Bariatric surgery, also referred to as “weight-loss surgery,” includes various surgical procedures performed on people dealing with obesity. The reduction is made by resetting and re-routing the small intestine to a small stomach pouch (gastric bypass surgery) or by removing a portion of the stomach (sleeve gastrectomy or biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch).
Bariatric surgery can benefit the person in multiple ways. However, there is very little awareness surrounding it, and people often mistake it for cosmetic surgery only. Here are some facts about the bariatric surgery that Dr. Vikas Singhal, the best bariatric surgeon in Delhi, has compiled.
Dr. Singhal specializes in laparoscopic gastric surgery, laparoscopic bariatric & metabolic surgery, intraoperative endoscopy, and laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery. His clinic provides the best bariatric surgery in Delhi.
Read along to find more about the top ten facts about bariatric surgery.
FACT 1: Bariatric Surgery was performed for the first time in the year 1966. Thus, unlike the common notion, the surgical procedure in India has been conducted for more than a decade now. Almost 15000 cases in India are successfully solved with the help of Bariatric Surgery.
FACT 2: Bariatric Surgery not only helps to reduce the extra weight but also provides a solution to comorbidities like High Cholesterol, Type II Diabetes mellitus, Sleep Apnea, Snoring, Fatty Liver Disease, PCOD, and Joint Pain. Thus, this is not just merely a cosmetic surgery but a life-saving surgery as well.
FACT 3: Different bariatric Surgical procedures exist in the medical field, for example, Roux-N-Y Gastric Bypass, Mini Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve Resection, Gastric Band, SADI, Duodenal Switch, ileal interposition, and Plication. Thus, depending upon the condition of the patient, the course of the treatment is chosen.
FACT 4: After performing the gastric bypass surgery procedure, the high pressure in the stomach reduces considerably; thus, the chances of vomiting reduce drastically.
FACT 5: Analyzing the patient’s condition and physical requirement, the course of the surgery gets decided. Thus, the excess weight loss technique varies from procedure to procedure. The weight loss may range anywhere from 20% to 90%
FACT 6: Obesity sometimes results from genetic reasons, the slow metabolic rate of the body, or overproduction of hormones. Bariatric surgery is a boon for such a scenario as it allows them to deal with excess weight efficiently.
FACT 7: The people during the surgical procedure are unlikely to get any scars, as the Bariatric Surgical procedure involves only three to five incisions that are ½ to sometimes 1 inch long.
FACT 8: Bariatric Surgery or weight loss surgery is many times covered by medical insurance companies. And many patients are not aware of this. Therefore, if you have yet to undergo weight loss surgery, connect with your health insurance company.
FACT 9: An experienced laparoscopic surgeon will perform Bariatric Surgery with expertise and comfort using the laparoscopic technique.
FACT 10: Some Bariatric Surgeries or weight-loss surgeries like gastric band and mini-gastric bypass are reversible.
Thus, the benefits of bariatric surgery are many, and undergoing it can be life-changing for those who want to lose weight.
Bariatric surgery over the years has received immense popularity because of its effectiveness. However, a cloud of confusion still hangs over this medical procedure. Dr. Vikas Singhal, an expert Bariatric surgeon, has cleared up the most common bariatric surgery misconceptions.
Read along to get a proper understanding of it-
Myth 1: Bariatric Surgery Can Be Life-threatening
Contrary to popular belief, bariatric surgery is not very dangerous. It indeed carries some risk, but the studies conducted have shown that the risk for bariatric surgery is about the same as a routine gallbladder surgery only. The recent technological advancements have reduced the high risks that were earlier involved with bariatric surgery.
Myth 2: Diet and exercise will help in weight loss, and surgery is not required
Studies conducted have shown that diet and exercise result in weight loss. However, this technique alone will not suffice for people who are extremely obese. Such people sometimes need assisted medical guidance to avert any kind of medical complications.
Myth 3: People Will Regain their Weight Post-Surgery
After completing bariatric surgery, the patients lose around 50 to 100 pounds of weight in the first year. Studies have shown that people who underwent surgery retain their post-surgery weight even after ten years. Thus, contrary to common notions, bariatric surgery has long-term results.
Myth 4: One Can Not Have Children Post-Surgery
One of the most common myths surrounding weight loss surgeries is that one can not have children post-surgery. However, this is not the case because the patients are advised only against conceiving for initial two years after post-surgery. This advice is given primarily to allow the patient’s body to prepare itself naturally. Also, it is essential to note that weight loss leads to higher testosterone levels and fertility rates in men.
Myth 5: The Problem of Alcoholism Increases
It is common to hear that bariatric surgery leads to the problem of alcoholism. However, such claims hold no ground because the studies have shown no link between bariatric surgery and increased alcoholism. The people post the surgery are advised to cut down their habit of alcohol consumption, as alcohol consumption can have negative repercussions for the surgery.
Myth 6: Bariatric Surgery Leaves Big Scars
Earlier, post the surgery, big scars were common. However, with the advancements in the medical field and incorporating advanced scientific techniques, there is hardly any noticeable scar. Nowadays, most weight-loss surgeries are performed through “pinhole surgery,” also known as laparoscopic surgery. The recovery time in laparoscopic surgery is significantly less, and also there is less scarring involved in it.
Myth 7: All Weight loss surgeries are the same
Although, the common intention of all the weight loss surgery is the same, i.e. to reduce the weight. However, the different surgical procedures have different impacts on metabolism. Depending upon the patient’s requirement, the surgery is planned. Thus, all weight loss surgeries are not the same because they are performed under varying degrees and circumstances.
Myth 8: Bariatric surgery will keep the patient away from overeating
It is possible that post-surgery, the patients will experience reduced cravings for sugar. However, this is not the same for all. Bariatric surgery will not cure bulimia, binge eating, or compulsive/emotional overeating disorders. Such kinds of eating disorders occur before the Surgery and thus lead to increased weight. After the surgery, the person needs to change their eating habits and adopt a healthier lifestyle. If not taken care of, this will lead to regaining weight or developing issues with anxiety or depression.
Myth 9: Bariatric surgery is an easy way out
Bariatric surgery helps to reduce weight is a proven fact. However, post-surgery, one needs to keep a check on their lifestyle. If they do not adopt a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly, they can regain the weight. Bariatric surgery and a commitment to lifestyle change, provide long-term weight loss and significantly improve health and quality of life for many.
Myth 10: Insurance Companies do not cover Bariatric Surgery
This is a widespread misconception amongst many. Multiple medical insurance providers cover the cost of weight loss surgery. However, the terms and policies of the insurance coverage can vary from state to state. Therefore, the patients should connect with their medical insurance providers to have more clarity one the same.
If you have been considering Bariatric surgery, then you should connect with Dr. Vikas Singhal. He is the best bariatric surgeon in Delhi and presently a consultant in the Department of GI & Bariatric Surgery, Medanta- Medicity Hospital, which is regarded as the best bariatric surgery hospital in Gurgaon.
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