Bariatric surgery is an operation performed to help affected individuals lose weight. The basic principle of bariatric surgery is to restrict food intake. Overweight and obesity are the fifth leading risk for global deaths. Obesity is a serious worldwide health epidemic that affects 3 out of 4 Indians. This phenomenon is global and about 30 million Indians are obese. It is predicted to double in the next 5 years.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is becoming most popular weight loss surgeries all over the world. It is an irreversible procedure where we reduce the size of the stomach by almost 80%.
Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass
Laparoscopic roux-en-y gastric bypass is combination of restriction and minimal malabsorption approach. It is a reversible weight loss surgery where small stomach pouch is created by using staples.
Mini Gastric Bypass
Laparoscopic mini gastric bypass is a slight variation of gastric bypass surgery. A bigger and longer pouch of stomach is created in which small intestinal loop is joined.
Gastric Banding
Intragastric Balloon or Gastric Balloon: Gastric balloon is a non-surgical procedure in which a balloon is inserted in the stomach. The balloon is filled with sterile saline water which occupies 80% part of the stomach and gives you feeling of fullness after having a small amount of food.
Myths Vs Facts
Myth- Fat is removed during the surgery.
Fact- Bariatric surgery works by changing the digestive system and making the stomach smaller. Weight loss is a gradual process after the surgery. We do not remove fat.
Myth- Surgery is dangerous
Fact- Surgery can in most cases be done laparoscopically (key hole) after rigorous testing for safety and has a low risk of complications (similar to gallbladder surgery).
Myth- I will need to rest after surgery.
Fact- Most patients are encouraged to walk same night of surgery and need about 2 days in hospital and should be able to get back to routine in 7-10 days.
Myth- I will gain back the weight
Fact- Almost 90% patients are able to maintain weight loss even 10 years after surgery. The key is to remember that surgery is a tool but for best results use that tool and develop life-long healthy eating and exercise habits.
Myth- I will get weak.
Fact- Mostly patients feel more energetic and active after surgery due to metabolic effects and loosing excess weight.