The Benefits And Risks Of A Weight Reduction Surgery

By Cherry Mercer


Bariatric or weight reduction surgery is done to help people with severe obesity lose fats. It is not recommended for everyone with obesity but only for those who have unsuccessful tried to use other traditional methods of weight reduction. People are categorized as either underweight, healthy weight or overweight considering their Body Mass Index (BMI). A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight while that of 30 or more is considered as obese.

The purpose of bariatric operation is to prevent, eliminate or cure diseases related to morbid obesity. Remember, that the operation is only a tool and not a cosmetic procedure. With the help of health experts, your family and support groups you can gain numerous health benefits. Before making the decision to undergo the procedure, it is important to first know its potential benefits and risks.

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.

Around 60% of patients with high blood pressure are able to stop medication after a fat reduction operation. Still, another 80% of such patients report an overall improvement in their high blood condition. The procedure is also reported to resolve the problem of type 2 diabetes with 77% of the patients being able to stop medication.

Most patients with excessive weight issues also suffer undiagnosed sleep apnea at the time of evaluation. However, 68% to 95% of such patients report resolution to their problem just after undergoing bariatric operation. Some other benefits of the procedure include overall improved in the quality of life and decrease in the long-term risk of death.

Like in any major operation, there are complications that can result from bariatric surgeries. These complications may result from the surgery or any other health issues the patient had before. It is important for obesity patients to be aware of these risks before making a decision to go for the operation. Some potential risks include infection through incision, excessive bleeding, bowel blockage or tear and even need for further operation.

Bariatric operations are also known to cause nutritional deficiencies due to the lack of proper absorption of valuable nutrients in the body. For example, calcium and iron cannot be effectively absorbed as food bypasses the duodenum and jejunum. Lack of vitamin B12 can also cause anemia in menstruating women. After the surgery, patients are advised to eat only as per the instructions of the doctor.

Other less serious risks that may result from a weight reduction surgery include stomach or small intestine ulcers. There is also the dumping syndrome, which may lead to diarrhea, sweating, palpitations, lightheadedness and cramps. For the restrictive only operation, vomiting is also expected especially when the stomach is overstretched with food that has not been well chewed. Even though restrictive operations lead to reduction of excessive fats in almost all patients, they are less effective than a combination of restrictive and malabsorptive operations.




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