Introduction

Bariatric surgery has emerged as a transformative solution for individuals grappling with severe obesity. As obesity rates continue to rise worldwide, the popularity of bariatric surgery as a treatment option has soared, driven by its potential to not only facilitate significant weight loss but also to improve overall health and quality of life. However, beyond the physical transformations lies a deeply intertwined emotional journey that accompanies bariatric surgery. In this blog, we delve into the lesser-explored realm of the long-term impact of bariatric surgery on the emotional Well-being of patients. Drawing insights from recent research studies and our own practice, we aim to unravel the complexities of this emotional journey and its implications for patient care.

The Emotional Landscape of Obesity

• Mood disorders: Individuals with obesity commonly face mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, which can significantly impact their well-being. In last the 20 years. Majority of the patients (> 75%) have sub clinical or clinical depression due to obesity. Some children are bullied in school for obesity and their body appearance.
• Low self-esteem: Excess weight often leads to feelings of low self-esteem and poor body image, contributing to emotional distress. Some youngsters do not attend any social gatherings because of obesity.
• External pressures: Societal stigma and pressures related to weight can exacerbate psychological challenges, leading to feelings of shame and isolation.

Insights from the qualitative study conducted by Kubik et al^[1].. shed light on the psychosocial experiences of individuals pre-bariatric surgery. Participants in the study reported a range of emotions and challenges related to their weight, including feelings of frustration, shame, and dissatisfaction with their bodies. Many expressed a desire for change and a hope for improved health and quality of life through bariatric surgery. Overall, the psychological landscape of obesity is complex and multifaceted, encompassing internal struggles, external pressures, and societal stigma.

Preoperative Emotional Distress

Exploring the psychological distress commonly experienced by individuals seeking bariatric surgery unveils the emotional complexities underlying their decision-making process. Research studies have shed light on the prevalence of emotional comorbidities among bariatric surgery candidates, highlighting the significant impact of preoperative psychological health on postoperative outcomes. Understanding the depth of preoperative psychological distress is crucial for healthcare providers involved in the care of bariatric surgery patients. By addressing these emotional challenges early in the treatment process, healthcare providers can significantly improve patient support through their surgical journey and enhance the likelihood of positive outcomes.

• Significant Impact on Outcomes: Preoperative psychological health significantly influences postoperative outcomes.
• Early Intervention: Addressing psychological challenges early enhances patient support and improves outcomes.
• Comprehensive Assessment: Thorough preoperative assessment is vital for identifying and addressing psychological distress effectively.

Guidelines:

All patients should undergo psychological counseling and be encouraged to meet other post-operative patients who have undergone Bariatric Surgery a few months or a few years ago. The confidence that a patient builds up before surgery is very important for good outcomes after bariatric surgery.

Recognizing and addressing preoperative psychological distress is paramount in ensuring the success of bariatric surgery interventions. By prioritising comprehensive assessment and early intervention, healthcare providers can provide the necessary support to patients as they navigate the emotional complexities of their surgical journey, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and enhanced patient well-being.

The Bariatric Surgery Journey: Transformations and Challenges

• Transformative Effects: Bariatric surgery initiates profound transformations in patients’ lives, encompassing significant weight loss, improved self-esteem, and enhanced quality of life.
• Challenges and Adjustments: Despite the transformative effects, patients often encounter challenges and adjustments in the post-bariatric surgery phase. These may include shifts in identity as individuals navigate their new bodies and lifestyles, as well as changes in social dynamics and relationships.Providing ongoing support and guidance to patients throughout their bariatric surgery journey is important. From preoperative education and counselling to postoperative support groups, comprehensive care plays a pivotal role in helping patients navigate the challenges and embrace the opportunities for growth and well-being.

Key Takeaways and Implementable Suggestions for Bariatric Clinics and Practitioners

• Implications for Clinical Practice: Incorporate routine psychological assessments into preoperative evaluations to identify patients at risk for psychological distress.
• Comprehensive Approach to Bariatric Care: Develop integrated care pathways that address both the physical and psychological aspects of obesity and bariatric surgery.
• Recommendations for Supporting Patients: Conduct thorough preoperative assessments to identify patients’ psychological risk factors and tailor interventions accordingly.

