Healthy Life Is Possible With Obesity Surgery
Obesity Surgery
Obesity surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a type of surgical procedure that is performed on individuals who are severely overweight or obese. The goal of the surgery is to help the patient lose weight and improve their overall health. There are different types of obesity surgery, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding, which involve different techniques to restrict the amount of food the patient can eat or how the body absorbs nutrients. Obesity surgery is typically recommended for individuals who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea.
Who is a candidate for bariatric surgery (obesity surgery)?
Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is usually recommended for people who are severely overweight or obese and have been unable to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. The criteria for bariatric surgery may vary depending on the country or healthcare system, but in general, candidates for the surgery may include:
Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, which is considered morbidly obese.
Individuals with a BMI of 35 or higher who have one or more obesity-related health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, or joint pain.
People who have tried other weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise, without success.
Individuals who are committed to making lifestyle changes, including adopting a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity, to maintain weight loss after the surgery.
People who do not have any medical conditions that would make surgery risky or who are willing to undergo any necessary medical evaluations before the surgery.
It is important to note that bariatric surgery is not a quick fix or a cosmetic procedure, but rather a tool to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight and improve their overall health. The decision to undergo bariatric surgery should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider who can help assess the risks and benefits and determine if the surgery is appropriate for the individual's specific needs and circumstances.
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass, also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, is a surgical procedure that helps individuals lose weight by reducing the size of the stomach and rerouting the digestive system.
During the procedure, the surgeon divides the stomach into a small upper pouch and a larger lower pouch. The small intestine is then rerouted and attached to the small upper pouch, bypassing the larger lower pouch and reducing the amount of food that can be consumed and absorbed.
Gastric bypass surgery can help individuals lose a significant amount of weight and improve obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnoea. However, it is a major surgery and carries risks such as bleeding, infection, and complications related to anaesthesia. It is usually recommended for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions.
After the surgery, individuals must follow a strict diet and exercise regimen to maintain their weight loss and avoid complications. They may also need to take vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent nutrient deficiencies.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical procedure that is used to help individuals lose weight. During the procedure, a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a sleeve-shaped pouch that is roughly the size of a banana. This smaller stomach size reduces the amount of food that can be eaten at one time and helps individuals feel full faster, leading to weight loss.
The procedure is typically performed laparoscopically, which means small incisions are made in the abdomen and a camera and surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions to perform the surgery. It is considered a relatively safe procedure and is often recommended for individuals who are severely obese and have been unable to lose weight through other means.
Some potential risks and complications associated with sleeve gastrectomy include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and leakage from the surgical site. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure with a qualified healthcare professional before making a decision to undergo sleeve gastrectomy.
Adjustable Gastric Banding
Adjustable gastric banding is a surgical procedure used to help individuals lose weight. During the procedure, a silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch that can hold only a limited amount of food. The size of the pouch can be adjusted by inflating or deflating the band with a saline solution, which is done through a port that is placed under the skin of the abdomen.
The procedure is usually performed laparoscopically, which involves making small incisions in the abdomen and inserting a camera and surgical instruments to perform the surgery. The procedure is reversible, which means that the band can be removed if necessary.
Adjustable gastric banding is considered a safe procedure and is often recommended for individuals who are severely obese and have been unable to lose weight through other means. However, it is important to note that the procedure may not be effective for everyone, and weight loss results may vary.
Some potential risks and complications associated with adjustable gastric banding include band slippage, band erosion, band intolerance, and food blockage. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure with a qualified healthcare professional before making a decision to undergo adjustable gastric banding.