Advanced Bariatric (Weight Loss) & Metabolic Surgery

Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Surgery or Weight Loss Surgery is a surgery which is performed in patients with Morbid Obesity. It is the most efficient treatment option for patients suffering from Obesity & associated comorbidities. It is of different types & done laparoscopically with minimal pain, less scar and early recovery.

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a condition that is associated with having an excess of body fat and it is classified as having a Body Mass Inex (BMI) of 30 or greater. Obesity increase risk of developing conditions such as Diabetes, Hypertension and Sleep Apnea.

How Obesity is measured?

There is no absolute method to measure obesity. Body Mass Index (BMI) & Waist circumference are the indicators mostly used.

BMI

Body Mass Index, is a method used to indicate obesity. BMI is calculated as given below:

                                     BMI =  Weight in Kg / (Height in meters)²

Waist Circumference

This is another method of measuring obesity. For men waist circumference of 40 inches or higher & for women waist circumference of 35 inches or higher is considered unhealthy.

Health Risks associated with Obesity

There are over 40 medical conditions associated with Obesity. Obese people are always at risk of developing one or more serious medical conditions. The most common of them are :

• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Stroke
• Gallbladder Disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Sleep Apnea and Respiratory Problems
• Some cancers ( Endometrial, Breast and Colon)

Causes of Obesity

There are many causes that directly or indirectly contribute to obesity like

• Unhealthy Food
• Lack of Exercise
• Sedentary Lifestyle
• Genetics

What to do about your Obesity?

In terms of medical treatment, it depends on individual. Addressing the issue of obesity as early possible is the most important step for being successful. The person should consult with his/her physician to decide the right treatment.

What is bariatric surgery and its Facts?

Bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) is the only scientifically proven method for long term and effective weight loss. It may be an option if you have severe obesity and have not been able to lose weight. Majority of the obese individuals fail to reduce weight by diet restriction and regular exercise. Even if they loss initially, weight is regained due to effect of Fat set point.

On what Basis Bariatric Surgery is suggested?

Bariatric Surgery is suggested, depending upon the age, BMI, food habits, social habits, dietary pattern, co-morbidity status and patient compliance, an appropriate weight loss procedure is chosen by the Bariatric surgeon after thorough psychological evaluation of the patient.

How Bariatric Surgery is done?

Laparoscopic process is used to do all the bariatric surgeries. A laparoscope is connected to a video camera through small abdominal incisions, giving the surgeon a magnified view of the internal organs on a television monitor. It is a painless, minimally invasive, stitch less procedure with the patient being in the hospital for 3 days.

Types of Surgeries done are:

• Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastric Surgery, also called Sleeve Gastrectomy :

The most popular and commonly performed bariatric procedure is Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG). Surgeon removes about 80 percent of stomach, creating a long, banana-shaped pouch. Since the procedure reduces the stomach size and also eliminates ‘ghrelin’, the hunger inducing hormone, you will feel satiated with smaller portions of food and start losing weigh quickly without developing any kind of weakness.
It is fairly a simple procedure that takes about 60-90 minutes to perform and requires 3 to 4 nights stay in the hospital.

• Laparoscopic Roux-en-y Bypass :

Laparoscopic roux-en-y gastric bypass is combination of restriction and minimal malabsorption approach. It is a weight loss surgery where small stomach pouch is created by using staples. In this procedure, special stapling instruments are used to separate about 10% of the stomach to create a new small gastric pouch. The remaining stomach is not removed. The outlet from this newly formed gastric pouch is connected to the small intestine so that food empties directly into the Small Intestine bypassing the stomach. The small gastric pouch causes patients to feel full sooner and eat less; bypassing a portion of the intestine means the patient’s body absorbs fewer calories.

• Laparoscopic Mini Gastric Bypass :

Laparoscopic mini gastric bypass is a slight variation of gastric bypass surgery. A bigger and longer pouch of stomach is created in which small intestinal loop is joined. Surgeon staples top part of stomach, creating a small pouch and attaching it to middle part of small intestine.

What are the benefits of Bariatric Surgery?

• Long-term remission for type 2 diabetes : The procedure is highly effective for obese patients with type 2 diabetes, allowing almost all patients to remain free of insulin.
• Improved cardiovascular health : Weight loss surgery decreases a person’s risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral heart disease. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels can return to normal, or near normal after surgery, reducing these risks and improving overall well-being.
• Relief of depression : Many obese people feel depressed because of poor body image and social stigma. Losing this excess weight can improve emotional health in these patients.
• Eliminate obstructive sleep apnea : Achieving and sustaining a normal weight range often allows people with sleep apnea to stop using a CPAP machine at bedtime.
• Joint Pain Relief : The significant and sustained weight loss that occurs after bariatric surgery relieves the stress on joints and often allows people to stop using pain medications and enjoy much more mobility.
• Improve fertility : Weight loss surgery can also improve fertility during childbearing years.
• You may be better able to move around and be physically active after surgery. You might also notice your mood improve and feel like your quality of life is better.