The confidence boost for post-operative bariatric patients after significant weight loss is remarkable. Many individuals often find themselves starting new jobs, launching businesses, or returning to college.
By implementing these strategies, bariatric clinics and practitioners can better address the psychological dimensions of obesity and bariatric surgery, ultimately improving patient outcomes and promoting overall well-being.

The blog has been authored by Dr. Neha Prashant Shah, Advanced Laparoscopic & Bariatric Surgeon. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. More about the author

Reference links:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23606952/

Among the many nuances of Weight Management, Bariatric surgery stands out as a transformative intervention for individuals struggling with obesity. Bariatric surgery, which includes procedures like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric banding, is a tool that aids patients in achieving substantial weight loss and addressing obesity-related comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnoea.

While the surgical procedure itself marks a significant milestone in a patient’s journey toward better health, the importance of follow-up care cannot be underrated. Post-bariatric follow-up plays a pivotal role in ensuring the long-term success, safety, and well-being of patients.

However, the surgery is just the beginning of a comprehensive treatment plan. Follow-up care is essential for several reasons:

1. Monitoring Weight Loss Progress: After bariatric surgery, patients typically experience rapid weight loss followed by a gradual stabilization of their weight. Regular follow-up appointments will identify any deviations from the expected trajectory of weight loss, and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. This helps patients to reach the expected weight loss goals.
2. Management of Nutritional Needs: Following bariatric surgery food intake is decreased to an extent over the first few months. Patients need guidance on adopting healthy eating habits, ensuring high protein food in the diet, protein powder supplements, vitamin and mineral supplements, and maintaining adequate hydration post-surgery. This can be achieved only with regular follow-up visits, during which tell-tale signs of any deficiency can be picked up instantly and addressed immediately to avoid long-term problems.
3. Detection and Prevention of Complications: While bariatric surgery is generally considered to be safe in experienced hands, complications can arise during the post-operative period or later in the patient’s journey. These may include surgical complications such as leaks or strictures, as well as long-term issues like nutritional deficiencies, gallstones, or psychological challenges. When a patient follows up regularly, an untoward event can be identified quickly, minimizing their impact on the patient’s health and quality of life, and speeding up the recovery.
4.  Lifestyle Changes: Successful weight management involves more than just physical changes; it requires a shift in mindset and lifestyle habits. Follow-up appointments offer opportunities for patients to discuss challenges, receive behavioural counselling, and access support resources such as nutritionists, psychologists, or support groups. Ongoing guidance and encouragement empower patients to make sustainable lifestyle changes and navigate the ups and downs of their weight loss journey.
5. Long-Term Weight Management: Weight regain or incomplete weight loss is the challenge that each Bariatric surgeon faces at some time or the other during his/her bariatric practice. It could range from patient becoming a little callous/casual during their weight loss journey, to the associated knee pain or Osteoarthritis associated with obesity that prevents daily physical activity demanded after Bariatric surgery. If there is a regular follow-up, things could be noticed in time and necessary measures taken, and the patients can be motivated ensuring good results after bariatric surgery.
6. Building Trust and Commitment: By prioritizing regular follow-up appointments, patients commitment is developed to a healthy weight maintenance, along with robust doctor and patient trust to supporting patients throughout their weight loss journey, which can enhance patient satisfaction, trust, and adherence to treatment recommendations.
7. Support Group Meetings: Support group meetings play a vital role in the holistic care and long-term success of bariatric patients. These gatherings provide a platform for individuals who have undergone weight loss surgery to connect, share experiences, seek advice, and receive emotional support from peers facing similar challenges. The importance of support group meetings in the bariatric community cannot be overstated, as they offer numerous benefits that contribute to the overall well-being and success of patients:

A] Emotional Support: Support group meetings create a safe and non-judgmental space where patients can express their feelings openly, knowing that they are among individuals who understand and empathize with their struggles. Sharing personal stories and challenges helps foster a sense of belonging and validation, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by bariatric patients.

