bariatric surgery dr dhaval

What is bariatric surgery? Who needs it and Why?

Some people lose weight in the blink of an eye while some struggle to lose even an inch of the accumulated fat despite numerous efforts, a strict diet, and working out consistently. This is seen typically in extremely obese people. The weight often restricts their activity, and less activity culminates in more weight gain. To break this vicious circle, medical intervention in the form of bariatric surgery is recommended. Especially when the excess weight becomes the reason for many other health issues like diabetes, hypertension, GERD, sleep apnea, joint pain, high cholesterol, etc. We spoke to some of the best bariatric surgeons in Surat regarding bariatric surgery and have put together their responses in this blog. 

What is bariatric surgery?

When diet, exercise and other means of weight loss prove ineffective, and a patient suffers from other health disorders that are induced because of the excess weight; in such cases bariatric surgery proves beneficial. 

Bariatric surgery is a surgical procedure that makes changes in the patient’s digestive system to reduce weight. Bariatric surgery is also known as weight loss surgery.

Although, it should be noted that bariatric surgery is not meant or recommended for every obese person. Certain medical criteria must be met for the patient to qualify for bariatric surgery.

People with a BMI of 35 or higher with at least one obesity-related medical condition can qualify for weight loss surgery. In some cases, even teenagers with severe obesity-related medical conditions and a BMI of 35 and higher have been recommended bariatric surgery. The patient must also be willing to make permanent lifestyle changes in order to sustain long-term weight loss.

BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a method of estimating body fat based on height and weight. 

What are the types of bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a broad term for different types of weight loss surgeries including gastric bypass. 

Bariatric surgery makes changes in the way your digestive system works. While some procedures limit the quantity of food you can eat at a time, others restrict the absorption of nutrients from the ingested food and then some procedures do both. 

Weight loss surgeries in Surat are performed by many specialist doctors, including Dr. Dhaval Mangukiya. He is one of the most experienced gastrointestinal surgeons in Surat who has performed many bariatric surgeries in Surat. 

Types of Bariatric Surgery:

  • Gastric Bypass: In this procedure, a small egg-sized pouch is created by stapling the insides of the intestine. This reduces the food intake of the patient. The egg-sized pouch is directly connected to the lower part of the small intestine, bypassing the stomach and upper small intestine. The bypass is aimed at reducing the amount of fat and calories absorbed by the small intestine since this is where most of the nutrient absorption takes place. Gastric bypass works in reducing food intake as well as nutrient absorption. This procedure is also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. 
  • Sleeve Gastrectomy: Sleeve Gastrectomy aims at reducing the size of the stomach to one-third. This makes the patient feel fuller quicker. The benefit of this procedure is that it is irreversible. The surgery is done laparoscopically and is also known as Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.
  • Biliopancreatic diversion: Biliopancreatic diversion is similar to sleeve gastrectomy. It aims at creating a diversion by making the stomach smaller and the food bypasses the small intestine limiting the absorption of calories. This also reduces the amount of food ingested and is meant for people whose BMI is more than 50. Patients need to take vitamins and supplements for as long as they live.
  • Gastric Banding: Gastric binding is the least invasive procedure of all. It is performed laparoscopically. In this procedure, a gastric band is tied around the patient’s stomach. It can be tightened or loosened by inserting fluids in the band by the surgeon, creating a smaller stomach. Gastric banding aims at reducing food intake.
  • Endoscopic Bariatric Surgery: With the advancement of endoscopic devices, newer technologies and ideas have been introduced to treat the obese for weight loss. This procedure is preferred when patients do not need substantial amount of weight loss that the other surgeries provide.  

What happens after bariatric surgery?

After bariatric surgery, the patient is not allowed to eat or drink allowing the stomach to rest and heal. After a couple of days, the patient is out on a liquid diet which is then progressed to soft foods. Once the patient has adapted to the semi-liquid diet he is allowed to progress to solid foods. 

The patient will need to visit the doctor for regular check-ups for the next few months. 

What are the benefits of bariatric surgery?

All types of bariatric surgeries aim to provide long-term weight loss. Apart from weight loss, bariatric surgery provides relief from other serious health problems that were caused due to excessive weight. This includes:

  • Diabetes type 2
  • Joint pain relief
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Sleep apnea
  • GERD 
  • Asthma

Not to mention the benefits like improved ability to perform routine activities, relief from mental disorders caused due to the inability to lose weight and a better quality of life. 

What is the average weight loss after bariatric surgery? 

Weight loss after bariatric surgery differs from patient to patient. However, on an average, a patient opting for gastric bypass can expect about 65% of weight loss in around two years. For sleeve gastrectomy, a patient can expect 56% weight loss and about 49% weight loss in gastric banding. 

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