About Weight-loss Surgery

Gastric bypass and other weight-loss surgeries — known collectively as bariatric
surgery —involve making changes to your digestive system to help you lose
weight. Bariatric surgery is done when diet and exercise haven’t worked or when
you have serious health problems because of your weight. Some procedures limit
how much you can eat. Other procedures work by reducing the body’s ability to
absorb nutrients. Some procedures do both.

While bariatric surgery can offer many benefits, all forms of weight-loss surgery are major procedures that can pose serious risks and side effects. Also, you must
make permanent healthy changes to your diet and get regular exercise to help
ensure the long-term success of bariatric surgery.

At Airclinic, our multidisciplinary team determines the weight loss plan that’s right for you.

We evaluate our patients with a thorough physical exam, which may require blood work and other diagnostic tools. Our team also considers your medical issues when determining next steps.

Based on our team’s evaluation, you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery.

 

Who it’s for

In general, bariatric surgery could be an option for you if:

·         Your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher, called extreme obesity.

·         Your BMI is 32 to 39.9, called obesity, and you have a serious weight-related health problem, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or severe sleep apnea. In some cases, you may qualify for certain types of weight-loss surgery if your BMI is 30 to 34 and you have serious weight-related health problems.

Bariatric surgery isn’t for everyone who is severely overweight. You may need to meet certain medical guidelines to qualify for weight-loss surgery. You likely will have an extensive screening process to see if you qualify. You must also be willing to make permanent changes to lead a healthier lifestyle.

You may be required to participate in long-term follow-up plans that include monitoring your nutrition, your lifestyle and behaviour, and your medical conditions.

And keep in mind that bariatric surgery is expensive. Check with your health insurance plan or your regional Medicare or Medicaid office to find out if your policy covers such surgery.

Why it’s done 

Bariatric surgery is done to help you lose excess weight and reduce your risk of potentially life-threatening weight-related health problems, including:

  • Heart disease and stroke
  • High blood pressure
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
  • Sleep apnea
  • Type 2 diabetes

Bariatric surgery is typically done only after you’ve tried to lose weight by improving your diet and exercise habits.

What you can expect 

Bariatric surgery is done in the hospital using general anaesthesia. This means you’re unconscious during the procedure.

The specifics of your surgery depend on your individual situation, the type of
weight-loss surgery you have, and the hospital’s or doctor’s practices. Some
weight-loss surgeries are done with traditional large incisions in your
abdomen. This is known as open surgery.

Today, most types of bariatric surgery are performed laparoscopically. A laparoscope is a small, tubular instrument with a camera attached. The laparoscope is inserted
through small incisions in the abdomen. The tiny camera on the tip of the
laparoscope allows the surgeon to see and operate inside the abdomen without
making the traditional large incisions. Laparoscopic surgery can make recovery
faster and shorter, but it’s not suitable for everyone.

Surgery usually takes several hours. After surgery, you awaken in a recovery room, where medical staff monitors you for any complications. Depending on your procedure, you may need to stay a few days in the hospital.

After bariatric surgery

After weight-loss surgery, you generally won’t be allowed to eat for 1 to 2 days so that your stomach and digestive system can heal. Then, you’ll follow a specific diet for a few weeks. The diet begins with liquids only, then progresses to pureed and very soft foods and eventually to regular foods. You may have many restrictions or limits on how much and what you can eat and drink.

You’ll also have frequent medical check-ups to monitor your health in the first several months after weight-loss surgery. You may need laboratory testing, blood work and various exams.

Results 

Gastric bypass and other bariatric surgeries can provide long-term weight loss. The amount of weight you lose depends on your type of surgery and your change in lifestyle habits. It may be possible to lose half, or even more, of your excess weight within two years.

In addition to weight loss, gastric bypass surgery may improve or resolve conditions often related to being overweight, including:

·         Heart disease

·         High blood pressure

·         Obstructive sleep apnea

·         Type 2 diabetes

·         Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

·         Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

·         Joint pain, also called osteoarthritis

Gastric bypass surgery can also improve your ability to perform routine daily activities, which could help improve your quality of life.