The Pros And Cons Of Weight Loss Surgery

Current weight loss procedures or bariatric surgery include stomach stapling, stomach banding, gastric balloons, and surgical bypass of the stomach. The common goal is to promote weight loss.

As with any surgical procedure, it is essential to have interactions between the surgeons, patient, family members of the patient, and counselors. It helps to know the risks involved and accept them before giving a go-ahead for the surgery.

PROS:

1. May help with the management of sugar levels:

The most obvious benefit of bariatric surgery is rapid weight loss. One study has shown that the blood sugar levels of most obese patients with diabetes returned to normal after surgery. Nearly all patients whose blood sugar levels did not return to normal were older or had diabetes for a long time.

2. May help with breathing disorders:

Breathing disorders such as asthma and sleep apnea generally improve.

Related: Effective exercises/Yoga to manage obstructive sleep apnea

3. May help with cardiovascular:

Improvements in cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, etc. can be seen.

Related: High cholesterol? How to choose healthy foods while eating out!

4. May help reduce urinary leakage:

Stress incontinence also responds dramatically well to surgery.

5. Helps reduce weight-related pain:

Weight-related aches and pains can be resolved through bariatric surgery.

What to eat after the surgery? Book a session with an expert dietitian on The Wellness Corner to get your queries resolved.

CONS:

1. Lost weight may come back:

Some patients may regain weight after bariatric surgery. This may be due to noncompliance with postoperative diet, noncompliance with postoperative exercise, or stretching of the stomach pouch.

2. Nutritional deficiencies

The nutritional deficiencies include Vitamin deficiencies (A, B-12, D, E, and K) - Deficiencies of vitamin B-12, folate, and iron can cause anemia. Mineral deficiencies like calcium are also eminent and may lead to osteoporosis and other bone disorders.

3. Post-surgery discomfort

Post-surgery symptoms may include pain and discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, wound infections, etc.

4. Other related risks

The other high risks can be abdominal hernias, bleeding ulcers, gall stones, etc. which might require special monitoring and re-surgeries depending upon the individual.

5. Dumping syndrome

A condition known as "dumping syndrome" can occur as a result of rapid emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine. This is sometimes triggered when too much sugar or large amounts of food is consumed and patients experience nausea, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and fainting after eating.

Seek professional help

If you are wishing to get bariatric surgery but can't make the decision because of the cloudy thoughts in your head, drop your worries and consult a professional on The Wellness Corner for guidance. Chat, audio, or video call according to your convenience.

*Note- Weight loss surgery should be the beginning of a new and healthy lifestyle. To make the most of the surgery and to maximize results, people need to: eat healthily and take nutritional supplements after consulting the dietitian, break binge-eating habits, and exercise regularly.