B] Peer Learning and Exchange of Information: From dietary modifications and exercise routines to coping mechanisms for managing cravings and emotional eating, patients can learn from each other’s experiences and gain valuable insights into what works best for them. Peer-to-peer learning fosters empowerment and self-efficacy, empowering patients to take ownership of their health and make informed decisions about their care.

C] Accountability and Motivation: Attending support group meetings provides patients with a sense of accountability and motivation to stay committed to their weight loss goals and adhere to the recommended lifestyle changes. Knowing that they will be sharing their progress and challenges with their peers encourages patients to stay on track and remain focused on their journey toward improved health and well-being.

D] Education and Empowerment: Support group meetings offer educational opportunities for patients to learn from guest speakers, and fellow attendees about various aspects of bariatric surgery, meal planning, portion control, mindful eating, body image, stress management, and coping strategies for handling setbacks and plateaus. By equipping patients with knowledge and skills, support groups empower them to make informed choices, adopt healthier habits, and take proactive steps toward achieving long-term weight management success.

E] Social Connection and Community Building: Bariatric support groups foster social connection and community building among patients who share common experiences and goals. Building relationships with individuals who understand the challenges and triumphs of the weight loss journey creates a sense of friendship, and mutual support that extends beyond the confines of the support group meetings. Patients often form lasting bonds with their peers, providing ongoing encouragement, inspiration, and accountability throughout their weight loss and maintenance efforts.

F] Prevention of Weight regain and Psychological Support: Research suggests that participation in support group meetings is associated with better weight loss outcomes and a reduced risk of weight recidivism following bariatric surgery. In addition to providing practical and emotional support, support groups address the psychological and behavioural aspects of obesity and weight management, helping patients develop healthy coping mechanisms, build resilience, and cultivate a positive mindset conducive to long-term success.

To summarize, regular follow ups and support group meetings are vital in the life of both, the Bariatric surgeon as well as the patient undergoing the Bariatric surgery.

The blog has been authored by Dr. Tulip Chamany, Bariatric and Metabolic surgeon. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. More about the author

World Obesity Day is a powerful reminder of one of the most pressing public health problems that the world is facing. As the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, reaching epidemic levels in many regions, the need for coordinated efforts and the urgency to address obesity through innovative approaches has never been more concerning than it is today. The annual obesity program is a medium to raise awareness, encourage public participation, and support efforts to fight obesity and associated problems.

In the 21st century, due to evolving sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diet patterns, and other environmental influences, obesity has become a significant threat to human well-being.

Let us consider the challenges and opportunities provided by world organisations on this World Obesity Day and reiterate our dedication to improving health equity, creating healthy environments, and helping people gain and maintain a healthy weight.

Together, we can create a healthier and more resilient world for our future generations.

What is obesity, and how does it affect you?

Obesity is the condition of having too much fat in the body. Body mass index (BMI) is the simple calculation of an individual’s height and weight used to define obesity.

• BMI > 25 is considered overweight
• BMI > 30 is considered obese

Obesity is not just a cosmetic problem; it is a medical condition that increases the risk of many other health problems, which include cardiac diseases, type-2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, liver disorders, certain types of cancers, etc.

Obesity is caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, an unhealthy diet, less physical activity, and other environmental factors. Gaining weight is easy, but it is hard to lose weight, and the reasons why people find it hard to lose weight are many.

However, losing a small quantity of weight can improve many obesity-related health problems. Traditional weight loss options like following a diet plan, regular physical activity, and other lifestyle changes can help you lose weight. When nothing works, bariatric surgery is the surgical option for treating obesity.

How can we tackle obesity with lifestyle changes?

