| |
Shed the burden of weight!
If one finds obesity to be disturbing problem that is affecting self-confidence, causing stress and anxiety, hampering daily activities or causing medical problems, there is a solution.
What is Obesity?
Obesity is abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. The fundamental cause of obesity is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify obesity in adults. It is defined as a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of his height in meters (kg/m2).
The WHO definition is:
- BMI greater than or equal to 25 is overweight.
- BMI greater than or equal to 30 is obesity.
BMI provides the most useful population-level measure of overweight and obesity as it is the same for both sexes, and for all ages of adults.
A person is considered obese when his or her body mass index (BMI) is over 30 or weight is 20 percent or more above normal weight. "Morbid Obesity" refers to being more than 45 kg over normal weight or having a BMI of 40 or greater.
What causes Obesity?
- Genetics - Obesity can often be traced to genes, and the brain can induce appetite tendencies
- Illnesses - Hypothyroidism, Cushing Syndrome and Depression
- Psychology - Mental illness and emotional problems
- Lifestyle habits - Poor diet and low levels of daily activity
Sometimes one may not be able to lose weight and improve his/her health through diet and exercise alone. In such cases, bariatric surgery may be considered.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric Surgery or Weight Loss surgery is a serious surgical procedure that decreases the size of the stomach, reduces food intake and can enable one to lose a significant amount of weight. It is a permanent procedure that requires a commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Weight loss surgery not only helps one to lose weight, but can help improve overall health, well-being and self-esteem.
Who is recommended for Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery can be recommended for patients with:
- Serious conditions of Morbid Obesity like Diabetes, Hypertension, etc.
- 30 kg overweight or a BMI >33 kg/m2 for more than 5 years with at least one co-morbidity
- BMI (Body Mass Index) >37 with or without co-morbidities
- Failure to sustain weight loss by supervised dietary and conservative approaches
- Absence of an endocrine cause
- Acceptable operative risk
- Compulsive eating disorders
Types of Bariatric Surgery
Gastric Balloon, Gastric Bypass, Lap-Band and Gastric Sleeve are the most widely practised types of weight loss surgery.
What is Gastric Balloon Surgery?
 In this procedure, the surgeon inserts an inflated gastric balloon into the stomach. The balloon also contains saline and will stay inside the stomach for six months to help one regulate eating habits and start a weight loss program.
The balloon is a soft sac made of silicone that the surgeon will insert into the stomach through the oesophagus (food pipe). It is then injected with saline. The gastric balloon works to make one feel full so one does not get hungry too easily. It will be removed 6 months later, which is enough time to get used to healthier eating habits.
After the surgery, a dietician will provide guidance and assistance for following a specifically designed diet program. This program will make it easier for one to gradually get used to the lifestyle changes that will help maintain weight loss after the gastric balloon is removed from the stomach.
Advantages
This technique will make one feel full with reduced food intake. This will help one lose more weight. The gastric balloon method along with the attendant diet management program will make it easier for one to understand and apply weight management principles that ensure success on the long-term. Finally, the process of inserting the balloon will not require general anaesthesia so one is not as vulnerable to complications.
Procedure time: 15-20 minutes
What is Gastric Bypass Surgery?
There are two steps during gastric bypass surgery:
- The first step makes the stomach smaller. The surgeon will use staples to divide the stomach into a small upper section and a larger bottom section. The top section of the stomach (called the pouch) is where the food one eats will go. It will hold only about 1 ounce of food.
- The second step is the bypass. The surgeon will connect a small part of the small intestine (the jejunum) to a small opening in the pouch. The food one eats will now travel from the pouch through this new opening into the small intestine. Because of this, the body will absorb fewer calories. The net result is that the amount of food one can eat is reduced.
One will be administered general anaesthesia before this surgery. The surgeon will make an incision to on the abdomen and carry out the bypass by working on the stomach and small intestine.
Procedure time: 2 hours
What is Lap-Band Surgery?
This is a type of weight loss surgery that alters the anatomy of the stomach to help one reduce food intake.
In this procedure, a silicone rubber band (Lap-Band) is placed around the top of the stomach. This creates a very small stomach pouch, limiting food intake. Food slowly moves from the smaller pouch through the lower part of the stomach into the intestines. As a result, appetite will decrease, and one will eat less, feel full sooner and gradually lose weight. The Lap-Band System is adjustable. It is connected to a port that sits underneath the skin. This port can be inflated with saline to tighten it and expedite weight loss. Saline can also be removed to loosen the band and alleviate side effects, if necessary.
Procedure time: 30-60 minutes
What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
 During this procedure a bariatric surgeon removes about 85 percent of the stomach so that it takes the shape of a tube or sleeve. This operation is performed laparoscopically, which means that the surgeon makes small incisions as opposed to one large incision. A viewing tube with a small camera (laparoscope) and other tiny instruments are inserted into these small incisions to remove part of the stomach. The tube-shaped stomach that is left is sealed closed with staples.
Procedure time: 30-60 minutes
Bariatric Surgery Guidelines
Consult our bariatric specialist to determine options for treatment. One may also need evaluation on medical conditions that may complicate surgery, medical conditions that will improve after surgery and whether one is ready to adopt a dietary lifestyle change.
A Bariatric surgery consultation provides an opportunity to learn more about the procedure and how one can expect to feel, physically and emotionally, after the surgery.
Considerations after Bariatric Surgery
After weight loss surgery, the most significant change is the amount of food one will be able to eat. Most weight loss surgeries reduce stomach capacity to a few ounces or less. The reduction in the amount of food one can eat can help one lose a significant amount of weight.
Diet
A suitable post-bariatric surgery diet plan shall be recommended by a dietician to derive all the benefits of the surgery. Generally, the diet includes 4 progressive phases: liquid diet, pureed foods, soft solid foods, and easy-to-digest solid foods. Through all these phases, which may last up to 3 months, recommendations on nutritional requirements, quantity of food and liquid intake shall also be provided.
What are the benefits of exercise after surgery?
Exercise can play a critical role in helping gastric bypass patients achieve long-term success in their efforts to fully recover from surgery and engage in a ‘normal’ routine of activities. Specific exercise regimens, progressively increasing in intensity, are recommended according to the patient’s physical condition.
Benefits of exercise after surgery:
- Helps preserve lean body mass
- Aids in maintenance of weight loss
- Helps maintain muscle strength and endurance
- Helps develop and maintain muscle tone
- Promotes joint stability
- Enhances bone strength and integrity
- Improves ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL)
- Promotes improved skin elasticity
- Boosts immune system
- Elevates mood
- Enhances self esteem and confidence
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Improves overall health, well-being and mental outlook
Consult the Bariatric Surgeon at CURRAE Surgical Centre for the right solutions to weight loss problems.
|
|
