A Guide to Bariatric Surgery for Obesity

Obesity is a chronic condition, which is becoming a most common condition worldwide and is the main reason behind the deteriorating health of many across the globe.

Bariatric surgery is a weight loss procedure for those suffering from extreme obesity and those who have not achieved success in spite of trying various diet and exercise regime. It also reduces the risk of obesity-related health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux, and stoke says the best obesity surgeon Delhi

The most common bariatric surgery procedures are,

• Sleeve Gastrectomy: This surgery involves removal of 75-80 percent of the stomach, leaving it into a sleeve or a tube-shaped pouch.
• Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass or Gastric Bypass: In Gastric Bypass procedure, a small pouch of the stomach is created which is connected to the middle part of the intestine, whereas the rest of the stomach is connected to the upper part of the small intestine.
• Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding: An inflatable band is placed in the upper part of the stomach to create a pouch. It is an adjustable band which can be inflated or deflated by a port connected through the abdomen.
• Duodenal Switch or Biliopancreatic Diversion: This procedure involves two surgical processes. First is similar to Sleeve Gastrectomy and in second procedure a large portion of stomach is bypassed.

Qualifications required for a bariatric surgery

Most of the obese individuals choose to go ahead with the surgery but not all qualify for it. There are certain norms, followed, which every individual should meet to be eligible for the procedure.

• The patient is ready to follow the post-procedure lifestyle change and is well aware of all the pros and cons of the surgery.
• The body mass index (BMI) should be 40 or more, that means a person should weigh more than 100 pounds.
• Has undergone various unsuccessful measures to lose weight.
• Having a BMI of 35 or more and is suffering from weight-related health conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension and heart disease.

There is a screening process done by the doctors doing bariatric surgery in India, only after which the surgery is recommended.

Bariatric Surgery Procedure

Pre-procedure

Before beginning the procedure the surgeon ensures that the individual is mentally and physically prepared, and is fine with the lifestyle changes he might have to go through after the procedure. The procedures are explained by the doctor and all the benefits and risk are detailed.

Prior to the surgery, the patient is advised to stop the herbal supplement or any other medication which includes aspirin, at least a week before. 48 hours before the operation the patient is told to consume only clear liquids.

During the procedure

The surgery is done under general anesthesia. The surgeon may opt for a laparoscopic or open procedure depending on the patient’s condition.

The laparoscopic procedure is less invasive and bears fewer risk and complications. It might require few small cuts in the abdomen. Whereas the open surgery requires an 8-10 inch long cut on the belly.

Post-Procedure

After the surgery, the incised areas are closed using stitches and staples. The patient is hospitalized for a brief period of time.

Most people lose around 60-70 percent of weight after the surgery.

Immediately after the surgery, the patient is put on a liquid diet such as juices, sugar-free, drinks and clear broth, according to the tolerance. Exceeding the new capacity of food intake might result in nausea and vomiting. The patient is advised a daily multivitamin to compensate for the nutritional deficiency.

Risks of Bariatric Surgery

Any type of surgery bears certain risk and complications. Those associated with bariatric surgery are,

• Hemorrhage
• Dumping syndrome (weakness, abdominal discomfort after surgery)
• Bowel obstruction
• Infection
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Leakage in the gastrointestinal system
• Blood clot

The best surgeon of bariatric surgery Delhi comments,” this surgery requires a lifelong commitment to change your lifestyle. And if you are ready for it, you qualify the first requirement to go ahead with it.”