Weight Loss Surgery - Types, Procedure, Benefits, Side Effects

Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a type of procedure performed on individuals who are obese or overweight to help them lose weight. 

The surgery is typically performed on individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or those with a BMI of 35 or higher who have related health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnea. 

The procedure works by limiting the amount of food the stomach can hold, causing a reduction in calorie intake and leading to weight loss. The most common weight loss surgery types include 

1. Gastric sleeve surgery
2. Gastric bypass surgery
3. Adjustable gastric band
4. Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

Weight loss surgery is typically recommended for individuals who are severely overweight or obese and have not been able to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. Here are some factors that may indicate a need for weight loss surgery:

1. A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher with related health problems.
2. Difficulty losing weight and keeping it off through diet and exercise.
3. Presence of obesity-related health problems such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, heart disease, or joint problems (Osteoarthritis)
4. Significantly increased risk for obesity-related health problems in the future.
5. Poor quality of life due to the physical and emotional effects of obesity.
6. Inability to participate in physical activities or perform daily tasks due to weight.
7. Unsuccessful weight loss attempts with other medical interventions.

Weight loss surgery is performed by a qualified bariatric surgeon and involves several different techniques. The procedure is typically performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy, which involves small incisions and a camera to guide the surgeon. The specific surgical approach and the type of weight loss surgery will depend on the individual's health status, weight loss goals, and other factors.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy is a weight loss surgery in which the majority of the stomach is removed, leaving only a banana-shaped section that is stapled shut. 

1. As a result of the surgery, your stomach can hold less food, causing you to feel full more quickly. 
2. The hormones or bacteria in your gastrointestinal system that affect appetite and metabolism may also be impacted by having part of your stomach removed. 
3. Due to the permanent removal of a portion of the stomach, this kind of surgery cannot be undone.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure, it is a weight loss surgery involving three steps. 

1. To create a small pouch in the upper portion of your stomach, the surgeon first staples it. This makes the stomach smaller, and the patient will eat less as they will feel fuller. 
2. The surgeon then divides the small intestine into two parts. The lower portion of the small intestine is connected to the stomach pouch. Due to this, the food will bypass the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine, and thus, fewer calories get absorbed in the body.
3. The upper portion of the small intestine is reconnected to the lower portion of the small intestine. This enables the digestive juices in the stomach to move from the bypassed portion of the small intestine to the lower portion for complete digestion of the food. 
4. The bypass alters hormones, bacteria, and other elements in the gastrointestinal system that could impact metabolism and hunger. Although a surgeon might do it if it's medically required, gastric bypass is challenging to undo.

Adjustable Gastric Band Surgery

Like gastric sleeve and bypass procedures, the gastric band also helps in weight loss by providing a feeling of fullness in the patient.

1. The doctor wraps an inflatable ring around the top of the stomach to create a small pouch. The saline solution is contained inside a circular balloon inside the inner band.
2. The surgeon can modify the inner band to enlarge the opening from the pouch to the remainder of your stomach by injecting or removing the saline solution through a small device known as a port inserted under your skin.
3. The patient will require numerous follow-up appointments after surgery to modify the size of the band opening. The surgeon may remove the band if it creates issues or is not assisting the patient in losing enough weight.

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch

Also known as mixed surgery is also known as a type of weight loss surgery involving two main components: restriction and malabsorption. The steps of the procedure may include the following:

1. Stomach reduction: The surgeon removes a large portion of the stomach, leaving a small pouch restricting the amount of food the patient can eat.
2. Intestinal bypass: The remaining part of the stomach is connected directly to the small intestine, bypassing a large portion of the intestine and reducing the absorption of nutrients.
3. Connections to the small intestine: The small intestine is reconnected to allow food to pass into the remaining portion of the intestine for absorption.
4. Drainage of bile and pancreatic secretions: The bile and pancreatic secretions are redirected to the end of the small intestine, allowing them to mix with food and aid digestion.

Before weight loss surgery, preparing the patient both physically and mentally is essential. This may involve visiting a primary care physician, undergoing a psychological evaluation, and attending nutritional and exercise counselling. 

Discussing the procedure with a surgeon and understanding the potential risks and benefits of the weight loss surgery is also essential.

On the day of the surgery, it is important to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the surgeon and hospital staff. This may include not eating or drinking anything after midnight, taking prescribed medications, and arranging transportation for the patient.

After weight loss surgery, it is crucial to follow the instructions of the surgeon and healthcare team to ensure proper healing and successful recovery.

1. Diet: After weight loss surgery, the patient will be on a liquid diet for the first few days to allow the stomach time to heal. The patient will gradually advance to pureed and soft foods, eventually transitioning to a regular diet. It is essential to follow the recommended diet to ensure proper nutrition and healing.
2. Exercise: The surgeon and healthcare team will provide specific instructions for when it is safe to begin exercising after weight loss surgery. It is significant to start slowly and gradually increase the activity level as tolerated.
3. Medications: The patient may be prescribed some medicines to help manage pain, prevent infection, and aid digestion after weight loss surgery. It is essential to take the medications as directed.
4. Follow-up appointments: It is also mandatory to visit the surgeon for follow-up appointments regularly post-surgery for proper healing and better results. During the follow-up visit, the surgeon will monitor the progress and address any concerns.
5. Lifestyle changes: Weight loss surgery is just one part of the journey towards long-term weight loss and improved health. It is important to commit to making lifestyle changes, including following a healthy diet and exercise plan, to achieve and maintain your weight loss goals.

