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Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a surgical procedure carried out for losing weight in people who are extremely obese. Weight loss is achieved by banding the stomach and implanting a medical device (gastric band) or by removing portions of stomach, also known as sleeves gastrectomy, or by rerouting the small intestines to a pouch with the help of surgery known as gastric bypass surgery.
Use Of Surgery For Weight Loss
Who are Eligible for this Surgery?
This surgery is not for everyone. People who are morbidly obese, weigh more than 100 pounds and have failed to lose weight with exercise and diet, along with people who are suffering from severe diabetes, sleep apnea and heart diseases and other obesity related major health problems are considered suitable for weight loss surgeries.
Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery is not a solution for everyone who is obese. It is a process of stomach banding that brings drastic changes in the life of the person. The surgery radically restricts the amount of food consumption. Weight loss surgery is completely a life altering procedure and those who are ready to make the lifestyle changes that are required for the success of this procedure can think of going through this surgery; that too when they are morbidly obese. Your doctor will determine whether you are the right candidate for the surgery after discussing and evaluating every aspect of your life.
The surgery usual involves some health benefits along with some unpleasant risks. Studies show that weight loss surgery can cause significant weight loss over a long-term, and decreases cardiovascular risk factors in patient, recover the patient from diabetes and reduce the mortality rate. The surgery also frees patient from physical, mental and emotional binds of obesity. The reduced weight provides more energy and vitality and overall well being. The risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, acid reflux and sleep apnea also reduces significantly.
Risk Associated with Weight Loss Surgery
Like all major surgeries, weight loss surgery comes with some risks. Repeated overeating or eating too fast after the surgery can cause stretching of the stomach pouch to adjust to more food in it, which can hinder weight loss. Overeating can also result in vomiting as well as pain under the breastbone. Stomach content in this condition can be pushed quickly into the small intestine and can cause nausea, dizziness, sweating, rapid heart beat and weakness.
If patient do not follow the recommended diet and instead rely on vitamin supplements, nutritional complication may also arise. A patient can have anemia, osteoporosis and lactose intolerance. Patient can experience some side effects like body aches, fatigue, sensitivity to cold, mood swings, dry skin and loss of hair due to rapid weight loss. The patient undergoing dramatic weight loss may have to go through excess skin issues and get operated by plastic surgeon for removing excess skin.
Types of Weight Loss Surgeries
There are various types of weight loss surgeries. Once you are ready to have a weight loss surgery, your next big decision will be which weight loss surgery will be appropriate for you. Research the various options thoroughly by attending seminars, have discussion with bariatric surgeon to know the potential risks, success rate, weight loss percentage, cost etc.
There are various options for weight loss surgery like lap band, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, duodenal switch and others. The most commonly performed surgery is gastric banding that places a small band around the stomach to create a small pouch for the stomach to slow food intake. This creates a feeling of fullness with intake of very little food. The goal of other surgeries is also to restrict consumption of food. Gastrectomy involves complete removal of a part of the stomach.
