When it comes to weight loss, there’s a ton of misinformation out in the world. It can be hard to know what applies to you and your situation and what doesn’t. It can be tricky to determine what is marketing lingo designed to convince you to spend more money and what is actually an effective and safe option for weight loss.
The following will take a look at one path towards weight loss in particular—bariatric surgery. We will explore the effectiveness of the surgery as well as considerations you need to keep in mind if you are thinking about this route for you.
What Is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is sometimes also referred to as gastric bypass surgery. It is a type of surgery involving alterations to the digestive system with the goal of helping patients lose weight. It is often sought out when diet and exercise haven’t been effective for weight loss or when a person’s weight presents serious health risks that need to be addressed in a shorter time frame than traditional weight loss methods would allow.
There is more than one type of bariatric surgery. Some procedures reduce how much a person can eat, while others limit the body’s capacity for absorbing nutrients. There are also bariatric surgeries that have both effects. General anesthesia is used during bariatric surgeries, meaning that you are unconscious throughout the procedure. Bariatric surgery tends to be extremely useful for weight loss. However, surgeries might not be right for everyone, given their medical history, and like with all surgeries, there are risks and potential side effects. Most bariatric surgeries require permanent lifestyle changes to be made for the best long-term results.
Who Qualifies For Bariatric Surgery?
Of course, your medical history is a significant part of whether or not you qualify for bariatric surgery—in addition to the below qualifications, you should speak to a medical professional to understand what this means for you and your current state of health.
- A body mass index above 40 (this is the medical definition of extreme obesity)
- A body mass index between 35 and 39.9 (the medical definition of obesity) combined with a health problem related to weight such as severe sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes
- In some cases, a body mass index between 30 to 34 can be considered for bariatric surgery if you are experiencing severe health problems related to weight
- Successfully met medical criteria after an extensive screening process
- In some cases, you might be required to make permanent lifestyle changes prior to the surgery
- In most situations, you will be required to participate in follow-up plans over the long-term
You will also be required to follow pre and post-op recommendations to encourage safe and healthy healing from the surgery. Experts from TijuanaBariatricCenter.com emphasize that bariatric surgery is most successful when patients make lifestyle alterations in tandem with the surgery. Your surgeon will give you an outline of what is expected of you should you get the surgery.
Typical Results
Bariatric surgeries are often able to provide long-term weight loss. The total amount of weight lost depends on which type of bariatric surgery you undergo and which habits you maintain post-surgery. It is not impossible to lose half or more of your excess weight within two years.
Beyond weight loss, bariatric surgeries can also assist with health conditions associated with being overweight. This might include:
- Joint pain from osteoarthritis
- Heart disease
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
What Are The Risks Associated With Bariatric Surgery?
All major medical procedures have risks associated with them. Bariatric surgery is no exception. In the short term, it is possible to experience:
- Leaks in your gastrointestinal system
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia (allergic reactions)
- Lung or breathing issues
- Blood clots
- In rare cases, death
Again, your surgeon will be able to give you instructions on the things you can do to reduce the chances of experiencing the above side effects. In the long term, it is possible to experience:
- A need for additional surgeries or procedures
- Bowel obstruction
- Acid reflux
- Dumping syndrome
- Vomiting
- Ulcers
- Gallstones
- Malnutrition
- Hernias
- Low blood sugar
- In rare cases, death
The above information should help you understand how effective gastric bypass surgery can be as well as the common criteria surgeons use to determine qualifications for surgery. You should also have a grasp on some of the expected outcomes and risks associated with the surgery. In addition to the above information, your medical history and current health might influence your ability to qualify for the surgery or increase or decrease your risk for potential side effects.