Understanding Bariatric Surgery for Weight Loss
Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, refers to a variety of procedures performed on people struggling with severe obesity. The goal of bariatric surgery is to help people achieve significant weight loss and improve or resolve obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, sleep apnea, and more.
Who is a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery may be an option for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI between 35 and 39.9 along with an obesity-related condition like heart disease or type 2 diabetes. BMI is a measure of body fat based on your height and weight.
It's important to understand that bariatric surgery is not generally recommended for cosmetic weight loss purposes. The risks and long-term lifestyle changes required make it an option reserved for those struggling with clinically severe obesity and related health issues.
Preparing for Bariatric Surgery
Getting ready for weight loss surgery involves extensive medical, nutritional, and psychological assessments. Your bariatric surgery team will want to make sure you fully grasp what surgical options best meet your needs and that you can stick to the major dietary and lifestyle changes required for success.
You will need to commit to diet changes, exercise, medical follow-ups, and possibly counseling or support groups after surgery. Making these lifestyle adjustments can ensure you safely lose excess weight and improve your health over the long term.
Common Bariatric Surgery Procedures
There are several different types of bariatric surgery, each with their own benefits and risks. Your doctor will help determine which is most appropriate based on your individual health profile.
Gastric Bypass
This surgery divides the stomach into a small upper pouch and a larger lower section, then reroutes or "bypasses" part of the small intestine. The smaller stomach pouch restricts how much you can eat comfortably. Bypassing part of the intestine also impacts nutrient absorption, leading to weight loss.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
In this surgery, approximately 75% of the stomach is permanently removed, leaving a smaller tubular structure known as the gastric sleeve. Without a large stomach capacity, patients feel fuller sooner while eating less overall, facilitating weight loss.
Adjustable Gastric Band
Here, an inflatable band is placed around the upper part of the stomach. The band can be adjusted via a port placed under the skin, allowing the stomach passage to be narrowed or widened. This promotes a feeling of fullness after eating smaller meal portions.
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch
This more complex surgery removes most of the stomach while bypassing a large section of the small intestine. The procedure limits how much you can eat and reduces the calories and nutrients your body absorbs from food. It offers significant weight loss but has more risks compared to other surgeries.
Life After Bariatric Surgery: Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Bariatric Diet Guide
After bariatric surgery, most patients need to follow a prescribed diet that is high in lean protein, low in fat, low in carbs, and low in calories in order to facilitate and maintain weight loss. Favoring nutrient-dense whole foods over processed items is also very important.
You must eat slowly and chew food thoroughly, usually sticking to small frequent meals instead of large ones. Consuming high quantities of simple refined carbs and sugars is not recommended after surgery.
Sample Post-Op Diet
* High protein foods: eggs, nonfat Greek yogurt, chicken breast, fish, shrimp, low-fat cottage cheese, protein shakes
* Non-starchy vegetables: green beans, broccoli, spinach, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers
* Fruits: berries, grapefruit, melons, apples
* Whole grains: old fashioned oats, quinoa, brown rice
* Healthy fats: avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil
* Beverages: water, unsweetened tea, coffee
Avoid After Bariatric Surgery
* Fatty, greasy, fried foods
* Fibrous vegetables: corn, peas, celery
* Tough meats: steak
* Sugary foods: cookies, cakes, candy, ice cream
* Carbonated beverages, fruit juice
* Alcohol
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
Nutritional deficiencies are common after bariatric surgery given the significant dietary changes and malabsorption that often occur. Taking recommended daily vitamin and mineral supplements can help promote health and prevent problems.
Standard supplements include a daily multivitamin plus extra calcium, vitamin D, iron, vitamin B12, folate, and bariatric formulas as needed. Your medical team may adjust supplement suggestions over time based on bloodwork and other health markers.
Exercise Requirements After Bariatric Surgery
Along with major dietary changes, boosting physical activity levels provides significant benefits after bariatric surgery. Exercise has been shown to help augment and maintain weight loss while countering the muscle and bone density loss that can occur.
Aim for at least 30 minutes per day of moderate activity according to your abilities. This can include walking, swimming, cycling, strength training, yoga, Pilates, and more. Be sure to get medical guidance and take care not to overexert yourself.
Expected Weight Loss Results
Weight loss outcomes vary widely depending on the type of bariatric procedure performed, patient adherence to post-op guidelines, and other factors. Over the first 12 to 18 months, average weight loss is typically anywhere from 60 to 80 percent of excess body weight.
Most patients can maintain around 50 percent of total excess weight loss five years out from surgery. However,weight regain is possible if compliance with the recommended dietary, exercise, and lifestyle changes declines with time.
Emotional Health Considerations
For some patients, the transition both mentally and physically after bariatric surgery can be challenging. Post-op emotional and mood changes like depression or changes in relationships with food or other people can occur.
Seeking behavioral therapy, joining support groups, journaling, finding enjoyable movement outlets, and other strategies can help promote emotional well-being and weight loss success on your journey. Having a strong at-home support team is also extremely beneficial.
Potential Risks and Complications
While serious complications are uncommon, bariatric surgery does come with some risks especially in the short term. Potential issues include excessive bleeding, infection, blood clots, lung or breathing problems, leaks from staple breakdowns, ulcers, gallstones, and nutritional deficiencies.
Risks are generally higher with older age, high BMI, and other health conditions. Employing an experienced bariatric surgery team and carefully following pre- and post-op guidelines can minimize the chances of complications.
Can Bariatric Surgery Lead to Long-Term Health Improvements?
Obesity-Related Disease Remission
For many patients struggling with severe obesity, weight loss surgery serves as an important and effective tool for improving long-term health. Numerous studies show bariatric procedures facilitate disease remission and risk reduction for conditions like:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Insulin resistance
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Sleep apnea
- Heart disease
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Specifically, it's estimated around 62 percent of obese type 2 diabetes patients experience partial or complete remission of high blood sugar levels for over two years following bariatric surgery.
Impact on Life Expectancy
Given the reductions seen in cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk factors, weight loss surgery shows promise for improving longevity as well. One large Swedish study found bariatric surgery was associated with a 33 percent lower risk of death overall.
Enhanced Quality of Life
Losing a significant amount of excess body weight can also greatly improve mobility, energy levels, body image, sexual function, self-esteem, professional opportunities, and overall well-being.
Take a Step Towards Better Health
Bariatric surgery allows those living with severe obesity and related conditions to take control of their health. While not without risks and life changes, weight loss surgery remains an effective intervention for enabling major weight reduction and reducing the risk of life-threatening diseases for many people.
Working closely with an experienced bariatric team while embracing the dietary, supplement, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments required post-op gives patients the best chance of losing weight safely. Long term, this facilitates huge benefits towards living a happier, healthier, higher quality life.
FAQs
What is the average weight loss from bariatric surgery?
Over the first 12 to 18 months after surgery, most patients lose 60-80% of their excess body weight. 5 years out from surgery, average total weight loss is around 50% of excess body weight.
How long is the hospital stay after bariatric surgery?
For laparoscopic procedures, the average hospital stay is 1-3 days. For open surgery, the hospital stay tends to be 2-4 days on average.
When can you start eating normal foods again after bariatric surgery?
Around 8-12 weeks after surgery, you can usually begin reintroducing soft, pureed high protein foods. It takes 3-6 months post-op before some firmer or more fibrous foods may be tolerated.
Does insurance cover the cost of weight loss surgery?
Many major insurance plans cover bariatric surgery today, especially for those with a clinically severe obesity diagnosis and health conditions like heart disease or type 2 diabetes. Coverage varies by state and insurer.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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