Bariatric surgery or “gastric bypass” surgery has become very attractive and fashionable recently with a number of people choosing it as an option to lose weight. But if you think it is a permanent and magical solution to your obese body, you might be making a mistake. It comes with an array of side effects and limitations you must be aware of to choose it and let it yield the expected results. Also, you cannot go for it just to have a sleek slender body. Bariatric surgery is suggested only for morbidly obese people whose BMI are 40 or above. For obesity-related complications like diabetes and hypertension, people with BMI between 35-40 can also go for it on doctor’s suggestion.
Before we talk about the after-results of bariatric surgery, let’s get to know briefly, what it is.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a surgical procedure performed on obese people to help them reduce weight. It is achieved by reducing the size of the stomach by binding it with a gastric band or by removing a portion of the stomach. It can also involve re-routing of the small intestine to the stomach.
Bariatric surgery has yielded significantly good results in correction of overweight and other related health issues. Though, it comes with a combination of benefits and side effects.
The benefits
- Weight loss: The main purpose of the surgery is attained as the people continue to lose significant weight for at least 18 to 36 months.
- Overall Improved Health: Obesity-related complications like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea seem to improve.
- Increased Self-esteem: Goodness of physical health reflects mentally as well with more self-confidence and an elated spirit. Freedom from other health issues also makes the person more jovial.
- Less Anxiety: People have claimed to be more active, and less anxious with decreased feeling of depression after the surgery.
Complications and Side-Effects
- Re-learn to Eat: The surgery makes you re-learn how to eat when to eat, and how much to eat which might go dramatically different from your earlier “years-long habit”.
- Nausea: You might feel nauseated after consuming food rich in carbohydrate and sugar. However, this is good as it will help you choose nutrient-dense food keeping you away from weight increasing dietary culprits.
- Deficiency of Vitamins and Minerals: Since the person remains in a highly restrictive diet, deficiency of vitamins and minerals is possible. One might need to be on supplementations for lifelong. Doctors usually suggest an appropriate diet plan customized to individual’s dietary requirement.
- Incisional Hernia: It does not always happen, but incomplete healing of the surgical wound might lead to post-operative incisional hernia.
In your day-to-day life, you might start feeling full even after eating less due to the reduced stomach size. Some other downsides include digestion issues, dental problems, and sagging skin. However, every post-operative complication can be managed well if post-operative diagnoses is followed and scheduled visit to the doctor is made.
Bariatric surgery has improved a number of lives struggling with obesity by offering effective results. It again gives a chance to live healthier and stronger. Following the doctor’s suggestion and maintaining a disciplined life is needed to reap the expected results.
Find your nearest bariatric surgeon or a general physician near you and book online appointment.
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