The popularity of weight reduction surgery as a treatment for severe obesity has considerably grown in the recent years. Where diet and exercise fail, the procedure can come in as a literally lifesaving tool. The operation can also be referred to as bariatric surgery and can be very useful in helping patients resolve the many obesity related health problems. However, just like in any such procedure, there are both benefits and risks that patients need to be aware of before making a decision.
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.
The main goal of bariatric operation is to reduce the risk of illnesses and even death associated with obesity. Gastric bypass is reported to have high success rate with patients losing around 61% of excessive fats after the procedure. The operation is performed by incision in the abdomen or laparoscopically through the use of smaller incisions and instruments. The health expert one chooses should discuss with and disclose to them all the options available.
After bariatric surgery, most patients, approximately 60%, are able to stop medication and as many as 80% report improvement in high blood pressure. Many patients also experience sudden ease in their diabetic control, especially those with Type 2 diabetes. In fact, 77% are able to stop their medications.
Still, bariatric operations have also helped people suffering from undiagnosed sleep apnea to the point that they need less or no medicine at all. 65% to 95% of sleep apnea patients who undergo the procedure have the problem resolved. This goes a long in helping improve the quality of their lives and reduce the risk of developing additional health complications.
An operation to reduce weight reduction is a life-altering event. Patients considering the operation should first understand what it involves. It is a major operation and so as much as there are benefits, there are also potential risks involved apart from the long stay in hospital. In abdominal surgeries like bariatric there exist the risks of excessive bleeding, infection through incision, bowel blockage, adverse reactions to anesthesia etc.
Restrictive and malabsorptive procedures also carry with them the risk of malnutrition. This results from the lack of absorption of iron and calcium because food bypasses the duodenum and the jejunum. Menstruating women can also subject themselves to the risk of developing anemia should they chose to undergo the procedure as not enough vitamin B12 is absorbed. These malnutrition problems can be resolved through taking some supplements.
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.By Cherry Mercer