Bariatric Surgery for Obesity – Not a Quick-Fix Surgery

Bariatric surgery is a term derived from the Greek words: “weight” and “treatment.” Bariatric surgical procedures are major gastrointestinal operations. It is done by securing or sealing off the stomach to reduce the amount of food one can eat, then rearrange the small intestine to reduce the calories the bodies can absorb. Bariatric surgical procedures are only considered for people with severe obesity. Bariatric surgery for obesity is categorized by surgical technique.

Conventional treatments such as diet, exercise and lifestyle counseling are cited to be relatively ineffective ways of losing weight. Many medical experts support surgical methods like bariatric surgery to help reduce morbid obesity. Since bariatric surgery for obesity has associated risks and long-term consequences, individuals considering this surgical procedure must discuss risks and possible benefits with their doctor.

Patients achieve effective weight loss after undergoing bariatric surgery for obesity. An ample number of patients with disorders like diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea experienced complete improvement after bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery for obesity is not an instant solution for weight loss. Plus, it is not an easy option for people with obesity conditions. Bariatric surgery completely forces patients to change their eating habits radically. Bariatric surgery’s after effect makes patients very ill if they overeat. In addition, patients remain at a lifelong risk of nutritional deficiencies after undergoing a bariatric surgery.

It is imperative for patients to abide strictly to the proper dietary and exercise guidelines instructed to them.  They must have realistic and informed expectations about the impact of surgery not only on their weight, but on their body shape and eating habits as well. After bariatric surgery for obesity, patients should have long-term follow up with experienced doctors. Lifelong vitamin supplementation is essential to avoid life-threatening complications.

Unfortunately, many bariatric patients think that having surgery is going to solve their obesity problem without further effort. Nothing is further from the truth! It is only after having lap band or gastric bypass that the struggle begins. To begin with, it is vital for all patients to follow their post-operative dietary guidelines, about what foods to eat, how fast to eat and what types of food to avoid. In addition, it is vital to start taking exercise and gradually raise your fitness levels in order to recover mobility and health. Lastly, patients who undergo bypass and some restrictive surgeries are required to follow a lifelong plan of nutritional supplements to maintain adequate intake of vitamins and minerals. No bariatric surgeon can guarantee weight reduction after any type of bypass or stomach banding operation without proper dietary and exercise compliance by the patient.