Obesity is one of the major health issues all over the world. Obese individuals may have a lifestyle, unhealthy food choices, and little physical activities that could be the reasons behind their obesity. At times, even dieting, working out and taking medicines cannot help patients lose weight. Therefore, they might need to undergo bariatric surgery. This surgery is done to treat obesity. It will improve your overall health as well as  reduce your risk of obesity related complications. In this blog, we will discuss the types, benefits and recovery of the surgery. 

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a weight-loss surgery which helps people to lose excess weight. It is recommended for those who have tried other non-surgical weight-loss options and have other medical problems related to obesity such as diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea. 

How does it work?

This operation will make changes into your digestive system. It will reduce the stomach size, control hunger and make you feel full much faster. Also, it alters the small intestine which will reduce the body’s ability to absorb calories and nutrients. If you are the one who has done every possible way to lose weight but failed, Bariatric surgery may be just what you need for weight loss. 

Types of Bariatric Surgery

There are several types of bariatric surgeries available. Your doctor will recommend you the best, based on the factors such as your BMI, health conditions, and risk factors. 

Sleeve gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy is an effective and shorter procedure. In this, the surgeon will remove half of your stomach, and leave behind a small  tube or sleeve to reduce food intake. 

Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y)

In this procedure,the surgeon will create a small stomach pouch and directly connect it with a small intestine. Food will bypass the remaining stomach and go to the intestine. This will help you feel full much faster. Moreover, this procedure will solve your obesity related problems such as diabetes. 

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)

A procedure in which  sleeve gastrectomy combined with a small intestine reduces your food intake as well as absorption of nutrients. This procedure is done for those who need maximum weight loss.

Single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S)

Like  BPD/DS, it starts with sleeve gastrectomy, bypassed to a small portion of the small intestine to reduce calorie and nutrient absorption. 

Who is Eligible for Bariatric Surgery?

For Bariatric surgery you should have:

• BMI of 40 or above, which indicates that you are at high risk of obesity related problems such as diabetes or heart disease. 
• BMI of 35 along with obesity related conditions.
• And have tried all the other methods for weight-loss but failed. 

Risks and Side Effects of Bariatric Surgery

Like any surgery, Bariatric surgery also have certain risks which may includes:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Nausea
• Hernias
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Malabsorption

These risks can be managed by proper medical care but for long term success you should follow a healthy lifestyle. 

What are the Benefits of Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery offers many benefits. These includes:

• Significant weight-loss
• Improved heart health
• Better quality life
• Diabetes management
• Higher metabolic rate

Recovery After Bariatric Surgery

Usually after surgery patients need to stay in the hospital under observation for 2-3 days. Once you discharge, and get back to your home.You may need to avoid physical activities for a few weeks. Also, a proper diet plan has to be strictly followed recommended by your healthcare provider starting with liquids and slowly moves to solid foods. Moreover, regular checkup is very essential to monitor overall progress. 

Weight Loss Surgery Cost in India

When compared to other countries, the cost of bariatric surgery is quite cheap in India. Most of the foreign patients choose India as their destination for bariatric surgery because of the advanced treatment methods, modern technology, expert surgeons and reasonable prices for the treatments. The total cost of weight-loss surgery depends on the factors such as location, type of surgery etc. 

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery is a safe and best option for those who are struggling with severe obesity and related health problems like diabetes, or heart disease. It’s not a one day process, for long-term success you have to follow a healthy lifestyle, diet and regular checkups for overall progress. If you have tried every possible way for weight loss but failed, then your doctor will recommend bariatric surgery by considering your BMI, and obesity related problems.