Weight Loss Surgery and You

Submitted by Stella Morgan on July 13, 2007

Weight loss is an essential part of many individual, in order to reduce complications. Presence of disorders, like diabetes prove to be a hindrance in undergoing weight loss surgery. This surgery enables a thinner individual. It either reduces the amount of food intake or decreases the digestive capacity. This surgery results in immediate weight loss, in addition to a proper dietary regimen and exercise.

The most common complications include thrombus formation, infection and hernia.

Weight loss surgery calls for a lot of information gathering, prior to surgery. A physician or a bariatric surgeon is of great help.

Guidance regarding the type of procedure to be opted, the time for recovery and other safety tips are obtained. A reference list of people, who have undergone weight loss surgery helps. Interaction with such people, aids in providing an insight into the risks of weight surgery.

Severe obesity calls for such treatments. A complete research of the various procedures available with their benefits can be identified. A case study helps in understanding the succeeding complications.

Though, reliability on this information alone should not suffice. A complete understanding of the treatment procedure is essential and a consent form is signed.

Severe obesity results in a higher mortality rate and hence this weight loss surgery is recommended. Lot of sophistication is involved in decreasing the risk and improvising the outcome. Weight loss surgeries are of two types, namely, Restrictive operation and Malabsorption procedures. The former technique, involves the usage of staples, gastric band or a combination of both. They fail to act as a hindrance in the digestive process. Restrictive operation is of two types, namely, adjustable gastric banding and vertical banded gastroplasty. The patients are able to consume food post surgery and reduction in intake is the principle behind this type of surgery. About 1 cup of food can be consumed without any complication. In course of time, the stomach is capable of stretching again, after surgery.

Malabsorption procedures include the decrease in the stomach size. Bypassing the duodenum or jejunum occurs. This is a preferred technique for weight loss, than restrictive surgeries. Simple procedures of malabsorption involve, Roux-en-Y and Fobi pouch and complex bypass include Biliopancreatic diversion and duodenal switch. Risks of weight loss surgery involve the deficiency of minerals, vitamins and energy. Long term supplementation of the essential nutrients is necessary. Benefits of weight loss surgery include weight reduction and decreased risk of secondary complications such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, sleeping disorders and acid reflux. Increased mobility and improvement in the quality of living are the greatest merits. A wholesome personality change with a new perspective or outlook of life is seen in individuals.