Weight Reduction Surgery (Bariatric)
What is bariatric surgery?
Obesity is an increasing health scare around the world. Persons who are 100 or more pounds over their supposed body weight are more likely to have medical challenges. Dieting is a possible treatment route, there are other viable options that can be explored to curb obesity. One of these is bariatric surgery.
Bariatric surgery is a type of weight-loss surgery that involves making changes to the digestive system to help with weight loss. These surgeries alter the size and shape of the stomach or reroute the small intestine to limit the amount of food that can be consumed and absorbed, leading to significant weight loss. Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix, usually it is suggested after proper evaluation has been done and other options have been explored. It requires lifestyle changes, such as a healthier diet and increased physical activity, to be successful. The procedure carries risks and potential complications, so it's important to carefully consider all options before deciding to have bariatric surgery.
What are the types of bariatric surgery?
The most common bariatric surgery procedures are:
- Gastric bypass: Gastric bypass is a type of bariatric surgery that involves creating a small pouch in the stomach and rerouting the small intestine to this pouch. During the surgery, the patient is given general anesthesia to make them unconscious and pain-free during the surgery. A small pouch is then created at the top part of the stomach using a surgical stapler. After this, the lower part of the small intestine is then rerouted to the newly created pouch. This allows food to bypass the majority of the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine, limiting the amount of food that can be consumed and absorbed. The remaining part of the stomach is closed off, effectively separating it from the rest of the digestive system. The end of the small intestine is reattached to the lower part of the small intestine. People who undergo gastric bypass tend to lose more weight than people who get the gastric sleeve. However, the gastric bypass procedure is irreversible.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: This procedure also referred to as gastric sleeve, is a minimally invasive procedure where a surgical stapler is used to take away part of the stomach and makes a tube or "sleeve" out of the rest of the stomach creating a narrow sleeve-shaped stomach. This is the most popular weight loss procedure. The new, banana-shape like stomach is smaller than the original stomach. After the operation, the person will eat less food, feel full quickly and be less hungry. Part of the stomach that is taken out produces hormones that increase appetite and helps control insulin. So, the person's appetite reduces and insulin resistance improves after gastric sleeve surgery.
- Adjustable gastric banding: This procedure involves placing an adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch that limits the amount of food that can be consumed.
- Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch: This procedure involves removing a portion of the stomach and rerouting the small intestine, leading to weight loss through malabsorption.
What are the long-term benefits of bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery can have significant long-term benefits for those who struggle with obesity and related health conditions. Some of the most common long-term benefits of bariatric surgery include:
- Significant weight loss: Bariatric surgery can result in significant weight loss, including class III obesity, which can improve overall health and reduce the risk of obesity-related health problems.
- Reduced hunger hormones and improved metabolism: Surgery is the only obesity treatment that rewires your body’s metabolic programming after obesity to prevent weight regain.
- Improved health conditions: Bariatric surgery has been shown to cause remission including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and heart disease.
- Increased longevity: By reducing the risk of obesity-related health problems, bariatric surgery can increase lifespan and have a positive impact on overall quality of life by improving body image and increasing self-esteem. Bariatric surgery has shown to reduce risks of death up to 40%
- Improved mobility and physical function: Significant weight loss can improve physical function and mobility, making it easier to perform daily activities and participate in physical exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some post-surgical risks and complications of bariatric surgery?
Although bariatric surgeries are usually successful, some complications may arise that require follow up treatments. Complications like;
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Anastomotic leak (leakage from the connections made during surgery)
- Hernias
- Bowel obstruction
- Dumping syndrome (a condition where food moves too quickly through the stomach and into the small intestine)
- Gallstones
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Dehydration
- Weight regain
- Depression and other psychological issues.
Other side effects could also occur such as gallstones, dumping syndrome, bile reflux and malnutrition.
Is gastric bypass dangerous?
Gastric bypass could be complex and life-altering and like all surgical procedures, it sometimes comes with certain complications.
What is the success rate of bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery method for weight loss surgery has a 90% success rate. If 50% of excess weight is shed and weight regained is less than 25% then it is considered successful.
How much is weight loss surgery in Nigeria?
This varies from hospital to hospital, surgeon’s qualification & experience and type of surgery chosen.
Where can I get a gastric bypass in Nigeria?
The weight loss surgery in Lagos and Abuja is available at our partner hospitals. Surjen healthcare offers you an array of the best and experienced team of Surgeons both locally and internationally in the top hospitals across Nigeria for a top tier healthcare experience.
Contact us for more information by calling on 08081111121 or sending an email to info@surjen.com
Disclaimer: The information provided herein is for patient general knowledge only and should not be used during any medical emergency, diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Duplication for personal and commercial use must be authorized in writing by Surjen.com
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