Bariatric Surgery Pros and Cons

Bariatric Surgery is weight loss surgery that is performed on people that are dangerously over weight (obese).  The surgery involves making the stomach smaller by closing part of it off with a gastric band; by actually removing part of the stomach; or by diverting the intestines to a small pouch.

This kind of procedure has proved to be a very successful way of achieving long-term weight loss as well as reversing and/or improving other chronic medical conditions associated with being obese.

Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery is surgery which has the usual set of risks attached.  The  surgery in itself is not an overnight cure for obesity. The patient has to be willing to fully participate in the process which involves a total change in lifestyle, diet and the implementation of an exercise routine.

Making the decision to have Bariatric Surgery is not a decision to be taken lightly. Someone who is thinking about it seriously should make sure that they fully research all the procedures and options that are available to them. Once they are armed with this information they should find out more information and if possible interact with people who have actually been through the process.

Below are some of the pros and cons that you need to start looking into when thinking about having the procedure:

PROS

•    Improvement in blood pressure
•    Improvement in Cholesterol
•    Risk of heart disease reduced
•    Type 2 Diabetes eradicated in most cases
•    Borderline Diabetes reversed
•    Asthma symptoms reduced
•    Improvements in breathing
•    Improvements in sleeping
•    Relief from reflux
•    Gallbladder Disease removed during surgery
•    Incontinence reduced
•    Back pain reduced

CONS

•Risks and complications of surgery
•Lung problems
•Pneumonia
•Pulmonary embolism
•Infection
• Urinary infection
• Hemorrhage
• Bowel obstruction
• Leaking bowel
• Nutritional problems
• Protein deficiency
• Vitamin deficiency
• Mineral deficiency
• Nausea
• Food intolerance
• Constipation
• Hair loss
• Muscle loss

FAQ:

What do you eat after bariatric surgery?

You will be on a liquid diet initially after you bariatric surgery. They will most likely be clear ones followed by non-clear ones. At this stage your body is being slowly reintroduced to foods in order to minimize any adverse reactions. You should only reintroduce one food at a time to your diet. You will then progress onto semi solid foods and then solid foods. This process takes a few months to complete. All meals have to be eaten slowly and chewed fully.

Initially you will be taking in very small amounts of food about 1-2 tablespoons full spread out over a few meals. You will end up eating about 4 cups a food per day at the end of the process. You need to consume in the region of 6-8 cups of water/soft drinks per day to keep your hydration levels up.

You should not include any sugar in your foods, no fizzy drinks and you should choose low/reduced fat options for all products.

It is likely that you will need to take protein, vitamin and mineral supplements every day.

How safe is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric Surgery is as safe as any other surgery undergone by obese patients.

How to qualify for bariatric surgery?

Usually to qualify for bariatric surgery you must have a BMI of 40+; have a BMI of 35+ but also have a preexisting medical condition that relates to obesity; or must be obese and have failed at previous supervised attempts at weight reduction.

Resources and Organization:

http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/gastric.htm
http://www.asmbs.org/

related:

Medical Alert Bracelets – Controversy over Bariatric Surgery Patients/RNY Patients