Facebook Twitter instagram Youtube
Beyond Transformation: Life After Bariatric Surgery- What to Expect

Beyond Transformation: Life After Bariatric Surgery- What to Expect

Have you ever heard that the way we eat can sometimes cause health issues like obesity? Obesity is when a person has too much body fat, which can be harmful to their health. Imagine if someone's weight is more than 20% higher than what's considered healthy for their age, gender, and height; it could be risky for them.

 

Soon, about 60% of people around the world, which is a lot, could have a problem with their weight. This means around 3.3. billion people! Out of these, 2.2 billion might be a bit overweight, and 1.1 billion could be classified as obese. This shows that more and more people are facing weight-related issues, and it's becoming quite common.

 

However, not be afraid of Bariatric surgery as a treatment option for such people. In this blog, we will explore the life-transforming effects of bariatric surgery.

 

What is Bariatric Surgery?

 

Bariatric surgery is a specialized surgery for people who have morbid obesity, which is when they have too much body fat. This surgery has become popular lately because it's usually safe and works well.

 

This operation helps lose a lot of weight and fix health problems caused by obesity, like diabetes, high blood pressure, trouble breathing, sleep apnea, arthritis, hypertension, and many more. Some experts also call it "metabolic surgery" because it can help with the way the body handles food and energy.

 

Key benefits:

  • Weight Loss
  • Better Health
  • Less Risk
  • More Energy
  • Improved Quality of life

 

Who needs bariatric surgery?

 

Bariatric operation is for people who find it really hard to lose weight by just dieting and exercising. There is a special BMI number, which tells us if a person carries too much weight- so if your BMI is above 35 or above 30 with obesity-associated medical problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, etc... But if your BMI is high – above 35 and you don't have any health issues, bariatric treatment could still be an option. The main goal of this surgery is to eat less and absorb fewer calories to lose weight and get healthier.

 

Life after Bariatric Surgery

 

After the Bariatric surgery, things start looking up for your health. It can help lower your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. It boosts your lifestyle and improves obstructive sleep apnea, micro and macrovascular diabetic complications, arthritis pain, depression, and hypertension.

 

Now, the surgery techniques are a bit fancy and involve different things. Some of them change the way your body handles hormones like ghrelin and make other good things happen for your health.

 

But here's the important part: Surgery is like a good start, but it's not the whole story. Imagine success as a three-legged stool. The first leg is the surgery itself, the second leg is regular exercise, and the third leg is making good choices about what you eat. If you're missing any of these legs, it's like still tripping over – you might not get the best results or may regain weight.

 

 Is Bariatric Surgery Effective?

 

Bariatric surgery usually works pretty well, as people who have gone through the operation – more than 90% of them can keep off at least half of the weight they lose. When bariatric patients lose a lot of weight because of this surgery, it can really help with health problems linked to obesity. For example, about 7 out of 10 people with type 2 diabetes see their diabetes get much better or even go away after losing enough weight.

So, in a nutshell, bariatric surgery is one of the most effective in helping people lose weight and improve their health.

 

Quality of Life after bariatric surgery

 

Here are some of the life changes you may experience the bariatric treatment:

  • Bariatric surgery can make your life better. Studies show it's more effective than other treatments for obesity.
     

  • Your life gets better in many ways, like feeling healthier and happier. The biggest improvements happen in the first two years after surgery, especially in your physical health.
     

  • Some people might not benefit as much due to their feelings and thoughts, so it's essential to help them with counseling.
     

  • Your personality can also affect how the surgery works for you. Being more nervous might make your life quality worse, while being outgoing could make it better.
     

  • Many people say bariatric surgery changes their lives for the better by helping them lose weight and improve their health. Still, some people worry about the risks and have different opinions about surgery.
     

  • It's important to know that surgery is generally safe, but it's essential to educate patients and the public better about the benefits and risks.
     

  • While bariatric surgery usually goes well, in very rare cases, it can even lead to serious problems, including fatal outcomes.

 

Conclusion

 

Bariatric Surgery is emerging as a promising option for individuals struggling with morbid obesity. Research indicates that when compared to non-surgical treatments, it can significantly reduce the risk of mortality and cardiovascular diseases in people with morbid obesity.

 

Importantly, the odds of encountering severe complications or facing mortality after this procedure are exceedingly low, underscoring its safety. It's worth emphasizing that selecting the most suitable surgical approach, tailored to the individual's degree of obesity, is essential, as some procedures carry slightly higher risks. However, the comprehensive analysis reveals a notable decline in long-term complications and mortality risks. This positive trend is why more and more individuals with morbid obesity are embracing bariatric surgery as their preferred choice for transformative change.

 

If you or someone you know is seeking a positive path toward overcoming obesity-related challenges, consider reaching out to a multispecialty hospital for consultation.

Dr. Vikas Singhal
Gastrosciences
Back to top