Making necessary lifestyle changes is a healthy way to lose weight. A healthy diet and regular exercise are the priority changes one needs to make, to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Moreover, it also helps to manage or reverse some obesity-related health conditions like hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

Doctors say that making lifestyle changes is not always easy. They recommend a customized weight loss plan based on your current diet, activity level, medications, and overall health.

Some people may achieve good weight loss just with relentless lifestyle changes alone, while others may need medication or bariatric surgery to help them lose weight more effectively.

Below are the top changes to be made in your life to achieve maximum weight loss.

• Healthy Eating Habits (a balanced diet)
• Regular physical activity (exercise)
• Stay Hydrated (drink plenty of water)
• Get adequate sleep
• Manage stress
• Seek social support
• Set goals and practice self-care

Be patient and persistent, because weight loss can’t be achieved overnight; it takes some time. Do your part by staying committed to your goals.

Various treatment options are available to treat Obesity

Several treatment options are available to help obese people lose and maintain weight. Diet and lifestyle changes come first during the weight loss journey, where medications and surgery are other options.

Obesity treatment is often based on multiple factors, and there is no single treatment that works. One should strictly change their lifestyle even after weight loss surgery to achieve sustainable weight loss. In any weight loss journey, consistent positive change is key to progress.

What are the various surgical aspects of treating obesity?

Any weight loss journey starts with the traditional non-surgical options, and when they are not able to provide the required weight loss, experts suggest undergoing bariatric surgery. The majority of surgeries typically entail the reduction of size of the stomach and modifying the anatomy of the digestive system. These surgeries aim to change the way we absorb nutrients from the food we consume, which eventually promotes weight loss and also improves many obesity-related health conditions.

Here are some of the most common bariatric surgeries performed for weight loss:

• Sleeve gastrectomy or gastric sleeve
• Adjustable gastric banding
• Gastric bypass surgery
• One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB)
• Duodenal switch
• Revisional bariatric surgery

Advancements in the medical industry have led to the discovery of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty or intragastric balloons for weight loss. These minimally invasive procedures use endoscopic tools to reduce the volume of the stomach without any surgical incisions.

Every surgical procedure has its benefits, risks, and eligibility criteria. However. the choice of surgery depends on many factors, which include BMI, medical conditions associated with obesity, patient choices, and specific recommendations from surgeons.

How will life be after bariatric surgery?

Life after bariatric surgery certainly opens the door to a new path for many individuals, which is healthier, longer, and more fulfilling than ever before. Though the journey of weight loss has many challenges, the benefits can be truly life-changing and outweigh the challenges, which help patients lead more confident lives than ever.

By adopting special guidelines suggested by the surgeon and remaining committed to their goals, patients can look forward to a brighter and more promising future. Remember, the key to successful weight loss relies on determination, patience, and self-care. We appreciate your journey to become a better and happier version of yourself!

The blog has been authored by Dr Venu Gopal Pareek, Consultant Laparoscopic & Robotic Bariatric Surgeon. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. More about the author

Introduction

When prioritizing health, we make room for a healthy beginning for healthy living ahead. Each problem has a solution, and overweight or obesity is no exception. Obesity is one of the common ailments and is on a constant upward trend in India and globally. Reports show that in India, nearly 100 bariatric surgeries are performed daily, with the year 2022 reporting about 39,949 surgeries.

With high emergence cases of obesity and overweight cases, medical professionals expect and recommend the need for effective measures to curtail them. These measures include non-surgical treatment options to start with and subsequent surgical intervention if the former does not yield the desired results.

Bariatric Surgery, the most effective and successful treatment for obesity and weight loss, is in much demand. Understanding the purpose, types, and advantages of this surgery helps patients and their caregivers form an informed decision while deciding the course of treatment for addressing the problem of obesity and weight loss. A detailed discussion in this blog serves this specific purpose.

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric Surgery is, also known as weight loss or metabolic surgery, performed to treat obesity and weight loss through surgical intervention. The surgeon resizes the stomach and intestinal tract of the patient to restrict food intake and nutrient absorption in the body. Surgery, along with treating obesity, also helps treat diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other related health problems through diet control when accompanied by healthy lifestyle habits and physical activity. 

