The weight loss surgery journey, whether it involves bariatric surgery or metabolic surgery, is a transformative experience that begins with careful consideration and preparation.Surgery performed to treat diseases caused by excess weight is called Metabolic Surgery(Uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, sleep apnea, joint pain).Weight loss is a by-product of Metabolic Surgery.
Eligible Candidate For Surgery-
Bariatric surgery and metabolic surgery are two common surgical procedures recommended for people suffering from obesity and related health problems. However, not everyone is a good candidate for these procedures.
The criteria for eligibility for bariatric surgery are based on the patient’s BMI and the presence of comorbidities. Individuals with a BMI greater than 35 without comorbidities or a BMI greater than 30 with comorbidities may be candidates for bariatric surgery. Comorbidities are obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
On the other hand, Metabolic surgery is recommended for people with a BMI greater than 27.5 and uncontrolled comorbidities. Rather than weight loss, this procedure is intended to treat metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. In addition to BMI, the severity of the patient’s comorbidities and response to non-surgical treatments determine eligibility for metabolic surgery.
It should be noted that eligibility criteria for bariatric and metabolic surgery may differ depending on the surgical procedure and the patient’s medical history.
How to Choose an Expert Bariatric Surgeon?
There are several factors to consider when choosing an expert bariatric surgeon. To begin, select a surgeon with extensive experience performing bariatric surgeries. Second, the surgeon must be highly qualified and well-trained in this field. Third, look for a surgeon who is experienced in all types of bariatric surgery. Fourth, an expert bariatric surgeon should have a team of healthcare professionals who can provide the patient with comprehensive support. Finally, the surgeon should hold support group meetings on a regular basis in order to provide emotional support to patients undergoing surgery. By considering these factors, Patients can find a qualified and experienced surgeon who can assist them in achieving their weight loss objectives and enhancing their general health.
How to choose a Hospital?
The right hospital must be chosen when having bariatric surgery. Patients should seek out a hospital where these operations are routinely performed. This guarantees that the hospital has the necessary infrastructure and expertise to handle these operations. Patients should also confirm that the hospital has a qualified staff with knowledge of bariatric surgery. Patients can select a hospital that can offer the best support and care during their Weight loss surgery journey.
Planning For Surgery –
Planning for bariatric surgery involves finding the reasons behind the patient’s weight gain and carrying out a thorough whole-body screening investigation. Patients are advised to follow a liquid diet for 3–7 days prior to surgery, and the physician and anaesthetist both provide fitness opinions. This makes sure that the patient is well-prepared and in optimal condition for the surgery..
Surgical Procedure -
Bariatric surgery is done under general anaesthesia and typically lasts 2 to 4 hours on average. Due to the laparoscopic approach, patients typically experience less pain, with a usual pain scale of 2-3 out of 10. Patients may need to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days.
Postoperative Care-
Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery must follow a liquid diet for 10 to 15 days, then a semi-solid diet for 15 days, and then regular food after a month. On the tenth day, a follow-up examination is performed, and protein, calcium, and vitamin supplements are recommended for an amount of time that varies depending on the procedure. All tablets should be taken in crush and dissolved form for 10 days post surgery.
Health benefits -
A healthy diet and regular exercise can significantly impact overall health and have a variety of positive effects. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help diabetic patients require less insulin and medication while in the hospital. Improvements in hypertension and sleep apnea can also be seen within 2-3 months. Within a year, PCOD and joint pain can both improve. With regular exercise and a healthy diet, major diseases like elevated uric acid, fatty liver, hyperlipedemia, hypertension, sleep apnea, and Type 2 Diabetes can improve by 60–80%. Furthermore, with regular exercise and a healthy diet, significant weight loss of 60-80% of excess weight can be accomplished in 1 to 1.5 years.
