Bariatric surgery refers to various weight-loss procedures frequently recommended for obesity-related health issues like diabetes, hypertension, and persistent obesity.

Losing weight is a difficult task for most people. Many people still believe that obesity is merely a cosmetic issue.

Obese or overweight people, on the other hand, are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular diseases, high cholesterol, breathing problems, raised blood pressure, joint pains, fatty liver disease, stroke, gall bladder disease, osteoarthritis, infertility, PCOD, gout, and other conditions.

“Unfortunately, obesity has now reached epidemic proportions. Obesity and related diseases kill more people than any other non-communicable disease, and it is a silent killer. There are many misconceptions about treatment. “It’s critical to understand that, like any other disease, obesity must be treated according to its stage and severity,” says Dr. Harsh Seth, who specializes in bariatric surgery in Mumbai.

Before considering bariatric surgery, most people go through a cycle of weight loss and gain for several years. In patients with morbid obesity, bariatric surgery is the only practical option for achieving long-term weight loss.

What is the difference between bariatric surgery and weight loss surgery?

Bariatric surgery refers to various weight-loss procedures that are frequently recommended for people with chronic obesity and obesity-related health issues like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea.

There are a variety of weight loss procedures available, including sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and banded weight loss procedures.

These, when combined with dietary and lifestyle changes, can help you achieve much more long-term weight loss. Is it, however, safe?

Bariatric surgery is a procedure that is used to help people lose weight.

“Bariatric surgery causes weight loss in a variety of ways. Dr. Harsh Seth says that “restraint of food consumption, a sensation of fullness following tinier meals, decreased appetite, hormonal changes, mal-absorption of nutrients, alterations in the gut bacteria, and so on” are some mechanisms that can help you lose weight.

After a clinical evaluation, your bariatric specialist will suggest the operation that is best for you.

Bariatric surgery reduces your risk of fatal diseases such as stroke and heart disease, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

It also eases gout, joint pains, PCOS, infertility and reduces the chance of several cancers associated with obesity.

Who should choose it?

In the presence of two linked conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and so on, an individual with a BMI of 30 Kg/m2 is also eligible for bariatric/metabolic surgery.

After a thorough clinical evaluation by the bariatric surgery team, patients’ eligibility for bariatric/metabolic surgery is determined.

What you should do to get ready for a weight-loss surgery

After your clinical evaluation, you will be asked to undergo medical examinations, and concerned specialists will assess your medical fitness.

Before your surgery, you will be asked to follow a few essential dietary instructions. Depending on your clinical profile and weight, this could last anywhere from 7 to 15 days.

You will be advised to avoid carbohydrate-rich foods and encouraged to consume protein-rich foods. Sugars should be avoided at all costs. Before surgery, you must quit smoking and drinking.

Supplementation for iron, vitamins, or calcium will be started before surgery if your tests reveal any nutritional deficiencies.

It’s also critical to have all of your questions answered and stress-free before the procedure. As a result, the more rounds of consultation with your bariatric surgery team you have, the better.

After bariatric surgery, what can you expect?

You will be fasting for 24 hours after having bariatric surgery. You will be given intravenous fluids during this time.

For the first 15 days after surgery, you will be on liquids only. You’ll be on pureed foods for another two weeks in stage 2. It’s best to chew your food thoroughly, eat slowly and in small amounts. In some cases, eating too quickly or in large quantities can cause chest pain or vomiting.

You will be put on a regular diet after a month. However, the portion sizes will be minimal. You’ll only be able to eat 3 or 4 portions at a time. You’ll need to eat slowly and give each meal at least 30 minutes. It’s also a good idea to eat every 2 to 3 hours because you won’t eat much in one sitting.

Foods high in sugar and carbohydrates should be avoided. From the start, stay away from fried foods and junk food. You will be able to eat more significant portions as time goes on, and if you continue to eat the wrong foods, you may begin to gain weight. 

If you’re a vegetarian, focus on high-protein foods like eggs and paneer, tofu and sprouts, and so on.

After 2 to 3 months of surgery, low-impact exercises such as walking, yoga, stretching, and swimming may benefit. You can gradually resume strength training, cardio workouts, and weight training after six months. Exercise is essential because it helps tone up the body and reduces skin sagging after weight loss.

Bariatric/metabolic surgery can completely transform your life. 

According to Dr. Harsh Seth, people who adopt a healthy lifestyle and eat a balanced diet after surgery have better results and maintain their weight loss for a longer period.

Obesity has unfortunately reached epidemic proportions today. Obesity and related diseases kill more people than any other non-communicable disease, and it is a silent killer.