Every human body has its type and varies based on body mass, weight, diet, exercise, genetics, and other problems related to health. Weight loss is the most common issue in every age group, and there are several ways to lose weight. Severe obesity is considered a disease and is also associated with risks of stroke, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, and multiple adverse effects.
Healthy food and workouts alone sometimes are not efficient for people with excessive weight. Bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) can be a life-changing experience in such extreme cases of obesity. According to various medical journals, bariatric surgery improves the quality of life and increases the daily functioning of patients. Onlymyhealth editorial team spoke to Dr. Sukhvinder Singh Saggu (GI, Minimal Access & Bariatric Surgery, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi), about the types, benefits and precautions for bariatric surgery.
Types of Bariatric Surgery
There are several types of weight-loss surgeries, and each surgery has its advantage. In today's time, bariatric surgeries are mostly laparoscopic. It causes less pain, less extensive cuts, less damage to the tissues, and helps to recover faster.
The four types of bariatric operations are:
• Adjustable gastric banding (AGB)
• Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB)
• One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB- MGB)
• Vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG)
Also read: What Are the Myths and Facts of Weight Loss Surgery?
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Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
According to the "National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey," obese women (BMI >40 kg/m2) are four times more likely to be depressed than women with a normal BMI. There are different benefits of bariatric surgery other than losing several kgs of your weight. People after bariatric surgery tend to live longer and lead a healthier life. Here are the benefits of bariatric surgery:
1. Improves overall health
Bariatric surgery improves overall health thus, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It also restricts the chances of stroke, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and other death-related risks.
2. Enhances mental health
Obesity may affect the mental health of the patients, which can result in depression, low self-esteem, social isolation, and other problems. Losing weight through bariatric surgery can improve both the mental and emotional health of the patient.
3. Quality sleep
Weight loss after bariatric surgery also improves the quality of sleep in people with problems of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
4. Reduces chronic pain
Excess weight is often the cause of pain in bones and joints. Weight loss after bariatric surgery reduces chronic pain in bones and joints.
5. Regulates menstrual cycle
Bariatric surgery also regulates menstruation in women and helps them with issues related to fertility.
Also read: Weight Loss Surgery Like Bariatric Can Be Harmful, Increased Risk Of Stones And Hernia
6. Reduces the risk of cancer
Another benefit of bariatric surgery is that it also reduces the risk of developing new cancers and the early mortality rate.
Precautions after Bariatric Surgery
When in the hospital room after bariatric surgery, it may take 2-3 days for observation; you can return home in case of no complications. Here are few precautions for a speedy recovery:
- Bariatric surgery restricts the intake of food. The process reduces the number of nutrients and calories absorbed by the patient to lose weight.
- Patients are recommended healthy and mindful eating and supplements after the surgery.
- Walking, standing, changing position in sleep can help in speedy recovery after the surgery. Such activities improve your blood circulation and minimize complications.
- One must avoid lifting heavyweights, workouts, or other extreme body motions during the first six weeks of the surgery.
- Drink at least 1.5 to 2 litres of fluids per day and stay hydrated.
Track your progress and visit your doctor on time for a smooth recovery process. Watch for symptoms like fever, swelling, chest pain, abnormal breathing, and other discomforts in the body. Bariatric surgery is a tool to improve the lives of people suffering from obesity and who are unable to reduce weight in any natural form. The life-changing experience of bariatric surgery demands improvement in mental and emotional health, along with weight maintenance to live healthy and happy.