HOST: There are a lot of types of bariatric surgery,
so you’re probably wondering if it’s right for you. Here’s Dr. Raj again to explain
who the right candidate is and the benefits and risks involved.
PHYSICIAN: Bariatric surgery should be something you consider AFTER you’ve tried to lose
weight through healthy diet and exercise for an extended period of time. Even then, this
type of surgery isn’t for everyone. I’m going to walk you through a list of
criteria. You may want to pause as we go through this list to write these down.
First, your body mass index, or BMI, is 40 or higher. BMI is a number that represents
your body fat content. You can determine your BMI by knowing your height and weight and
using a BMI chart. Second, you are at least 100 pounds overweight if you are a man, and
80 pounds overweight if you are a woman. Third, you have other obesity-related medical problems,
such as high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea and diabetes. Next, your obesity
causes physical problems that interfere with daily life, like your job, your family, or
simply walking from place to place. Finally, you are determined to sustain your weight
loss and improve your health through diet and exercise.
You are aware of potential side effects, complications and lifestyle changes, and you’re committed
to long-term partnership with your doctor to keep your health on track.
Every body is different and you should consult your doctor to determine if bariatric surgery
is the best course of action for you. Not everyone who qualifies for the surgery will
fulfill all of these criteria.
If you and your doctor decide this type of surgery is right for you, you’ll want to
know the benefits and risks involved. With the restrictive surgeries, like banding,
you may lose up to 60 percent of your excess weight over the course of 2 to 3 years. About
80 percent of patients experience some degree of weight loss.
With gastric bypass, the majority of the weight loss, as much as 70 percent, will occur in
the first 1 to 2 years. Both of these surgeries will likely result
in improvements in medical problems, like cholesterol levels, sleep apnea, high blood
pressure, and type two diabetes. Overall, gastric bypass surgery leads to more
weight loss than restrictive surgeries, but can be more invasive and cannot be reversed.
Remember, it isn’t uncommon for people who have had these surgeries to see their weight
loss plateau and even gain some weight back after a few years. That is why a drastically
different lifestyle, especially your diet, is such a critical part of the treatment.
It’s not a one-time fix.
These surgeries are serious and do come with risk. There are also potentially serious side
effects and complications that you could experience as a result of these procedures.
You may also need to have follow-up operations to correct any complications or abdominal
hernias. While you are losing weight, you are advised not to become pregnant.
For patients who undergo restrictive surgeries, there is also the risk of band erosion or
the breakdown of the staple line, which will then need to be surgically corrected. In addition,
there is a small chance of death with any bariatric procedure.
After the surgery is performed, your daily lifestyle will change and you should consult
your doctor. He or she can help you stay on track with your recovery and weight loss.
HOST: Obesity is an epidemic and for the right candidates,
bariatric surgery can help you lose the weight, regain your health, and live a happier and
fuller life. With the help of your doctor and informed specialists, you can determine
if this approach is right for you and take steps towards better health. Thanks for being
a part of HealthiNation. Be sure to watch other segments and get talking about your
health.
