Bariatric surgery: methods and risks

Bariatric surgery: methods and risks

Bariatric surgery: methods and risks

Obesity, also known as obesity or overweight, is a growing problem in modern society. It can lead to a variety of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and joint pain. In some cases, conservative treatment through diet modification and exercise may not be sufficient to resolve the weight problem.

In such situations, bariatric surgery can be considered an effective option. These surgical procedures aim to reduce body weight and therefore reduce the health risks associated with obesity.

Methods of bariatric surgery

There are different methods for bariatric surgery, each of which has its own characteristics. Some of these methods are explained in more detail below:

1. Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass is a common procedure for treating severe obesity. During this procedure, the stomach is divided and a small part of the upper part is connected to the small intestine. This reduces the absorption capacity of the stomach and leads to a reduction in food intake and a reduced absorption of nutrients in the digestive tract.

This procedure has proven to be extremely effective and often results in significant weight loss for patients. It is important to note that gastric bypass is an irreversible procedure and can cause some complications such as dumping syndrome, vitamin deficiencies and hernias.

2. Sleeve gastrectomy (sleeve gastrectomy)

Sleeve gastrectomy, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, removes a large portion of the stomach and reshapes it into a narrow tube. This limits the amount of food the stomach can hold. This method has been proven to be effective and often results in patients losing weight quickly.

The advantages of this operation include a lower rate of complications compared to gastric bypass as well as an improvement or even cure of comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

3. Adjustable Gastric Band

Adjustable gastric banding is another option for bariatric surgery. This procedure involves placing a silicone band around the top part of the stomach to restrict the passage of food. The belt can be adjusted to accommodate different units of measure to adjust the passage of food.

This method has the advantage of shorter operation time compared to other bariatric surgery techniques as well as less invasiveness. However, gastric banding is not as effective as other procedures and can lead to complications such as band migration or erosion. It also requires regular readjustments.

Risks of bariatric surgery

Although bariatric surgery can be an effective method for weight loss, it also carries certain risks. Some of the potential risk factors are:

– Infections: As with any surgical operation, there is a risk of infections at the surgical sites and inside the body.
- Bleeding: Surgery on the stomach or intestines can cause bleeding, which in some cases can be serious.
– Nutrient deficiencies: Limited food intake and/or absorption can lead to deficiencies in certain types of vitamins, minerals or proteins. This often requires nutritional supplements after surgery.
– Metabolic changes: Changes in the body’s metabolism during weight loss can lead to unwanted side effects such as hair loss, dry skin or fatigue.
– Psychological effects: The massive weight loss after bariatric surgery can lead to psychological stress such as depression or body image disorders for some patients.

It is important that patients are fully informed about these possible risks before the procedure.

Frequently asked questions about bariatric surgery

Q: How much weight can you lose after bariatric surgery?
A: Weight loss varies depending on individual requirements and method used, but many patients are able to lose 50-70% of their excess weight.

Q: Who is a good candidate for bariatric surgery?
A: Typically, people with a body mass index (BMI) over 40 or a BMI of 35-40 combined with comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure are eligible for bariatric surgery.

Q: Are there alternatives to surgical treatment of obesity?
A: Yes, there are conservative approaches such as dietary changes, exercise and medical weight loss programs. However, these cannot always bring the desired success.

Q: How long does the healing process take after bariatric surgery?
A: The healing process can vary depending on the procedure, but typically takes three to six weeks. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and have regular follow-up examinations.

Sources:
1. Mayo Clinic – Weight loss surgery explained (https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bariatric-surgery/about/pac-20394258)
2. WebMD – Weight Loss Surgery (https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/weight-loss-surgery)
3. German Obesity Society - adipoVOR: Indication for obesity surgery (https://www.adipositas-gesellschaft.de/site-content/adipovor-methodik/70-adipo-specialist/module/methodik-module/module-7-indikationsstellung-zur-adipositaschirurgie.html)