The surgery provides several benefits for individuals who are majorly overweight and have been unable to reduce weight through diet and exercise alone. Some potential benefits of weight loss surgery include:

1. Significant weight loss: Weight loss operation can lead to substantial and sustained weight loss, improving overall health and quality of life.
2. Improvement in obesity-related conditions: Bariatric weight loss surgery can help to improve or resolve obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and osteoarthritis.
3. Increased life expectancy: Severe obesity is associated with an increased risk of death, and weight loss operations can help to reduce this risk and increase life expectancy.
4. Improved mental health: Weight loss surgery can help improve self-esteem and body image, positively impacting mental health.
5. Increased mobility and physical function: Weight loss surgery can help to improve mobility and physical function, making it easier to engage in physical activity and daily activities.

Like any surgical procedure, weight loss surgery also has some risks and complications associated with it. Some potential risks and complications of weight loss surgery include:

1. Bleeding: There can be bleeding during and after the weight loss operation.
2. Infection: There are disease risks at the incision site or in the abdominal cavity.
3. Adverse reaction to anaesthesia: There is a risk of an adverse reaction to the anaesthesia used during the procedure.
4. Blood clots: After weight loss surgery, blood clot formation may occur in the legs or lungs.
5. Nausea and vomiting: Weight loss surgery can cause nausea and vomiting, especially in the first few weeks after the procedure.
6. Abdominal pain: Weight loss surgery can cause abdominal pain, especially in the first few weeks after the procedure.
7. Malnutrition: Weight loss surgery can lead to malnutrition due to the reduced ability to absorb nutrients. It is essential to follow a strict balanced diet and take any recommended supplements to ensure proper nutrition.
8. Hernias: There is a risk of hernias developing at the incision site or in the abdomen after weight loss surgery.

Delaying weight loss surgery can increase the risk of developing obesity-related health problems, as well as increase the overall risk of the procedure. Some risks of delaying weight loss surgery include:

1. Worsening of existing health problems: Obesity-related health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea can progress and become more challenging to treat if weight loss surgery is delayed.
2. Increased risk of complications during surgery: The longer an individual has a high body mass index (BMI), the greater the risk of complications during weight loss surgery, including bleeding, infection, and deep vein thrombosis.
3. Difficulty losing weight: The longer an individual is obese, the more difficult it can be to achieve significant weight loss through diet and exercise. Weight loss surgery may become less effective as the individual's weight increases.
4. Increased mortality risk: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of death from various health problems, and the longer an individual remains obese, the greater their risk of death.
5. Reduced quality of life: Obesity can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, making it more challenging to participate in physical activities and perform daily tasks. Delaying weight loss surgery can prolong these adverse effects.

Depending on the operation type and the particular hospital or clinic performing the surgery, the cost of weight loss surgery in India might vary. 

Various factors may affect the cost of weight loss surgery, including:

1. Type of surgery: There are different weight loss surgeries, like gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Each procedure has its own cost due to the equipment and resources needed.
2. Surgeon's experience and reputation: Surgeons with more experience and a good reputation tend to charge higher fees for their services.
3. Geographic location: The cost of weight loss operation can vary by location, with procedures costing more in some areas due to higher living costs or more demand for the procedure.
4. Hospital or surgical centre fees: The facility where the surgery takes place will charge for the operating room, anaesthesia, and other supplies.
5. Pre- and post-operative care: Some surgeries require additional pre-and post-operative care, such as consultations with a nutritionist or physical therapist, which can add to the overall cost.
6. Insurance coverage: Insurance coverage for weight loss surgery can vary depending on the policy and the individual's medical history. Some insurance plans may cover the entire cost, while others may only cover a portion or none.

The following gives a general idea of how much conventional weight reduction surgical operations in India cost:

Procedure	Cost(in INR)
Gastric Bypass Surgery	1,50,000 - 2,50,000
Gastric Sleeve Surgery	1,50,000 - 2,50,000
Adjustable Gastric Band Surgery	1,00,000 - 1,50,000
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch Surgery	2,00,000 - 3,00,000

 

In conclusion, those who find it difficult to lose weight through more conventional means like diet and exercise may find success with weight loss surgery. Significant weight loss, an improvement in general health, and an improvement in quality of life are all possible outcomes. To ensure long-term success, it's crucial to comprehend the costs and possible side effects of weight loss operation and the lifestyle and financial commitments needed. 

The decision to undergo weight loss surgery should be made after careful consideration and consultation with a healthcare provider. A commitment to a healthy lifestyle and ongoing support from a medical team should accompany it. If you or your loved ones have doubts or symptoms associated with weight loss surgery, contact our team of experts at HexaHealth. Our expert team of doctors can consult you and provide you with the proper treatment. Get in touch with us TODAY!