Bariatric Surgery- Types, Benefits and Results

Different types of weight loss surgeries like gastric bypass surgery collectively form bariatric surgery. This procedure is done to make changes in the digestive system in order to help a person to lose weight. This is performed in cases where exercise and diet do not work and a person is suffering from serious health problems due to increased weight. Different types of bariatric surgeries follow different procedures and have different pros and cons.

What are the different types of bariatric surgeries?

Bariatric surgeries can be broadly divided into three main types depending upon their results:

• Gastric Banding : This medical procedure is also known as lap band. In this, the size of the stomach is reduced with the help of a band while the digestive functions are kept intact. This helps in obese people losing excess weight easily.
• Gastric Bypass : This surgical procedure is designed in a way that the process of digestion gets altered and obese people can easily lose weight. Not only does this procedure reduce the stomach size, it also bypasses a part of the small intestine so as to restrict the consumption of food and nutrient absorption by the body.
• Sleeve gastrectomy : This is one of the latest weight loss procedures that is becoming more and more popular. It was first considered as a first step of another complicated surgery involving duodenal switch. It has several advantages over other bariatric surgery procedures such as no anastomoses, no adjustments as required with a gantric band and it can be later converted to lap band or gastric bypass if need arises.

What are the risk factors associated with bariatric surgery?

As with any other medical surgery, bariatric surgery too has its own potential short term and long term health risks. Some short term risk factors can be listed as follows:

• Clotting of blood
• Reaction to anesthesia
• Excess bleeding
• Infection
• Breathing or lung problems
• Gastrointestinal leaks in the system
• In rare cases, risk for life

Long term risk factors associated with this surgery depend upon the type of procedure performed. These can include:

• Obstruction in bowel
• Dumping syndrome leading to flushing, diarrhea, nausea, lightheadedness and vomiting
• Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar
• Gallstones
• Hernia
• Ulcers
• Acid reflux
• Revision surgeries

What are results of bariatric surgery?

Patients can achieve long term weight loss with bariatric surgery. However, the amount of weight lost depends upon the type of surgery performed and lifestyle changes of the patient. In addition, this surgery also helps in resolving several other medical conditions related to obesity such as:

• High blood pressure
• Heart diseases
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases
• Osteoarthritis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Bariatric surgery also helps in improving the quality of life and the ability to perform regularl daily activities.

What to expect?

Bariatric surgeries are performed in major hospitals using general anesthesia. However, the specifics of the same may depend on every person’s individual situation and the type of surgery chosen. Today most of the surgeries are performed laparoscopically. In order to have a successful procedure and recovery, it is best to get it done under the supervision of an experienced doctor. Visit Accord Hospitals in Delhi/NCR which has a team of best bariatric surgeons with years of successful surgical experience behind them.