Ask your doctor these five crucial questions before thinking about bariatric surgery to lose weight

Maintaining an excessive weight increases one’s risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, joint difficulties, and other deadly illnesses and disorders. Being obese is a dangerous condition that may lead to many other fatal diseases and conditions. Therefore, there are several avenues for enhancing life quality through the prompt and efficient resolution of obesity-related issues. Bariatric surgery, also known as weight-loss surgery, represents a significant advancement for those grappling with obesity.

Dr. Sudhir Jadhav, Consultant in Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery at Manipal Hospital in Pune’s Kharadi, said in an interview with HT Lifestyle that patients should talk with their doctor about the following issues before opting to go with weight reduction surgery:

1. What kinds of bariatric surgery are there, and which one is the best?
Some procedures used in bariatric surgery include small gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and bypass. Benefits, dangers, and eligibility requirements are associated with each kind. To decide which course of action is best for a patient, a doctor will consider the patient’s medical history, present state of health, and goals for weight reduction. It is necessary to comprehend the differences between these procedures and the potential outcomes in order to make an educated decision.

2. Is the benefit outweighing the risk?
Like any treatment, the risks associated with bariatric surgery vary according to the individual circumstances of the patient. However, the potential benefits of bariatric surgery may significantly enhance an individual’s health. Obesity is a major contributor to health issues worldwide, and its treatment may often lead to improvements in overall health.

Bariatric surgery may help treat or prevent the following conditions:

Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
heart conditions
unhealthy cholesterol levels
breathing problems during night and the inability to urinate
Joint pain or pain in other bodily areas
Female infertility and PCOD 3. How long should it take to reach the goal weight?
After bariatric surgery, the time it takes to lose weight varies widely from person to person. After surgery, some patients lose weight rapidly, while others may lose weight more gradually. After surgery, most patients may anticipate losing the most weight within 12 to 15 months.

But it’s crucial to realize that losing weight is only a single step in the whole process. Long-term weight maintenance and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are equally vital. In order to sustain their weight reduction and preserve optimum health, patients are often encouraged to adhere to their post-surgery diet and exercise regimen perpetually.

4. Which medical check-ups will be required?
Regular medical follow-ups are necessary after bariatric surgery in order to track your recovery, handle any possible complications, and guarantee the best outcomes. Depending on the kind of surgery done, the patient’s unique health condition, and the doctor’s advice, the specific follow-up plan may change. Nonetheless, typical medical follow-ups often consist of:

Post-operative visits: Shortly after surgery, the surgeon will set up follow-up consultations with patients to evaluate recovery, keep an eye out for any acute complications, and go over the shift to the post-surgical diet and lifestyle.
Nutritional examinations: Because bariatric surgery may impair the body’s capacity to absorb nutrients, regular nutritional examinations are crucial. To ensure that they are fulfilling their nutritional needs, addressing any inadequacies, and optimizing food intake for long-term health and weight reduction, an individual might consult with a dietitian or nutritionist.

Weight loss tracking: To ensure that the patient is reaching their goals at a safe and sustainable pace, the physician will keep track of the patient’s weight reduction progress throughout time. In addition, they could measure body composition, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI).

Long-term follow-up: Maintaining excellent health and a lifetime of healthy habits are necessary after bariatric surgery. Even after achieving their weight reduction goals, a patient will still schedule regular follow-up appointments with a physician. These check-ups are essential to monitor continued development, handle any emerging health problems, and provide assistance as needed.

5. What is the ideal course of treatment?
It might be challenging to ascertain the ideal clinical outcome of bariatric surgery since this outcome can be evaluated using metrics other than weight reduction. For the great majority of patients, however, data indicates that bariatric surgery may lead to considerable and long-term weight reduction. Within the first year after surgery, patients may lose between 50% and 70% of their extra body weight.

For those who are obese, bariatric surgery may be a life-changing decision, but it should not be considered a casual option. Prior to deciding on bariatric surgery, patients should ask five crucial questions in order to fully understand the procedure, its advantages and disadvantages, and what to anticipate along the way.