Bariatric surgery is a procedure targeted at helping a patient achieve weight loss. This option is usually recommended for patients who may be required to achieve substantial weight loss due to health reasons but have not been able to, despite making changes to their dietary and lifestyle habits such as exercising.
“Weight loss surgeries are performed when diet and exercise haven’t worked or when you suffer from serious health problems due to your excess weight.”
– Dr Ganesh Ramalingam
How Can I Qualify For Bariatric Surgery?
While bariatric surgery may seem like an excellent weight-loss surgery option, it is not for everyone who is severely overweight. Additionally, patients must also be willing to make permanent changes to lead a healthier lifestyle.
In weight loss surgeries, patients may be required to stick to long-term follow-up plans that include monitoring their nutrition, lifestyle, and behaviour and the progress of their medical conditions to achieve sustainable results.
For patients to qualify for bariatric surgery as a weight management option, they must:
Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher (extreme obesity).
Have severe weight-related health issues, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or severe sleep apnea.
In some cases, patients may qualify for certain types of weight-loss surgery even if their BMI ranges between 30 and 39 due to severe weight-related health problems.
To determine if you qualify for such surgeries, you must seek professional advice from a doctor to better assess your condition.
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What Are The Types Of Bariatric Surgery?
There are several types of Bariatric Surgeries; they are:
Gastric Balloon
Gastric Banding
Gastric Bypass
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Biliopancreatic Diversion (either with or without a duodenal switch)
While each type of bariatric surgery may have its pros and cons, it is recommended for you to speak to a doctor to discuss the most suitable treatment for your condition.
Gastric Balloon
A gastric balloon, also known as stomach balloon, is an inflatable medical device temporarily placed into the stomach to reduce weight.
Inserting a gastric balloon is a short term, non-surgical weight loss alternative. Gastric balloon insertion is usually performed as a day surgery procedure and under sedation. During which, a balloon is placed inside the stomach via a gastroscope.
Once inserted, the procedure results in a sensation of fullness. This generally helps reduce portion size and helps aid in a gradual weight reduction.
It is recommended that the balloon be removed after six months.
Gastric Bypass
Gastric banding or a gastric bypass involves placing a band around the upper portion of the stomach. The band reduces your stomach’s size, which in turn restricts the amount of food you can eat.
Tightening of the band will be done progressively over many months. Gastric banding works well in motivated patients who can comply with dietary plans and regular exercise.
Although this procedure is reversible, the band is meant to be implanted permanently. Most patients who have the band removed, find that they regain their weight.
Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass
This procedure is the most common gastric bypass method. The surgery is non-reversible and works by decreasing the amount of food that a patient can consume in each meal and reducing the absorption of nutrients.
During this procedure, a large portion of one’s stomach is removed from its connection to the small intestine, sealing it off from the rest of the stomach. The first section of the small intestine is also removed. The remaining “pouch” and small intestine are then sewn together.
Any food consumed then goes into this small stomach pouch and then directly into the small intestine. As food bypasses most of your stomach and enters through the middle part of the small intestine, the amount of food that a patient can consume is significantly reduced. Simultaneously, nutrients that usually pass through the small intestine go through a smaller tract, resulting in decreased absorption of nutrients.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy involves removing about 80% of the stomach, leaving a pouch that looks like a sleeve. Since the stomach’s size has been reduced, the stomach cannot hold as much food. The production of ghrelin, the hormone that regulates hunger, is also lowered following the reduction in the stomach’s size, which may lessen your desire to eat.
Some advantages of a sleeve gastrectomy include significant weight loss and no removal or bypass of the intestines. A sleeve gastrectomy also requires a shorter hospital stay than most other procedures.
Biliopancreatic Diversion With Duodenal Switch
Biliopancreatic Diversion involves a two-part surgery to be performed. The first part of the procedure requires surgery similar to a sleeve gastrectomy. The second part of the surgery consists of connecting the end portion of the small intestine to the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, bypassing most of the intestine.
This procedure limits the quantity of food consumed and reduces the absorption of nutrients. While it can be advantageous, the procedure carries more significant risk, including malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies.
When deciding on the type of weight-loss surgery most suitable for you, speaking to a doctor to understand your situation and the recommended course of surgery is advised.
Your doctor will take several factors into account, and this includes:
Body mass index (BMI)
Eating habits
Other health issues
Surgical history
Risks involved
What Is The Difference Between Gastric Sleeve VS Gastric Bypass?
Gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass surgery reduce the stomach’s size from its regular size to a small pouch.
The reduction of the stomach’s size will cause the pouch to fill up quickly, in turn restricting the amount of food consumed before you feel full. At the same time, ghrelin, the hormone in charge of inducing hunger is reduced as the stomach’s size is reduced. Both factors combine to cause an individual to lose weight.
While both procedures aim to achieve the same effect, how the new stomach pouch is created differs.
In gastric sleeve surgery, the surgeon permanently removes about 80 percent of the stomach. The remainder is sewn into a small banana-shaped stomach pouch, and no additional changes are made.
In gastric bypass surgery or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, a small stomach pouch is created by removing most of the stomach and the duodenum.
This new stomach pouch is then reconnected to the remaining small intestine creating a bypass. The small intestine portion removed with the stomach absorbs some nutrients and calories.
Since this section is bypassed, calories’ absorption would be reduced, contributing to weight loss. Gastric band surgery, the third type of bariatric surgery may also be a viable option.