Types of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Surgery comes with various options depending on the needs of individual cases. Each has its benefits and potential shortcomings. The different types of Bariatric Surgery are-

• Gastric Sleeve Surgery- This sleeve gastrectomy creates a banana-sized and shaped functional portion of the stomach. Nearly 80% of the stomach portion is removed. Reducing the stomach’s capacity to hold food and fluid affects the body’s metabolism. It reduces hunger-producing hormones and provides the fullness of the stomach with less food. It is a simple procedure and hence safe and does not involve any complications of intestinal bypass. However, the surgery is non-reversible.
• Gastric Bypass Surgery- Gastric Bypass Surgery is called Roux-en-Y surgery, which means ‘in the form of a Y’. The surgery reduces the stomach into a small egg-sized pouch. The surgeon staples the small, pouched stomach, separating it from the rest of the stomach. The small intestine is also divided. The lower portion of the small intestine is brought up and connected to the newly created stomach pouch. The bypassed stomach and upper portion of the small intestine are attached further down the small intestine. This creates a ‘Y shape’. The food passes from the new pouch to the small intestine for digestion, bypassing the major portion of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine. The modified course of the digestive tract enables less food consumption, fullness experience, and reduced nutrient absorption. The patients can have effective and long-lasting solutions for weight reduction when accompanied by healthy lifestyle changes, physical activity, and doctor-recommended weight control and management. It is considered the gold standard for weight reduction. It has long-lasting weight loss results if accompanied by proper weight control and management.
• Duodenal Switch Surgery- Duodenal Switch surgery combines Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass surgeries. The stomach is reduced to a banana size and shape after removing nearly 80% of the stomach portion. The newly created sleeve-shaped portion is attached to the lower portion of the small intestine, thus bypassing its upper portion. The food passes directly from the newly created stomach to the small intestine’s lower portion. This results in less food consumption and less nutrient absorption. It is a highly effective treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes. It creates high malabsorption and possibilities of vitamin and mineral deficiencies post-surgery that need to be addressed through nutrient supplements.

Who is a Good Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

The surgery is recommended for people who-

• Have body mass index (BMI) >40, or
• Have a BMI >35 but <40 with comorbidities like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or heart problems, or
• Are 45 kgs more than the ideal body weight (when BMI is between 18.5 to 24.9).

Advantages of Bariatric Surgery

This surgery offers many benefits, the foremost being weight loss to treat obesity. The others on the list are-

• Improves cardiovascular health with the control of high cholesterol, blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes, enabling the control of heart diseases like heart stroke, myocardial infarction, and peripheral vascular diseases.
• Relieves depression by treating obesity, one of the causes of anxiety, stress, and social, emotional, and physical embarrassment in obese people.
• Relieves joint pain and eliminates chances of knee joint replacement by reducing excess weight on joints.
• Prevents other medical conditions like the risk of miscarriage in women, pregnancy complications, gall bladder disease, and other metabolic syndrome.

What to Expect in Bariatric Surgery

Pre-surgery evaluation for patients

Bariatric Surgery could be a life-changing procedure that helps patients achieve weight loss, treat obesity, and enable healthy living with overall well-being, with proper diet and weight loss control and management. 

For the successful outcomes of the surgery and better patient care, it is crucial to identify the barriers that need to be addressed and post-operative instructions to be followed. A multidisciplinary team of experts does a preoperative evaluation to rule out the chances of complications and adverse surgical results in patients. 

Preoperative evaluation focuses on the issues unique to the patient. The evaluation includes:

• The patient’s medical history.
• Physical examination.
• Various tests for psychological, psychosocial, behavioral, nutritional, and anatomical assessment.

Each assessment evaluates a specific aspect of the patient to ensure effective risk management, surgical performance, and efficient patient care.

