What You Need To Know About Bariatric Surgery
To understand Bariatric Surgery we must first look at the statistical trend of this procedure. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 1999–2000, approximately 64% of adults in the United States are either obese or overweight. Obesity, however, is not only a growing and alarming health problem in the United States but has also become a global health problem. The World Health Organization even sees obesity as a chronic disease that many individuals from different parts of the world are experiencing. What’s really more disturbing is that it ranks second, next to smoking, in the list of major yet avoidable causes of premature death. There are many ways to get rid of obesity or overweight problems, from diet and exercise to drug management and therapies. Many patients, however, resort to a more advanced and quick method called bariatric surgery.
Also known as weight loss surgery, bariatric surgery is a surgical procedure performed on a patient with severe obesity. It is done primarily to alter the digestive process, restricting food intake and suppressing one’s appetite. Various studies revealed this surgical procedure is effective, with patients experiencing long-term weight loss, huge improvement in their cardiovascular functions, and recovery from diabetes and other underlying medical conditions associated with obesity.
The actual surgical process depends on the type of procedures that the patient opts for, and these can be classified into two: the restrictive procedure, which is done to provide patient the feeling of fullness despite lower food intake; and the malabsorptive procedure, which is done to make the small intestine absorb less calories and nutrients. These two procedures can also be combined, as requested by the patient or recommended by the surgeon. Other classifications include gastric stimulation and intragastric balloon.
In general, however, a weight loss surgery involves creating a small stomach pouch, then dividing the small intestines and connecting it to the pouch. This process is done to bypass a huge portion of the small intestines, which function to absorb calories and nutrients. This results to patient always feeling full despite eating less.
A number of studies on bariatric surgery showed huge health benefits after the surgery. More than just reducing an obese patient’s weight, a surgical weight loss also results to low blood pressure two to three months after the surgery, less asthma attacks, and a huge relief from back pain and degenerative disk disease, as well as degenerative joint disease. Other underlying medical conditions associated with obesity are also addressed after the surgical operations. These include diabetes mellitus, gallbladder disease, stress urinary continence, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and sleep apnea.
Aside from the medical benefits, a weight-loss surgery can also result to a huge improvement in life expectancy and mobility, as well as in the physical, emotional, and even mental aspects of the patient’s life. After recovering from the surgery, which usually lasts from 7 to 14 days, patients can go back to their normal day-to-day activities; this time, with more freedom, self-confidence, and self-respect. They can do whatever they want to do, fit and sit comfortably in the seats of planes, trains, and buses; and not being ridiculed, judged, and talked about by others because of their physique.
Bariatric Surgery Risks
For patients with morbid obesity, a weight loss surgery is often the last resort. This is after all other processes, such as diet and exercise, and drug management, were not successful. Anyone with severe obesity can opt for this type of surgery under the following conditions:
patient understands and is well informed about what the process involves, as well as the risks and complications, and lifestyle changes associated after the process
patient is overweight, about 100 pounds or more for men and 80 pounds or more for women
patient has some obesity-related medical conditions that include diabetes, sleep apnea, and heart diseases and other cardiovascular problems
patient is committed to following and adhering to medical follow-ups, dietary restrictions, drug therapies, and vitamin and mineral supplementations
Prior to the procedure, patients need to be mentally and physically prepared. A series of consultations should be conducted with their surgeons, which include a comprehensive assessment in order to review and evaluate medical history and current health condition, as well as previous surgeries and medications. An in-depth and thorough discussion about the possible and recommended weight loss procedure is also done, and the type of procedure depends on the needs of the patients and the recommendation of the surgeon. Then, before the actual surgical procedure is carried out, a preoperative and physical evaluation is done to ensure the patient is physically fit for the procedure.
Before the bariatric surgery procedure, patients are expected to be prepared not just mentally and physically but also financially. The price of the procedure varies a lot, with a range that usually starts from $18,000 to approximately $35,000.
Bariatric Surgeons
Bariatric surgery, as with other types of surgery, is a risky procedure that requires skillful and knowledgeable surgeon. Obese patients who have considered surgical weight loss have probably started their search for surgeons and have come across hundreds of them. The search may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be for as long as they how to look and where to look for the right and competent one. If you are looking for a bariatric surgeon, the following steps can be very helpful:
Choose a board-certified bariatric surgeon. A surgeon that is board certified and/or affiliated with recognized medical organizations like the American Society of Bariatric Surgery is a good indication of his/her competence in the field.
Choose a reputable bariatric surgeon. A reputable surgeon is one who hasn’t had complaints and bad feedback from previous patients, and is known for providing excellent service, from the initial consultation to postoperative, follow-up consultations.
Choose a bariatric surgeon who makes use of cutting-edge procedures and tools. Surgical weight loss methods require advanced tools and procedures, and it is important to choose a surgeon that is not just familiar to such but is also skillful and knowledgeable in order to ensure safe and successful operations.
Choose an honest and friendly bariatric surgeon. A friendly bariatric surgeon is someone who makes a patient feel comfortable throughout the process. Meanwhile, an honest surgeon is someone who tells all the things that patients need to know about the procedure, from the cost of the bariatric surgery procedure to the risks and complications associated with it. Also, an honest and friendly surgeon is someone that patients can comfortably ask questions and discuss their weight loss problems with.
Bariatric Surgery Before & After
Obesity is a health problem that you definitely can control. However, in an instance when you have tried every natural way and still can’t seem to get your desired results, a bariatric surgery is something that you can resort to. Studies about this obesity surgery, which all reaped positive results, are clear and good indications of how successful and beneficial this procedure can be – that is, with the right knowledge and with the right bariatric surgeon.