishment, or always causes depression. Consult your doctor to separate facts from fiction.

Q: What are the risk factors of Weight Loss Surgery?

Risk factors include surgical site infection, respiratory issues, dumping syndrome, gallstones, hernia, malnutrition, and complications from anesthesia. Proper care helps prevent them.

Q: Is Weight Loss Surgery worth it?

Yes, it improves long-term health and quality of life by resolving life-threatening conditions linked to obesity.

Q: Can Weight Loss Surgery cure type 2 diabetes?

Yes, many individuals show normal blood sugar levels post-surgery, with reduced or no symptoms of type 2 diabetes in the long run.

Q: What’s life like after Weight Loss Surgery?

Life improves significantly with better physical and emotional health. However, maintaining weight requires commitment to diet, exercise, and regular medical follow-ups.

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