Preoperative requirements 

The patient who qualifies for the surgery needs to –

• Commit to the doctor’s recommended diet plan. This may require a reduction in calorie consumption, the type of food intake, and quitting smoking and alcohol.
• Exercise and perform physical activity as part of the doctor-recommended health plan. 
• Either continue or stop medications as advised by the doctor.
• Stay positive and participate in preoperative education and counseling sessions, if any, provided by their healthcare providers.
• Explore and discuss the various surgical options and stay informed about the risks, benefits, and complications to make an informed decision.
• Gather information about the cost of the surgery, hospital stay, insurance coverage, and other incidental medical expenses.

During the surgery

The patient is put under general anesthesia, and the surgery may be done traditionally or laparoscopically. The duration of the surgery depends on the type and method of surgery. 

In the case of traditional surgery, there is a large incision on the abdomen to gain access to the surgical site. While under laparoscopic surgery, small incisions are made. A laparoscope with a tiny camera attached to its tip is inserted through the incision. The camera enables the surgeon to view and operate through a small incision. The healing and recovery depend on the method, with laparoscopic surgery providing faster healing and recovery compared to traditional.

Post-operative care

After a few days of post-operative hospital stay, the patient is discharged with doctor-prescribed medications, pain control, and management guidelines. Weight loss is not a one-time fix but requires regular follow-up visits with the doctor, monitoring the weight changes, and reporting the same to the doctor if severe. A controlled diet, routine exercise, healthy lifestyle, stress management, and patient commitment to adhere to the same consistently is a must.

Conclusion

Bariatric Surgery is a healthy beginning towards achieving desired weight loss goals and treating obesity, the root cause of various cardiovascular diseases. India is preferred for Bariatric Surgery for its low operative cost, prompt and timely medical attention, and intervention by expert and qualified professionals.

Although the most effective weight loss treatment, Bariatric Surgery needs post-surgical constant and consistent patient commitment, regular checks, and diet control, accompanied by routine physical activity, positive lifestyle changes, and stress management to make it a long-term success story with desired results.

References

https://asmbs.org/patients/bariatric-surgery-procedures
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/7-bariatric-surgery-benefits-besides-helping-you-lose-weight/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594256/#:~:text=The%20preoperative%20assessment%20helps%20identify,and%20improves%20weight%20loss%20outcomes.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bariatric-surgery/about/pac-20394258
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bariatric-surgery/about/pac-20394258

Introduction

Bariatric Surgery, for all good reasons, has been in increasing demand as an effective weight reduction alternative by people struggling to lose those extra pounds through non-surgical methods without any positive outcome. When at the peak of one’s weight, apart from the social, emotional, and physical embarrassment, the cardiovascular risks weighing on these obese people are the real cause of concern. One of the studies conducted by the American College of Cardiology reviewed the role of Bariatric Surgery in lowering CV risks in obese and suggested that it significantly lowered CV mortality and reduced heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke incidences.

Weight Loss Surgery or not, is always a difficult decision to make for people trying to lose weight. However, when no non-surgical treatment works, people often resort to this surgery as their final call.

In this blog, let us explore the connection between Bariatric Surgery and cardiovascular risks. For this, we need to understand how this treatment works and affects the cardiovascular health outcomes in a patient.

Understanding Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Surgery treats obesity. But many of us feed on the misconception that surgery removes fat from your body. No, it does not. The surgery aims to reduce the size of your stomach and re-route the intestine track to restrict the food intake and the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. The smaller the stomach size, the fuller one feels with less food. The re-routing of the digestive tract limits digestion and absorption of the nutrients. Thus, it leads to considerable weight loss in a shorter span, when combined with proper diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

Obesity is the Root Cause of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs).

