What Is Bariatric Surgery & What Kinds of Weight Loss Surgery Are There?

What Is Bariatric Surgery & What Kinds of Weight Loss Surgery Are There?

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a procedure that helps people who are severely overweight or obese to lose weight. In this blog, let’s look at bariatric surgery, its benefits, and the different types of weight loss surgeries available. If you are looking for a Bariatric Surgeon In Mumbai, this blog provides information on finding the right doctor for you.

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a procedure that helps people who are severely overweight or obese to lose weight. The surgery involves reducing the size of the stomach and in some procedures, re-routing the intestines to bypass the stomach. Bariatric surgery leads to weight loss by multiple mechanisms which include- reduction in food intake, feeling full even after eating small quantities, decreased hunger, increased levels of gastro-intestinal hormones like GLP1, GIP and PYY, changes in gut bacterial lining and bile acid interactions etc. . Bariatric surgery is typically suggested for people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher with or without any other associated diseases, or a BMI of 30 or higher with obesity-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. The surgery leads to significant weight loss and enhances overall health and quality of life.

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

The biggest benefit of Bariatric surgery is significant and effective weight loss.

• It can help improve or resolve conditions related to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, decreased risk of heart disease, PCOD, infertility, fatty liver, joint pains and also decreases the risk of many types of cancers associated with obesity.
• It also helps to improve mental health, including depression and anxiety, and improves quality of life.
• It helps to reduce mortality and increase the life span of people living with obesity.

Types of Weight Loss Surgery

Several types of weight loss surgery are available, each with its own benefits and risks. The most standard types of weight loss surgery are:

• Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

This procedure involves making a small stomach pouch and rerouting the small intestine to the pouch. This limits the amount of food a person can eat and reduces the amount of nutrients their body can absorb. This procedure has profound hormonal changes like increased GLP1, GIP and PYY levels. It also leads to a decrease in hunger hormone- ghrelin. 

• Sleeve Gastrectomy

This procedure involves removing a portion of the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch. This limits the amount of food a person can eat and reduces the production of hunger hormone Ghrelin. Sleeve gastrectomy is the commonest bariatric procedure performed across the world.

• Adjustable Gastric Band Surgery

This procedure involves placing an inflatable band near the upper part of the stomach, initiating a smaller stomach pouch. The band can be adjusted to control the amount of food a person can eat. Band is now quite outdated and rarely performed.

• Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch

This procedure involves removing a portion of the stomach and rerouting a very large part of the small intestine to the remaining stomach pouch. This limits the amount of food a person can eat and reduces the amount of nutrients their body can absorb. This procedure leads to a lot of mal-absorption and has a very high requirement of supplements, especially protein. In the Indian context, this procedure is not performed very often as Indian patients are not able to keep up with the high nutrient supplementation needed by this surgery.

Choosing a Bariatric Surgeon in Mumbai

Choosing the right bariatric surgeon in Mumbai is important to ensure a successful surgery and a safe recovery. Here are few things to consider when choosing a bariatric surgeon in Mumbai:

• Experience

Look for a surgeon who has experience performing bariatric surgery. Ask how many procedures they have performed and what their success rate is. You can also ask to speak with former patients to get an idea of their experience with the surgeon.

• Credentials

Ensure thatthe surgeon has the credentials to perform bariatric surgery. You can check with the Indian Medical Council to ensure they are licensed to practice in Mumbai.

• Facility

Ensure the facility where the surgery will take place is accredited and has the necessary equipment and resources to handle any complications.

• Support

Look for a surgeon who provides support before, during, and after the surgery. They should offer counseling, nutritional advice, and support groups to help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery can be a life-changing process for people who struggle with obesity. It can improve physical and mental health and overall quality of life. If you are considering bariatric surgery, it’s important to understand the different types of surgery available and choose a Bariatric Surgeon In Mumbai like Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker, who has over 17 years of experience and provides support throughout the process. You can achieve weight loss goals and improve overall health and well-being with her appropriate knowledge and support.