What is Bariatric Surgery ? What are it’s risks and treatments

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery is done in obese people to help them lose weight. Bariatric surgery is usually recommended when other weight loss methods fail and appear to cause a greater risk to health. It usually works by modifying the digestive system, which includes stomach and sometimes the small intestine thereby reducing the hunger signals to the brain from the digestive system. Bariatric surgery can prevent metabolic diseases like diabetes, fatty liver disease and chronic diseases which can be life threatening. Bariatric surgery is usually considered in people with conditions like high cholesterol that can lead to stroke and heart attack, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, non alcohol related fatty liver disease and cancer.

Explain what are the different types of bariatric surgery?

Types of bariatric surgery include gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch and stomach intestinal pylorus sparing surgery.

Gastric sleeve : It is also known as sleeve gastrectomy and is most commonly performed bariatric surgery. It is a safe and simple procedure to perform with little complications. It can reduce the amount of food consuming in one sitting by removing large portion of the stomach that leaves a small tubular portion like a sleeve. This type of bariatric surgery reduces the production of hunger hormones from the stomach.

Gastric bypass : It is also known as Roux-en-Y procedure where the small intestine will end up in the form of Y and creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach and seperates it from the lower portion. This kind of procedure restricts the amount of food it can hold and the amount nutrition absorbed by the small intestine.

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch : this procedure is a combination of gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, where the production of hunger hormones from the stomach and small intestine is reduced.

Stomach intestinal pylorus sparing surgery : it is a modified version of the duodenal switch, where it begins with sleeve gastrectomy but the small intestine is reattached as a loop, allowing more absorption of nutrients.

What are the benefits of bariatric surgery?

Benefits of bariatric surgery include sustained weight loss, reduced hunger hormones, improved metabolism, cholesterol and blood sugar management, and a longer, healthier life.

Complications of bariatric surgery?

Complications of bariatric surgery include bleeding, infection, blood clots, anastomotic leaks and small bowel obstruction. Other complications include dumping syndrome, malabsorption and malnutrition, bile reflux can lead to gastritis and stomach ulcers and gall stones.

Conclusion :

If you are obese and are considering getting bariatric surgery, you can talk with the doctors by logging into our Skedoc website and book an appointment with the doctor of your choice.