Obesity is an excessive or abnormal accumulation of fat in the body that risks one’s health. It is a chronic and complex medical condition and has become common in people of all ages. It is the root cause of CVDs, often leading to death if left unaddressed. Obese are at a high risk of developing various heart-related issues like-

• High Cholesterol – A high amount of fat in the body causes blockages in the blood vessels, increasing the chances of stroke or heart attack.
• Type 2 Diabetes- Excessive storage of fat results in the muscles and tissues becoming more resistant to insulin, leading to the risk of developing type-2 diabetes. This impairs the circulatory, immune, and nervous system and leads to stroke or heart attack.
• High blood pressure- The amount of pressure the blood flow exerts on the inner walls of the arteries increases with the accumulation of fatty tissue. The heart needs to work hard to pump blood throughout the body.
• Heart Diseases- Buildup of fatty substances in blood vessels leads to atherosclerosis, impairing cardiac function. Fat accumulation may cause the heart to pump blood more rigorously, and when it fails, the blood gets collected in parts of the body, like the lungs, legs, or feet.

With weight reduction, a person is at a lower risk of these diseases and discomfort associated with managing excess body weight and can enjoy a healthier and fuller life.

Bariatric Surgeries to Treat Obesity

Bariatric Surgeries aim to treat class III obesity, also known as morbid obesity. People with a BMI of 40 or more, or 35 or more in people with any co-morbidity fall under class III obesity. Though weight reduction is not a one-time solution or a quick fix to obesity, proper diet checks, regular exercise, and positive lifestyle changes help achieve it sustainably.

• Gastric Sleeve Surgery- Known as Sleeve Gastrectomy, the surgery reduces the stomach size by approx. 80%, thus leaving behind a tubular sleeve that is banana-shaped. The reduced stomach size makes one feel fuller with less food intake. The surgery also reduces the amount of hunger hormones the stomach produces, thus restricting the impulses to eat more.
• Gastric Bypass Surgery- Gastric Bypass Surgery is also known as Roux-en-Y surgery. It is common bariatric surgery and is performed when diet and exercise fail to reduce weight. The surgeon creates a small pouch from the stomach and staples it. The small pouch gets separated from the rest of the stomach. This new pouch becomes the functional portion of the stomach. The newly created pouch is attached to the lower part of the small intestine, bypassing the upper portion. The swallowed food will go to the small pouch of the stomach, and then directly to the lower portion of the small intestine. The new route bypasses a major part of the stomach, and the upper portion of the small intestine.
• Duodenal Switch Surgery- The combination of Gastric Sleeve and Intestinal Bypass surgeries, this surgery removes a major portion of the stomach and attaches the smaller pouch to the lower intestine, creating a shorter path for the food to pass from the stomach to the intestine.

Bariatric Surgery -Lowering CVD Risks

By treating excess weight, the cause of CVDs, Bariatric Surgery lowers the future risk of these diseases. When excess weight is treated, the associated diseases are either prevented or eventually treated. When a person has to carry less weight, the heart has to put in less effort to pump blood and, hence, is at a lower risk of heart-related problems. For obese people already having CVD, studies show that those who had the surgery were at a lower risk of adverse outcomes than those with similar conditions who did not undergo the surgery. It reduces the incidence of heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke in obese patients. Without weight loss management or surgery, morbid obesity sooner or later leads to cardiovascular health issues. These chances could be reduced if one undergoes Bariatric Surgery. The surgery is a long-term treatment solution for weight loss and curtailing the associated health issues of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and congestive heart failure.

Conclusion

Obesity is complex and chronic. It is not an aesthetic concern to be ashamed of or feel embarrassed about, but a medical concern that requires a proper line of treatment combined with a sustained diet plan, exercise routine, and positive lifestyle changes. Bariatric Surgery is the best long-term solution, safe and effective, with most patients experiencing losing excess weight, post-surgery. However, the outcome of each surgery varies and depends upon the post-operative care and weight management. The benefits outweigh the associated risks and complications that this surgery carries of a typical surgical procedure.

References

https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Journal-Scans/2022/03/14/15/47/Bariatric-Surgery-and-CV-Disease
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17285-bariatric-obesity-surgery
https://www.heart.org/en/news/2021/04/05/for-heart-patients-bariatric-surgery-may-lower-risk-of-future-cardiovascular-problems
https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Journal-Scans/2022/03/14/15/47/Bariatric-Surgery-and-CV-Disease