Obesity can be described as a chronic health problem resulting from excess fats that exceed the physical needs of the body. Weight reduction surgery, which is also referred to as bariatric surgery, can help obese patients achieve long-term fat reduction goals and general well-being. However, making a decision to undergo the procedure can be difficult considering the permanent lifestyle changes after the operation.
Bariatric surgery seeks to mainly resolve problems experienced by patients due to obesity. Because losing weight after the operation may not be that automatic, commitment to lifestyle changes by patients is required. Additionally, support from friends, family, support groups and healthcare experts are also very critical. The procedure, which is usually a last resort after other traditional ways have failed, has saved the lives of many patients worldwide.
One of the simplest benefits of bariatric surgeries is the reduction of excessive fats. With gastric bypass surgery, around 61% of excessive fats are lost while with gastric banding surgery, about 47% of excessive weight is lost. Losing such excessive weight helps greatly in reducing by comorbidities that include many health complications like, diabetes, hypertension, colon cancer etc.
The surgery is also helpful to patients suffering from high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. After the procedure, about 60% of high blood pressure patients are able to stop medication while 80% report improvement to the condition. 77% of type 2 diabetes patients who are obese and chose to undergo the operation are also able to stop medications thereafter.
At the time of evaluation for the procedure, many patients are normally found to be suffering from undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. However, after bariatric operation around 65% to 95% of the patients report a resolution to the problem. Yet, that is not all because the operation also results into a significant improvement in quality of life and reduced risk of long-term death.
As mentioned before, there are also a number of risks associated with the operation that patients need to be aware of before committing themselves. Just like in any major abdominal operation, the operation carries the risks of bleeding, bowel blockage as a result of scar tissue and infection through incision. Others include the risks of hernia through incision and adverse reactions due to anesthesia.
There is also the risk of nutritional deficiencies due to the restrictive or malabsorptive nature of the bariatric procedures. This is caused by food bypassing the duodenum and jejunum, points where most iron and calcium are absorbed. Not enough vitamin B12 is also absorbed and that may cause anemia in menstruating women. Decreased iron absorption can also lead to osteoporosis. To prevent such deficiencies, it may be necessary to take supplements as directed by a doctor.
Ulcers of the stomach and small intestines, though considered minor risks, are also other problems that may be caused by a weight reduction surgery. Diarrhea, palpitations, sweating, lightheadedness and cramps due to dumping syndrome are also reported by some patients who have undergone the operation. Any center performing the operation should be well equipped.
Bariatric surgery seeks to mainly resolve problems experienced by patients due to obesity. Because losing weight after the operation may not be that automatic, commitment to lifestyle changes by patients is required. Additionally, support from friends, family, support groups and healthcare experts are also very critical. The procedure, which is usually a last resort after other traditional ways have failed, has saved the lives of many patients worldwide.
One of the simplest benefits of bariatric surgeries is the reduction of excessive fats. With gastric bypass surgery, around 61% of excessive fats are lost while with gastric banding surgery, about 47% of excessive weight is lost. Losing such excessive weight helps greatly in reducing by comorbidities that include many health complications like, diabetes, hypertension, colon cancer etc.
The surgery is also helpful to patients suffering from high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. After the procedure, about 60% of high blood pressure patients are able to stop medication while 80% report improvement to the condition. 77% of type 2 diabetes patients who are obese and chose to undergo the operation are also able to stop medications thereafter.
At the time of evaluation for the procedure, many patients are normally found to be suffering from undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. However, after bariatric operation around 65% to 95% of the patients report a resolution to the problem. Yet, that is not all because the operation also results into a significant improvement in quality of life and reduced risk of long-term death.
As mentioned before, there are also a number of risks associated with the operation that patients need to be aware of before committing themselves. Just like in any major abdominal operation, the operation carries the risks of bleeding, bowel blockage as a result of scar tissue and infection through incision. Others include the risks of hernia through incision and adverse reactions due to anesthesia.
There is also the risk of nutritional deficiencies due to the restrictive or malabsorptive nature of the bariatric procedures. This is caused by food bypassing the duodenum and jejunum, points where most iron and calcium are absorbed. Not enough vitamin B12 is also absorbed and that may cause anemia in menstruating women. Decreased iron absorption can also lead to osteoporosis. To prevent such deficiencies, it may be necessary to take supplements as directed by a doctor.
Ulcers of the stomach and small intestines, though considered minor risks, are also other problems that may be caused by a weight reduction surgery. Diarrhea, palpitations, sweating, lightheadedness and cramps due to dumping syndrome are also reported by some patients who have undergone the operation. Any center performing the operation should be well equipped.
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