Weight Loss Surgery- Types, Approach And Myths

Overflowing with a lot of questions?

It is obvious that when considering bariatric or weight loss surgery, or any surgical procedure, it is normal to have concerns about your safety.

Here, it becomes imperative to understand both the potential risk and advantages of weight loss surgery.

What after weight loss surgery?

With the advancement of technologies and use of the latest surgical equipment, weight loss surgery is considered among the safest surgical procedure. However, there are two different procedures which are most commonly used i.e. Vertical sleeve gastrectomy and roux-en-y gastric bypass procedures. These uses a laparoscopic surgery approach to reduce the risks of complications.

Types of weight loss surgery;

·         Vertical sleeve gastrectomy

This procedure reduces your stomach size to three or four ounces. The surgery limits the amount of food you can eat to help you lose weight. Also, levels of ghrelin, which is a hunger hormone drops allowing in the reduction of your appetite.

·         Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Also known as gastric bypass (GBP) surgery, in this procedure, most of the stomach is separated away from a small “pouch and this pouch is about one ounce after surgery (the size of a golf ball). This is where your food will go after you swallow. The amount of food you can eat is generally very little. Weight loss mostly occurs because portion sizes are limited and also the levels of ghrelin (a “hunger” hormone) decrease, so your appetite is initially reduced. 

After GBP, the connection from your pouch to your intestines will be a fixed opening, similar to a small funnel. You will have to avoid certain foods, such as simple sugars like honey, white sugar, or syrups because of this. Along with your stomach, the top part of your intestines will also be bypassed, meaning that food will not pass through that area. This causes some malabsorption of vitamins and minerals.

The approach: Laparoscopic surgery

It uses a thin tube called a laparoscope that is inserted into your abdomen through the smallest possible incision. This minimally invasive technique uses small cameras and thin tools and the approach has been shown to cut down on your recovery time, reduce your hospital stay, limit scarring and decrease post-operative pain.

Surgery always involves some potential risk and the degree of it is considered on the individual health condition. So, if the patient who is undergoing bariatric surgery may have some after-effects like dumping syndrome, developing kidney stones, not losing the desired amount of weight or weight regain. However, the risks here are minimal and achieves to sustained weight loss seeing a significant improvement in the overall health.

People suffering from obesity are more prone to the diseases like diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension, which make it necessary to undergo a weight loss surgery in Jaipur as some best specialist are available in the city. 

3 myths of weight loss surgery;

Myth 1: Bariatric Surgery involves high risks

Weight loss surgery was considered a risky surgery in 70’s due to lack of technologies, large incision, in experience staff and reduced follow-ups. All of these factors have changed markedly over the years. With the advancement of technology and hands of experienced surgeons along with advanced laparoscopic technologies and minimally invasive technique, it has reduced a lot. In fact the risk is not more than the other performed surgeries like uterus removal etc.

Myth 2: Take a lot of time to recover 

With the help of latest technology, the patient has to stay a maximum of 2 days in the hospital. Some people go back to their work after 4th or 5th day of surgery. Physical activity like walking, climbing stairs and light stretching exercises are allowed from 2nd day of surgery.

Myth 3: Need to be on a strict diet plan forever 

People undergoing a bariatric surgery just have to be on 2 weeks of liquid diet, followed by a soft diet and then a normal diet after bariatric surgery. There is a need for regular monitoring on diet for initial few months, but they have a variety of food choices to choose from. 

However, involving a minimum risk it is imperative to get proper treatment from the best hospital in Jaipur as a lot of good options are available there.