The Benefits And Risks Of A Weight Reduction Surgery

By Cherry Mercer

Bariatric or weight reduction surgery is done to help people with severe obesity lose fats. It is not recommended for everyone with obesity but only for those who have unsuccessful tried to use other traditional methods of weight reduction. People are categorized as either underweight, healthy weight or overweight considering their Body Mass Index (BMI). A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight while that of 30 or more is considered as obese.

Bariatric surgery seeks to mainly resolve problems experienced by patients due to obesity. Because losing weight after the operation may not be that automatic, commitment to lifestyle changes by patients is required. Additionally, support from friends, family, support groups and healthcare experts are also very critical. The procedure, which is usually a last resort after other traditional ways have failed, has saved the lives of many patients worldwide.



The main goal of bariatric operation is to reduce the risk of illnesses and even death associated with obesity. Gastric bypass is reported to have high success rate with patients losing around 61% of excessive fats after the procedure. The operation is performed by incision in the abdomen or laparoscopically through the use of smaller incisions and instruments. The health expert one chooses should discuss with and disclose to them all the options available.

Around 60% of patients with high blood pressure are able to stop medication after a fat reduction operation. Still, another 80% of such patients report an overall improvement in their high blood condition. The procedure is also reported to resolve the problem of type 2 diabetes with 77% of the patients being able to stop medication.

At the time of evaluation for the procedure, many patients are normally found to be suffering from undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. However, after bariatric operation around 65% to 95% of the patients report a resolution to the problem. Yet, that is not all because the operation also results into a significant improvement in quality of life and reduced risk of long-term death.

An operation to reduce weight reduction is a life-altering event. Patients considering the operation should first understand what it involves. It is a major operation and so as much as there are benefits, there are also potential risks involved apart from the long stay in hospital. In abdominal surgeries like bariatric there exist the risks of excessive bleeding, infection through incision, bowel blockage, adverse reactions to anesthesia etc.

Bariatric operations are also known to cause nutritional deficiencies due to the lack of proper absorption of valuable nutrients in the body. For example, calcium and iron cannot be effectively absorbed as food bypasses the duodenum and jejunum. Lack of vitamin B12 can also cause anemia in menstruating women. After the surgery, patients are advised to eat only as per the instructions of the doctor.

Ulcers of the stomach and small intestines, though considered minor risks, are also other problems that may be caused by a weight reduction surgery. Diarrhea, palpitations, sweating, lightheadedness and cramps due to dumping syndrome are also reported by some patients who have undergone the operation. Any center performing the operation should be well equipped.




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