INFORMATION ON BARIATRIC SURGERY
Severe obesity is a chronic condition that is difficult to treat through diet and exercise alone. Gastrointestinal surgery is an option for people who are severely obese and cannot lose weight by traditional means or who suffer from serious obesity-related health problems. The operation promotes weight loss by restricting food intake and, in some operations, interrupting the digestive process. Bariatric surgery restricts stomach size and/or leads to decreased absorption of nutrients. These procedures can have dramatic health benefits, such as improved control of blood sugar or even reversal of type 2 diabetes, but they also carry substantial risks, including death.
PROBLEMS CAUSED BY BARIATRIC SURGERY
1. Diabetes
2. Hypertension
3. Obstructive sleep apnea and pulmonary hypertension
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke
6. Blood clots, deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary emboli
7. Fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
8. Gastroesophageal reflux disease
9. Urinary incontinence
10. Osteoarthritis
11. Gallstones
12. Colon cancer
13. Endometrial cancer
14. Depression
RISKS OF BARIATRIC SURGERY
1. Bleeding
2. Infection in the incision
3. Potential problems with the heart and/or lungs
4. Obstruction (blockage) of the intestine caused by adhesions
5. Hernia through the incision; rejection of suture materials
6. Risks associated with general anesthesia
TREATMENT BY BARIATRIC SURGERY
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the stomach is made smaller by creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach using surgical staples or a plastic band. The smaller stomach is connected directly to the middle portion of the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine. This procedure can be done by making a large incision in the abdomen or by making a small incision and using small instruments and a camera to guide the surgery.
This surgery usually involves a 4- to 6-day hospital stay
Most people can return to their normal activities within 3 to 5 weeks.
