Bariatric surgery is basically a type of surgery for weight loss that limits the quantity of food patients could eat. It, as a result, reduces calorie intake. The surgery has been devised for patients who have failed to lose weight through more conventional weight loss routes, such as diets. These patients also have a BMI (body mass index) of more than 40. Generally, people in the 18-60-year age group can have bariatric surgery done.
Bariatric surgery helps alleviate debilitating health conditions caused or aggravated by morbid obesity. The surgery is no magic procedure and it cannot do it all on its own. Patients keen on getting this surgery done should be extremely motivated. They should be willing to adhere to exercise, medical, and diet guidelines for a substantial amount of time after the surgery.
Bariatric surgery can be done in different ways. They are basically categorized as adjustable gastric banding, Roux-en-Y surgery, and biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch.
Also called vertical banded gastroplasty, adjustable gastric banding helps reduce the stomach size with the help of an adaptable silicon band. As a result, the quantity of liquids and food the patient could ingest is reduced, which helps achieve the weight loss.
The Roux-en-Y surgery creates a small pouch, which is linked to the patient’s small intestine. The gastric bypass, as a result, brings down the stomach size to that of an egg – not in appearance but in capacity. The smaller pouch leads to the patient eating less food. Moreover, because portions of the small intestine and stomach are bypassed during the digestive process, fewer calories get absorbed by the body.
The Roux-en-Y procedure has been performed for several years. It could now be carried out with the help of minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. This translates to fewer stitches, shorter recovery period, and lowered infection risk. Biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch is the third type, which cuts short the small intestine’s length and could bifurcate the stomach. This leads to decreased storage capacity.
Bariatric surgery is not any other surgery for weight loss. It’s a major procedure and you need to be completely sure if you’re going to take it up. The recovery period could be longer and there will be some real implications on your lifestyle and eating habits for the remaining period of your life. The surgery may also cost you some serious money. Fortunately, if your BMI is above the qualifying criteria, medical insurance plans would cover the cost. But certain insurance plans could have exception clauses. Therefore, do your research, go through the different insurance plans, and then apply for a cover.
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