Bariatric surgery might be an option due to a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and other factors. Before making your decision, take a closer look at this field.
Obesity is a frequently observed health issue worldwide. It is not solely related to lifestyle but can also arise due to hormonal, hereditary, or psychological reasons. If not addressed in time, obesity can lead to different health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and sleep apnea. Therefore, many patients seek answers to the questions, "What is bariatric surgery?" and "Is bariatric surgery safe?".
Bariatric surgery, also known as obesity surgery, refers to operations performed mostly on individuals living with excessive weight. These procedures involve modifying organs such as the stomach and small intestine. The aim is to increase the feeling of fullness and reduce the need to eat. Bariatric surgery is generally performed on individuals who are over 18 and under 65 years of age, and suitable for surgical operations. The risk factors considered for bariatric surgery suitability include:
There are different types of bariatric surgery. The goal is to make you feel full and slow down the release of "hunger hormones" (Ghrelin and leptin). Gastric balloon, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and biliopancreatic diversion are the operations performed within this field of surgery.
1) Sleeve Gastrectomy
Also known as "gastric sleeve," this operation involves removing approximately 80% of your stomach. In this procedure your stomach is shaped into a tube, hence the name of the operation. Your smaller stomach reaches fullness more quickly. Additionally, the part that produces hunger hormones is reduced. This makes it easier to maintain your ideal weight. Like all bariatric surgery procedures, sleeve gastrectomy is performed not for aesthetic concerns but to improve health issues.
2) Gastric Bypass
Also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, this procedure is a popular and effective application of bariatric surgery. A small portion (about 30 ml) of your stomach is created and this part is directly connected to the section of the small intestine that joins the large intestine. This limits the function of your stomach and reduces absorption in the small intestine.
3) Gastric Balloon
A silicone balloon filled with fluid is placed inside your stomach. This reduces the volume of your stomach by half. The aim here is to make you feel full sooner. When a gastric balloon is applied, you will want to eat less. It can be placed endoscopically or by swallowing. Swallowable gastric balloons are delivered to the desired location under the supervision of your specialist, then inflated and filled with fluid.
4) Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD)
The biliopancreatic diversion operation is similar to gastric bypass in terms of procedure. The main difference is that the first and second parts of your small intestine are separated. This significantly reduces nutrient absorption. In this operation, a large part of your stomach and the small intestine are separated from each other.
An important phase of bariatric surgery is the period following the operations. Your dietary habits play a crucial role at the start of your recovery period. The diet you follow immediately after the procedure allows you to gradually take in nutrients while also giving your body time to heal.
Initially, you will mostly follow a liquid diet that includes broths, sugar-free gelatin, and diluted non-citrus fruit juices. This phase usually lasts from a few days to a week. Following this, you will transition to a pureed, soft food diet for several weeks. During this period, you should avoid sugars and fats, focusing on high-protein foods. To adapt to your reshaped and smaller stomach and maintain adequate nutrient intake, you should eat small portions in frequent meals.
Long-term nutritional success after bariatric surgery depends on adhering to a balanced and nutrient-rich diet. Protein should remain the cornerstone of your diet, and you should consume plenty of lean protein sources like chicken, fish, tofu, and legumes. It is also important to include a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure you get the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Due to the reduced capacity of your stomach, portion control is vital. Meals should be small and consumed slowly to avoid discomfort and ensure proper digestion. Since your altered digestive system may result in deficiencies in nutrients such as iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, you might need to take vitamin and mineral supplements under the guidance of a specialist. Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor the entire process and adjust supplements as needed.
Bariatric surgery offers a significant opportunity to treat obesity, achieve substantial weight loss, and improve overall health. By learning about the different types of procedures, their benefits, risks, and the necessary lifestyle changes, you can make good decisions and embark on a successful weight loss journey. For all your questions about bariatric surgery, you can consult the experts at Phoenix Healthy. Please reach out to us via our contact details.
