Weight Loss Surgery (Bariatric)

The weight loss surgery (bariatric) or bariatrics is all about what causes, what can prevent, and how to treat obesity. The surgery involves gastrointestinal procedures. These will change the digestive system’s anatomy or capacity, or both. Bariatric weight loss surgery may be done through abdominal incision anesthesia. It can also be done through laparoscopic surgical techniques.

Restrictive and combined restrictive plus malabsorptive are the two types of weight loss surgery (bariatric).

When a restrictive bariatric surgery is done, the stomach is reduced in size. Staples as well as bands will be used thus the stomach can only take on a small amount of food. A combined restrictive plus malabsorptive bariatric surgery entails the reduction of stomach capacity as well as the bypassing of the small intestine’s upper part. This would then reduce the amount of nutrients and calories the body can absorb.

A bariatric weight loss surgery is not easily accomplished. In fact, for obese people undergoing this surgery is a drastic decision. This surgery is a major surgery. It then entails all the pain and risks there are for gastrointestinal surgical operations.

If you have undergone bariatric weight loss surgery, it means that you will have new eating habits. In fact, you will be compelled to it. If you try to overeat, you will just result to getting yourself sick. Also, after the surgery, you must face the fact that you face the risk of many nutritional disorders for the rest of your life.

Depending on what type of weight loss surgery (bariatric) you have undergone, you can expect the loss of weight. If you have undergone the bypassing of the small intestine, then expect major shedding of pounds. For those who underwent procedures for adjustable gastric banding, the weight loss is not that major. Most patients will be on their normal weight. Others will stay overweight but they will be considerably less overweight than before. To maintain this weight though, a patient must adhere to post-operative guidelines.

If you are overweight, know that there are overweight loss programs for you to avail of. Only if nothing really works on you and if you are “morbidly overweight” should you think of undergoing bariatric weight loss surgery. This is because this surgery is to be considered as the last hope. You should not choose it immediately because it brings many risks to you. this option is definitely for extreme cases only.

Submitted on January 16, 2014