Bariatric Surgery: All You Need to Know
Are you or a loved one considering weight-loss surgery to help with obesity? This is a set of procedures that have helped many Americans not only lose weight but change their relationship with food to create lifelong, healthier habits. In this blog, we’re going to answer a few common questions, like “what is bariatric surgery,” “what does bariatric mean,” and “what is the safest form of weight-loss surgery?”
Common Questions About Bariatric Surgery:
What Is Bariatric Surgery?
First of all, let’s take a look at “what does bariatric mean?” This will help us understand why the surgery is called “bariatric surgery” and learn a little bit about what the surgery physically changes within the body.
Bariatric refers to the subcategory of medicine that treats obesity. So, then bariatric surgery is a type of surgery with the sole purpose of helping a patient lose weight.
What Are the Types of Bariatric Surgery?
There are a couple of types of weight-loss surgery you’ll have access to, depending on your personal issues. For example, classic bariatric surgery involves restriction – your surgeon will physically reduce the size of your stomach, forcing you to eat fewer calories. However, if you are a better candidate for a small intestine bypass, that could be an option, too.
A combination surgery, called the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, uses both techniques to create a small stomach “pouch” and bypass parts of the small intestine. Another surgery type, the sleeve gastrectomy, physically removes part of the stomach and, therefore, cannot be reversed. When you talk with your doctor you and they will determine which option is best for you.
Who Is a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
All doctors will have their own set of criteria, however, common guidelines are as follows:
Patients with a BMI higher than 35
Patients with type 2 diabetes and a BMI higher than 30
Patients with comorbidities (weight-related conditions and symptoms) and a BMI higher than 30
What Are the Risks & Benefits of Bariatric Surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks and benefits that you will need to weigh, accordingly, with your doctor. For many people who are obese, getting their weight under control is incredibly difficult and can cause serious issues. The clear benefits of weight-loss surgery are certainly weight loss itself and perhaps even developing a healthier relationship with food.
The risks associated with bariatric surgery mainly include your standard surgical risks: infection, bleeding, bowel perforation (if your surgeon is working there), clots, malabsorption (if you’re having your small intestine altered), and breathing problems. However, rarely, gastric banding might slip to block your stomach or you may experience hypoglycemia, ulcers, or unnecessary vomiting.
Again, your doctor will cover all of these with you in-depth prior to your procedure, and you can ask questions at any time to get a better understanding of what will happen during your procedure.
What Should I Expect Before & After My Procedure?
Prior to your procedure, you should expect to have to fast. You will be unable to eat anything or drink anything other than water for probably 12-24 hours before your surgery – some surgeons ask for longer than others. Your surgery will involve you being put to sleep with general anesthesia, and you will wake up in a recovery room.
After your surgery, it’s incredibly important for you to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions. Failure to do so may result in severe complications. For some surgeries, you will be on a liquid diet for a little while, then progress to solid foods slowly after that. Keep in mind that, with surgery, you’ll also probably be on pain medications and unable to lift things or climb stairs. Arrange for someone to help you for the first few days.
The Suncoast Surgical Team: Dr. Alpendre
So, what is the safest form of weight loss surgery? Here at Suncoast Surgical Associates, our team of doctors will discuss your unique needs before we recommend surgery to you. Since you have many to choose from, there is an option for you that would be most effective and the safest for you to undergo. To get in touch with Dr. Alpendre’s bariatrics team, contact our office today.