Bariatric surgery has established itself as an effective solution for the treatment of morbid obesity and its associated comorbidities. This procedure not only helps with significant weight loss, but also improves or resolves serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, and cardiovascular disease. In this post, we explore in detail what bariatric surgery is, the different types of procedures, their benefits and risks, and the recovery process.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery includes a variety of procedures designed to help you lose weight by modifying the digestive system. The most common methods include:
- Adjustable Gastric Band
- It involves placing a band around the upper part of the stomach to create a small reservoir, which limits the amount of food that can be consumed.
- Advantages: Less invasive and reversible.
- Disadvantages: Less weight loss compared to other procedures and requires periodic adjustments.
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
- It involves creating a small pouch in the stomach and connecting part of the small intestine directly to this pouch, skipping a portion of the digestive tract.
- Advantages: High efficacy in weight loss and rapid improvement of comorbidities.
- Disadvantages: More complex procedure with higher surgical risks and potential nutritional deficiencies.
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- A large part of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow tube or "sleeve".
- Advantages: Significant weight loss without the need to bypass the bowel.
- Disadvantages: Irreversible and can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
- Bilio-Pancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switching
- It combines a sleeve gastrectomy with a bypass of a large part of the small intestine.
- Advantages: Increased weight loss and greater improvement in metabolic comorbidities.
- Disadvantages: More complex procedure with a higher risk of complications and nutritional deficiencies.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
- Significant Weight Loss: Patients typically lose 50-70% of excess weight within the first two years.
- Improvement of Comorbidities: Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, and joint disease can improve or resolve completely.
- Quality of Life: Increased mobility, improved mental health and reduced risk of obesity-related diseases.
Risks and Complications
- Surgical Risks: As with any surgery, there are risks of infection, bleeding, and anaesthetic complications.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Disruption of the digestive tract can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, requiring long-term supplementation.
- Postoperative complications: Strictures, internal hernias, and dumping syndrome (especially in gastric bypass).
Recovery and Follow-up Process
- Hospitalisation: Hospital stay varies according to the type of surgery, usually between 1 to 3 days.
- Initial Rehabilitation: It includes a liquid diet progressing to soft foods, followed by a balanced solid diet.
- Medical follow-up: It involves regular visits to the doctor to monitor weight loss, nutritional status, and any complications.
- Psychological support: It is essential to help patients adapt to lifestyle changes and maintain weight loss in the long term.
Conclusion Bariatric surgery is a powerful tool for the treatment of morbid obesity and its associated complications. However, it is an important decision that requires a thorough evaluation and a commitment to postoperative follow-up and lifestyle changes. If you are considering bariatric surgery, consult with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate procedure and ensure a comprehensive and successful approach to your long-term health.