Understanding Bariatric Surgery: The Basics You Need to Know by Dr Tikfu Gee

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For many individuals struggling with obesity, weight loss can be an uphill battle. From trying diverse diet programs and engaging in intensive exercise regimens to considering weight-loss medications, many approaches might not yield the desired results. For individuals in such situations, bariatric surgery comes into the picture as an effective option. 

If you are contemplating this road, it's crucial to understand bariatric surgery properly: the basics you need to know are essential to making an informed decision.


What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight-loss surgery, is a procedure that alters your digestive system to help lose weight1. It incorporates several procedures that can limit the amount of food you can hold (restrictive surgeries), limit the absorption of nutrients (malabsorptive surgeries), or involve a combination of both.


Types of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery primarily includes Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Adjustable Gastric Band, and Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS). Each type of surgery has its specifics, benefits, and risks.


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Gastric Bypass

Also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a procedure in which a surgeon creates a small pouch at the top of your stomach. This pouch becomes the only part of the stomach that receives food, which makes you feel full more quickly2.


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Sleeve Gastrectomy

Often recognised as vertical sleeve gastrectomy, involves removing a part of the stomach and creating a tube-like structure. The resulting stomach size is smaller, signaling your brain to feel full faster3.


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Adjustable Gastric Band

Involves placing an inflatable band around the top portion of your stomach, creating a small pouch. This pouch slows the food passage, promoting slow, gradual weight loss4.


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BPD/DS

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch is a complex procedure that begins with the surgeon removing a large part of the stomach. Next, a small intestine bypass is performed to restrict nutrient intake5.

Who is a Good Candidate?

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Bariatric surgery is generally recommended for obese adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. In some cases, when you have life-threatening or severe weight-related health problems as diabetes and high blood pressure, a BMI of 30 or above can be acceptable6. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional to gauge your eligibility for bariatric surgery.


The Risks and Rewards

All surgeries come with a degree of risk, and bariatric surgery is no different. Potential risks include infection, adverse reactions to anaesthesia, blood clots, lung or breathing problems, leaks in the gastrointestinal system, and even death1.

However, the rewards may outweigh the risks for many. Bariatric surgery can significantly improve the quality of life, help achieve long-term weight loss, improve or eliminate obesity-related conditions (like heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes), enhance mood and psychological health, and boost overall longevity7.


Conclusion

Understanding bariatric surgery and its basics can empower you to make an informed decision about your health. Successful weight-loss surgery involves a long-term commitment to lifestyle changes. Hence, it is essential to consult healthcare professionals before taking this important step towards healthier living.


Stay tuned for my next articles!

Dato Dr Tikfu Gee

#Drtikfugee #Datodrtikfugee #Tikfugee #DrGee #BariatricSurgeon #Malaysia #MetabolicAndBariatric #MinimallyInvasiveSurgery #Robotic #Sleeve #Gastrectomy #GastricByPass #Adjustable #LapBand #BPD/DS #WeightLoss


Sources:

  1. Bariatric surgery (2023). Retrieved from Mayo Clinic ↩

  2. Hoffman M., Ambardekar N. What is gastric bypass surgery (2022). Retrieved from WebMD ↩

  3. Public Education Committee. Bariatric surgery procedures (2021). Retrieved from American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery ↩

  4. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Retrieved from Johns Hopkins Medicine ↩

  5. Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) gastric bypass (2022) Retrieved from Mayo Clinic ↩

  6. Candidates for bariatric surgery (2020). Retrieved from National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases ↩

  7. Bariatric surgery: What can be expected after surgery. Retrieved from Johns Hopkins Medicine ↩

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