Health

WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF BARIATRIC SURGERY?

In case you have been suffering from an issue of excess weight or obesity, doctors might have suggested the option of going through weight-loss surgery. Such surgery is called weight-loss surgery, and it works efficiently in helping you reach your goal of reducing weight.

However, like all major surgical operations, bariatric surgery also holds up some dangers or risks that one should thoroughly know before deciding on it.

This article focuses on the various aspects of and around the surgery, including the risks and how you can eliminate its probability of occurrence.

Read along to know better!

What Is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery can be defined as surgical procedures that aid in weight loss by changing the digestive system. With the help of bariatric surgery, you can get rid of excess weight and, thus, lessen the possibility of acquiring life-challenging weight-related health issues.

Some issues which can be prevented with the help of bariatric surgery are:

  1. Heart disease
  2. Sleep apnea
  3. Type 2 diabetes
  4. High Blood Pressure
  5. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), etc.

However, it is important to remember that the surgery can only be performed after you have already put in efforts to lose excess weight by changing your diet plans and exercise habits.

Who Should Consider Taking Bariatric Surgery?

A bariatric surgery would be convenient for you under these two different circumstances,

  • If your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 40 or even higher, i.e., extremely obese
  • If your BMI lies between the range of 35 to 39.9, provided you have some serious health issues related to weight, such as severe sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.
  • If you have a BMI which is in between 30 to 34 and you have got really serious health-related issues.

However, it is important to remember that having a greater body weight than normal does not let you attempt bariatric surgery. The surgery has got requirements to adhere to for qualifying for the test. A long screening process gets executed before the showdown takes place.

Furthermore, bariatric surgery calls for you to be ready to bring in some permanent alterations in your life to stay on a healthier track of lifestyle. The surgery might also require you to join in regular follow-ups, including taking care of your nutrition, lifestyle and behavioral patterns, medical conditions, etc.

What Are The Dangers Of Bariatric Surgery?

As a major treatment, bariatric surgery requires a good amount of money and has some dangers one should know before opting for it.

Read the bariatric surgery risks below, and be cautioned before going for it.

Short-Term Risks With The Surgical Process

  • Infection
  • Obstruction of stomach
  • Acid reflux
  • Dilation of esophagus
  • Chronic nausea
  •  Anesthesia-associated risks
  • Leaks in your gastrointestinal system
  • Lung issues or difficulty in breathing
  • Blood clots
  • Death (rarely)

Long-Term Risks With The Surgical Process

The long-term complication associated with the surgery varies with the type of surgery being performed. The possible risks are:

  • Hernias
  • Ulcers
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Dumping Syndrome (one which can lead to symptoms such as nausea and dizziness)
  • Malnutrition
  • Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia)
  • The requirement of a second or revision surgery.

Therefore, before proceeding with any medical treatment, consider the health risks well before the decision.

 

Types Of Bariatric Surgery

There are three different types of Bariatric surgery that the doctor could recommend to you based on the conditions of ailment you have been suffering from.

Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass

It is the most common opted surgery for weight loss. It is an irreversible procedure where the amount of food intake at one time and the absorption of nutrients get reduced considerably.

In this, the surgeon cuts across the top portion of the stomach while sealing the rest portion off. This step is followed by cutting the small intestine and sewing part of it directly into the resting pouch created by the stomach. This way, the food is facilitated to the stomach’s middle portion.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

In this procedure, about 80% of the stomach gets removed, which leaves behind a long, tube-like pouch. When comparing the two surgeries, gastric sleeve VS gastric bypass surgeries, having gastric bypass may result in more rapid weight loss compared to gastric sleeve. However, although gastric sleeve may not lead to as rapid weight loss, it still provides significant benefits and carries a lower risk of complications.

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

It is a surgery that gets performed in two parts. The initial step comprises the performing of a process that is similar to a sleeve gastrectomy process. This step is followed by another surgery that involves the connection of the end part of the intestine to the duodenum (near the stomach), thus, bypassing the major portion of the intestine.

This surgery restricts your food intake level and also causes a reduction in the absorption of nutrients.

However, as efficient as it is, it has greater risks than the other two procedures.

How Can You Reduce The Risk Of Bariatric Surgery?

A few ways by which you could try to avoid the risks of the surgery are:

Decrease Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Reducing your BMI can bring in differences related to the surgery and help you stay away from the risks. If you reduce your BMI substantially before the operation, who knows, you might not even need the process anymore!

Thus, keeping your BMI under control shall aid you immensely.

Quitting The Habit Of Smoking

Smoking possesses innumerable health hazards that could stay with you for your entire life. It’s always a better option to quit smoking and bring a change in the lifestyle you have been leading.

Improving The Amount Of Exercise

Exercising and keeping yourself physically fit could help in many ways.

Exercising, even if you consider yourself healthy, will help keep your physical and mental health fit.  

What To Do If Your Weight-Loss Surgery Does Not Work Out?

Sometimes, surgeries like Gastric Bypass and other surgeries designed for losing weight do not work as per your expectations. In case the procedure does not produce satisfactory results, you might not lose weight, and some health issues might unnecessarily arise.

To know better about the surgery, keep all the follow-up appointments with your doctor on time. If you see no difference in weight loss or feel some other complications popping up, visit your doctor as soon as possible.

Your supposed weight loss can be analyzed better by the physician for you to know better about your body.

However, you may not lose enough weight or regain weight after any weight loss surgery, even if the surgical process works effectively. Such circumstances can arise if you do not often stick to the suggested lifestyle changes and break off from them.

Therefore, to avoid risks, it is always advisable to follow up and abide by all rules as suggested by your doctor and as per what your body can adhere to.

Make Your Health Your Top-Most Priority!

It is important to analyze the dangers and other possibilities before taking a major step. Bariatric Surgery can be a great option for people with obese body forms. If that suits you, go ahead, but ensure to follow all the necessary steps.

Read Also: Plastic surgery madness: These 10 stars spend the most money

Zeeshan

Writing has always been a big part of who I am. I love expressing my opinions in the form of written words and even though I may not be an expert in certain topics, I believe that I can form my words in ways that make the topic understandable to others. Conatct: zeeshant371@gmail.com

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