An Overview Of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery is performed to treat morbid obesity issues. When people fail to lose weight even after vigorous exercise, medications, and diets, they opt for bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery reduces the size of the stomach or modifies the digestive system to limit food intake and nutrient absorption. This helps in promoting weight loss. Bariatric surgeries are not recommended for all, there are requirements like a BMI of 40 or a BMI of 35 with serious comorbidities. Patients looking for bariatric surgery in Dallas, Texas should consult their surgeons to find out their eligibility. In this blog, we introduce you to the types of bariatric surgery,  its benefits, preoperative assessment, and postoperative care.

Types

There are many different types of bariatric surgery. The type of surgery and its suitability will depend on the patient’s health history and budget. Some of the popular types of bariatric surgeries include: 


  • Sleeve gastrectomy: Sleeve gastrectomy removes approximately 80% of the stomach, creating a long and tube-like pouch that restricts the amount of food intake. Hormones like ghrelin that are responsible for controlling appetite also reduce after sleeve gastrectomy surgery. This bariatric surgery offers numerous advantages, including substantial weight loss and no need for intestinal rerouting. 


  • Gastric bypass surgery: In this procedure, surgeons create a small pouch in the stomach by restricting its size and connecting it directly to the small intestine. Since a small pouch is created in the stomach, people want to consume less food which ultimately decreases the absorption of calories and nutrients. Once gastric bypass surgery is performed on the patient, it cannot be reversed.


  • Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch: Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch consists of two stages. A sleeve gastrectomy is followed by the connection of the lower intestine to the duodenum near the stomach. In this procedure, a majority of the intestine is bypassed. This complex surgery is highly effective in limiting food intake and decreasing the absorption of nutrients.


The aforementioned bariatric surgeries may be performed through an open or minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. The latter is preferred by many patients for being less invasive and allowing a quick recovery time. Dallas residents should consult with a bariatric surgeon to determine the best bariatric procedure for them.

Benefits 

Here are the potential benefits of bariatric surgery: 

  • Significant weight loss: Bariatric surgeries help in promoting substantial weight loss compared to diet and exercise.

  • Improvement in obesity-related health issues: Obesity-related issues like type 2 diabetes are also improved after the surgery. 

  • Enhanced quality of life: Losing weight helps people live healthier lives with better self-esteem and lower social pressures. 

  • Long-term success: Bariatric surgeries are proven to be generally safe with long-term success rates. (According to stats, many successful bariatric surgeries are performed in Dallas, Texas every year).

  • Reduced healthcare costs: By improving obesity-related health issues and reducing the need for medications and hospitalizations, bariatric surgery can potentially reduce healthcare costs over time.

Preoperative assessment and preparation

Preoperative assessment could include: 


  • A medical evaluation to check the current health status

  • An endoscopy to rule out any stomach diseases in the patient that may affect the surgery's suitability.

  • A psychological assessment to check the patient's preparedness to bring about lifestyle changes after surgery. It also helps the surgeon rule out psychiatric disorders in the patient that may affect surgery suitability.

  • Consultation with a rehabilitation physician regarding pre- and post-surgery physical activities and exercises.

  • Consultation with a dietician to plan for post-surgery diet modification.


As far as the preparation is concerned, the patient may be asked to:

  • Stop smoking at least four weeks before surgery.

  • Fast after midnight before the surgery.

  • Inform the doctor of any medications, herbal supplements, or history of blood thinners or venous thrombosis.

Post-operative care 

After the bariatric surgery, the patient needs to:

  • Consult with the doctor if experiencing high temperature, rapid heart rate, or severe abdominal pain.

  • Follow the doctor’s advice on IV fluids and calf compression devices.

  • Follow the prescribed diet plan recommended by a dietician.

  • Follow a liquid diet in the first week after surgery and then soft foods in small quantities for the next three weeks. 

  • Stay hydrated before meals and chew food well.

  • Avoid heavy physical activities involving lifting for a minimum of three months. 

  • Consult the bariatric surgeon regularly to evaluate the progress of the procedure.


The Final Word 

Over 200,000 people go through bariatric surgery annually in the US with successful results. If you are also facing health-related issues because of obesity or are not able to lose the extra pounds, opt for bariatric surgery in Dallas or Fort Worth or anywhere in the US for that matter after considering all the risk factors. Keep in mind, bariatric surgery requires careful consideration, preoperative preparation, and lifelong commitment to lifestyle changes to achieve and maintain weight loss. People living in Dallas and nearby areas interested in bariatric surgery in Dallas, Texas should consult an experienced and skilled surgeon who has a track record of positive reviews from patients. 

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