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Weight loss surgery

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What you should know about weight loss surgery

“Ever since I am 24, I have been trying to lose weight” says 38 year old Srinivasan(name changed). He seems very determined when he narrates his story of weight loss regimens and thousands of rupees spent on gyms, health-spas, personal trainers and ayurvedic massages. “I have even tried gomuthra (cow urine) therapy, as one of my relative suggested. I have to lose weight because I don’t want to suffer the risk of diabetes and other diseases, so I would like to know about this surgery”. Several patients like Mr. Srinivasan are in a confused and exhausted state to decide on whether to decide on weight loss surgery or not. Weight loss surgery is a life changing event and certainly helps you lose weight. If your doctor has recommendedweight loss surgery as a best option to lose morbid obesity, then you should know where you are heading and what is weight loss surgery journey is all about to make an informed choice. Here is apiece of informationabout weight loss surgery that may help you understand and giveclarity to aid your decision making.

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a leading cause and a state of being overweight that has proven negative effect on health.

What is Bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgical procedures is an effective treatment lose weight that restricts the amount of food the stomach can hold and reducing its absorption. People are realizing that obesity can be managed beyond exercise, diet (both require motivation) or medication (mostly avoided due to a taboo on harmful effects), and are switching to bariatric surgery. Performing bariatric surgery at the right time helps you to reduce weight significantly.

Is bariatric necessary for weight loss for all?

Weight loss surgery is not advisable to everyone. If you have medical associated illness related to overweight and you are obese, weight loss surgery is typically recommended. Consult your doctor for more info.

Why weight loss surgery?

Weight loss surgery acts as an effective tool on a longer term to sustained relief in losing weight in a more rapid way and toimprove quality of life. Obesity related medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, joint disease and sleep apnoea can be managed effectively with the significant improvement in resolution of related diseases by weight loss surgery.

What are different types of bariatric surgery?

  • Gastric Sleeve (vertical sleeve gastrectomy) – Most popular choice for patients who require minimal maintenance. It involves reducing the stomach size significantly by creating a small stomach sleeve using a stapling device through a laparoscopic approach.
  • Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) – An excellent weight loss solution which is still widely accepted as the gold standard method. It is done by reducing the size of the stomach to a small pouch by stapling off a section of it.
  • Duodenal Switch (Biliopancreatic diversion) – The surgery is performed in two steps. It makes the stomach smaller by rearranging the intestines and removing the gall bladder, resulting in decreased caloric intake and reduced absorption.
  • Lap-Band (Gastric Banding) – Has the slowest rate of weight loss compared to any other bariatric surgeries. It involves the placement of an adjustable belt around the upper portion of the stomach using a laparoscope.

How does Bariatric Surgery Work?

Bariatric surgery work by

  • Changing the shape of your gastrointestinal tract that produces hormones to reduce your hunger and increasing your feeling of fullness.
  • Altering physiologic changes in your body.

How do I opt for right bariatricsurgery?

Each weight loss procedure comes with its pros and cons and offer different weight loss metabolic effect. It is strongly advisable to discuss the best option with your GI doctor.

How much weight will I lose after bariatric surgery?

The amount of weight you lose depends on types of surgery undergone along with other factors like such as nutrition, exercise, life style modification and more.

What are the dietary changes need to do after weight loss surgery?

It is required for you to strictly follow post op diet recommended by your doctor for the first 3 weeks after weight loss surgery for your safety and for the long term weight loss management.
Post-surgery for the first 3 weeks, you will be advised to be on liquid diet and mashed food for another week, followed by soft diet and the normal nutritious food there on.

Are there any risk associated with bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery is not free from potential risks. However, the benefits far outweigh the risk associated with weight loss surgery.

Discussion

Body is our temple is what claims the ancient aphorism. It is good for you, if you understand that the healthy body is healthy you. It’s time for you to change in life, to focus on meal planning, exercise and most importantly to stay on track to stay fit. Change your life forever, with bariatric surgery and prevent potential pitfalls early on.

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