In a gastric band surgery, a reduced stomach pouch is created by placing an inflatable band around part of the stomach. The band acts as a regulator to the opening’s size between the pouch and the rest of the stomach.
The size of this opening between the pouch and the rest of your stomach will affect the amount of weight you lose. Its size can be adjusted by inflating or deflating the band through a port placed under your abdomen’s skin.
One essential thing to note is that unlike gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, gastric band surgery is entirely reversible.
Bariatric surgery may be considered an option to help you lose excess weight and reduce your risk of potentially life-threatening weight-related health problems.
When Should Bariatric Surgery Be Considered?
Bariatric surgery may be considered an option to help you lose excess weight and reduce your risk of potentially life-threatening weight-related health problems.
This may include:
Heart disease and stroke
High blood pressure
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (steatohepatitis) (NAFLD) (excess storage of fat in the liver)
Sleep apnea (a sleep disorder which causes breathing to be disrupted repeatedly while asleep)
Type 2 diabetes
Bariatric surgery is recommended after attempts to lose weight by improving diet, and regular exercising have failed to achieve results.
What Are The Risks Of Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a relatively safe procedure. While it may be rare, there are still risks of possible complications after bariatric surgery, and this includes:
Development of gallstones
Vitamin and nutritional deficiencies
Development of dumping syndrome (a condition which causes nausea, sweating, and severe diarrhoea from eating too quickly or eating sugary, fried, or fatty foods, or dairy)
Saggy or loose skin from extreme weight loss
Other Potential Complications Of Bariatric Surgery
Following the proper pre and post-surgery diets may help you avoid complications, such as dehydration, nausea, and constipation. However, two complications may require more attention. They are obstruction and dumping syndrome.
Obstruction
Obstruction occurs when the connection between your stomach and intestines become narrowed. This can happen even if you are careful about what you eat.
If you experience nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain for more than two days, this may be a sign of possible obstruction.
If this occurs, you are advised to seek medical attention.
Dumping Syndrome
Dumping syndrome occurs when food or beverages enter your small intestines too quickly or in large amounts. It can also happen when you are eating and drinking simultaneously, increasing intake volume. It can happen at any stage of the post-op diet.
Symptoms of the dumping syndrome include:
Sweating
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Diarrhoea
To avoid developing dumping syndrome, patients are advised to take at least half an hour to consume each meal. You are also advised to choose low-fat and low-sugar foods to reduce the stress on the stomach.
Drinking of any fluid should only be done 30-45 minutes after each meal, and they should be sipped very slowly.
APPROXIMATELY 95% OF TYPE 2 DIABETES IS ATTRIBUTABLE TO EXCESSIVE BODY FAT AND OBESITY
Relief from the dependency on antidiabetic medications
Improved Quality Of Life
Patient Feedback
Thank you Dr Ganesh and the nurses at G&L Surgical. You gave me hope that I still can lose weight and look great.
I was above 100 kgs when I went to Dr Ganesh for help and he assured me that it was still possible to lose weight if I have the determination and willingness to do what it takes to lose weight.
I was afraid of undergoing any surgery so Dr Ganesh recommended the Saxenda Pen, it works wonders! I managed to lose 5kgs within a month and although I am still very far from my goal, this is definitely a very positive result for me.
So thankful to Dr Ganesh and Lisa for sharing the tips with me on how I can lose weight faster without starving myself. I can now still afford to eat the food that I want but just in moderation. Thank you and I look forward to more results!
5
I have had trouble losing weight for 4 years and almost gave up on it but my doctor told me that I need to lose weight or else I will be in trouble.
My friend recommended Dr Ganesh to me as he used to have weight problems last time. The first time I saw Dr Ganesh, I knew I found the right doctor. He was patient and listened to all methods that I have tried to lose weight and by that time I was very heavy.
Dr Ganesh recommended that I consider the saxenda pen or surgery if I wanted a faster way to lose weight. I chose to undergo the sleeve gastrectomy surgery since it showed a much more effective way to help me get rid of all those weight.
It’s been 2 months now and I have managed to shed off close to 9kgs and feel better. If you are also struggling with weight issues, definitely consider finding Dr Ganesh, I am glad I did.
5 Stars
I am so thankful to Dr Ganesh and his team!
For years, I couldn’t lose the excess weight I have and I could never find the solution. I was obese and feeling really down but only after finding him, he proposed that I should consider a sleeve gastrectomy due to my condition. I scheduled the surgery in a week and this is a month after I am done. So far, it has been great, I lost a total of 6kgs so far and I feel much lighter and happier.
I am so thankful and grateful to Dr Ganesh as he gave me hope that I can still do something about my weight and I have a chance to improve my health. God bless!
5 Stars
I have had weight issues for a long time due to some health problems. My friend recommended Dr Ganesh to me and I am thankful to have met this very encouraging and patient doctor. He seems to understand whatever problems I am facing and I could totally relate to him.
Based on my goals, Dr Ganesh recommended that I try the Saxenda Pen which has been very helpful for me. I have been using it for 3 weeks and I realised I am losing weight quite easily.
Due to my weight, I am also unable to do many exercises but Dr Ganesh advised me to do some light stretches which I am starting to do. So far, I have lost 2 kgs and I am happy with the progress. I do not feel stressed as well.
Thank you to the nurses at G&L clinic too, all of you are so supportive!
5 Stars
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Dr. Ganesh Ramalingam
Specialist in General Surgery
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