Bariatric / Weight loss Surgery
by
Atul Bahl
WHAT IS BARIATRIC (WEIGHT LOSS) SURGERY? Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery is considered for patients who are morbidly obese (overweight). The following are the candidates for weight loss surgery: ?Individuals who have repeatedly tried and failed with dieting. ?Individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 i.e. approximately 50kg than the ideal weight or more and health-related conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes, joint disease, depression, or others. Bariatric (weight loss) Surgery promotes weight loss through two different methods: ?The first method makes the stomach smaller and is called a restrictive procedure i.e. swedish adjustable gastric banding ?The second method is by bypassing the part of the intestine that is most able to absorb calories and is called a malabsorptive procedure. ?Combination of both: Roux-en-Y Gastric bypass. Laparoscopic Banding & Gastric Bypass are the popular operations. On average, patients lose 65-85% percent of excess body weight within one year after surgery. Because surgery is such an effective method of long-term weight loss, most patients experience profound improvements in their health. Many of the health problems associated with obesity (overweight) are resolved after weight loss surgery. ?Type 2 Diabetes: 83 percent resolved (no oral or injectable medication needed)
?Obstructive sleep apnea: 85 percent resolved
?High blood pressure: 75 percent resolved (no medicines needed)
?High Cholesterol: 93 percent improvement Other conditions that may be greatly improved after surgery are acid reflux, arthritis of weight bearing joints, swollen legs/skin ulcers, depression, menstrual irregularities and infertility. The patient has to maintain a high level of post operative care with respect to diet - any fluid or solid intake should be in strict accordance with the surgeon's advice, which will help the patient realise the targeted weight loss. Healthcare Tourism
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