Surgery for Weight Loss

Severe obesity is a chronic condition that is difficult to treat through diet and exercise alone. Weight Loss Surgery (Bariatric / Obesity Surgery) is a good option for people who are severely obese and cannot lose weight by traditional means or who suffer from serious obesity-related health problems. The surgery promotes weight loss by restricting food intake and, in some operations, interrupting the digestive process. As in other treatments for obesity, the best results are achieved with healthy eating behaviours and regular physical activity.

People who may consider gastrointestinal surgery include those with a body mass index (BMI) above 35 — about 100 pounds overweight for men and 80 pounds for women (see our BMI chart). People with a BMI between 32 and 35 who suffer from type 2 diabetes or life-threatening cardiopulmonary problems, such as severe sleep apnoea or obesity-related heart disease, may also be candidates for surgery.

Obesity surgery to reduce obesity can now be performed laparoscopically, using “keyhole” surgical techniques. The bariatric surgeon uses fibre optic lenses and small instruments connected to a video camera, a procedure which entails smaller incisions, reduced pain, less scarring, and a faster post-op recovery time. In 2000, a gastric band called the MIDband ® was used in France. This was manufactured specifically for laparoscopic insertion. Other bands have followed. Laparoscope-assisted surgery typically reduces the risk of incisional hernias (caused when abdominal contents bulge through the weakness in the abdominal wall created by the scar). It may also result in more internal complications, such as anastomotic leakages from connections between sections of intestine and between the stomach and intestine. At Asian Bariatrics, the complication rates are lesser than the international published data because of exclusive approach, high level of expertise and focused high end technology used for surgery. Bariatric experts expect these complication rates to reduce as surgeons become more experienced at laparoscopy.

Obesity Surgeries

Obesity surgery is a scientifically proven, more successful approach to weight loss compared to a pill. Examples of obesity surgery include gastroplasty surgery, gastric bypass surgery, and jejunoileal bypass surgery. Surgeries can cause huge amounts of weight loss to those who receive it by reducing the amount of ghrelin (the hormone that causes hunger) produced due to a smaller stomach. A smaller stomach demands a complete change in dietary decisions; as many who undergo obesity Surgery typically cannot eat bread or overly sweet foods. One also drastically reduces his or her daily intake of calories. Mortality rates of obesity surgery are relatively low, but specific aspects of the patient such as weight, age, BMI, and heart health may increase/decrease mortality rates.

A Gastric band is a commonly used device in obesity treatment.

Type of Surgery

Overweight and obesity are raising medical problems of pandemic proportions. There are many detrimental health effects of obesity: Individuals with a BMI (Body Mass Index) exceeding a healthy range has a much greater risk of medical issues. These include heart disease, diabetes, many types of cancer, asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, and chronic musculoskeletal problems. There is also an effect of obesity on mortality.

People may find it difficult to lose weight on their own. It is common for dieters to have tried fad diets only to find that they gain weight, or return to their original weight, after ceasing the diet.