Weight Loss Surgery: Overview, Preparation, Procedure, Recovery, Risks, and Aftercare
Overview
Weight loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to help individuals with severe obesity lose weight when other weight loss methods have not worked. In weight loss surgery, the stomach is reduced or the digestive process altered, resulting in significant weight loss and improvement in obesity-related health conditions.
Preparation
Individuals should consider the following before undergoing weight loss surgery:
-
An individual should schedule a consultation with a bariatric surgeon to discuss the benefits, risks, and suitability for weight loss surgery. The surgeon will evaluate the individual's medical history, current health status, and weight loss goals.
-
To assess overall health and identify any underlying medical conditions, undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation, including blood tests, imaging studies, and psychological tests.
-
Adopt a healthy diet, increase physical activity, and quit smoking to optimize surgical outcomes and reduce complications.
Procedure
Weight loss surgery can be classified into the following types:
-
The surgeon creates a pouch at the top of the stomach that connects directly to the small intestine, bypassing part of the stomach and intestines. As a result, the stomach is unable to hold as much food and calorie absorption is limited.
-
In a sleeve gastrectomy, a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller, banana-shaped sleeve. This reduces appetite by decreasing the release of appetite-stimulating hormones.
-
During gastric banding, an adjustable band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a small pouch. The band can be tightened or loosened to control food intake.
Recovery
Individuals who undergo weight loss surgery may experience the following symptoms:
-
Depending on the procedure and individual recovery, most weight loss surgeries require a hospital stay of one to three days.
-
During the first few weeks following surgery, follow the instructions of the healthcare team regarding dietary changes, starting with clear liquids and progressing to solid foods.
-
To promote healing and prevent blood clots, incorporate light physical activity into your daily routine as soon as possible.
-
Attend regular follow-up appointments with your bariatric surgeon and healthcare team to monitor weight loss progress, manage complications, and adjust medications.
Risks
There are certain risks and complications associated with weight loss surgery, including:
-
The surgical site or the abdomen may become infected, which may require antibiotics or additional treatment.
-
After surgery, blood clots can form in the legs or lungs, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
-
A reduced stomach size or altered digestion may cause deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals, requiring lifelong supplementation.
Aftercare
Individuals who have undergone weight loss surgery are advised to:
-
Weight loss and complications can be prevented by following a nutrient-rich, low-calorie diet and avoiding high-calorie, high-fat foods.
-
Maintain weight loss by engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or strength training.
-
Connect with others who have undergone weight loss surgery through support groups or counseling sessions to receive guidance and encouragement.
Individuals struggling with severe obesity can benefit from weight loss surgery because it can result in significant weight loss and improved health conditions related to obesity. In order to maximize the benefits of surgery and maintain long-term success with weight loss, it is important to understand the risks involved and commit to lifelong lifestyle changes.
