Bariatric surgery, also called gastroplasty, is a surgical procedure indicated for people with morbid obesity, who have tried to follow other methods to lose weight without success, this surgery results in weight loss due to the restriction of the amount of food the individual eats. and/or absorption of nutrients at the intestinal level, depending on the procedure used.
There are several types of bariatric surgery, including the main gastric bypass, sleeve and gastric band, each procedure has different requirements, pros and cons, so the surgeon will evaluate which method best utilizes the characteristics of each individual.
- After surgery.
- It is necessary to follow a strict diet and practice regular physical activity.
- In order to promote weight loss and the proper functioning of the body.
Bariatric surgery is indicated in cases of morbid obesity when BMI is greater than 40 kg/m2 or when BMI is greater than 35 kg/m2 with associated comorbidities such as diabetes, southern apnea, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, severe uncontrolled asthma. , osteoarthritis, herniated disc, gastroesophageal reflux with surgical indication, calculator cholecystopathy, repetitive acute pancreatitis, hepatic steatosis, urinary stress incontinence in women, infertility, erectile dysfunction, erectile dysfunction and hemorrhoid diseases, idiopathic intracranial hypertension and depression, social stigma.
This type of surgery is indicated by the doctor when the individual intends to lose weight through clinical and dietary treatments, and does not get the results expected by him over the years.
Put your data in the BMI calculator and see if you’re fit for this type of surgery:
If you have the right body BMI, you should see a bariatric surgeon, usually both in public and private hospitals on an introductory board explaining all the existing surgical methods and what they consist of, how they sound. what the whole procedure will be like.
It is a surgery that is not performed overnight, it will take time, because it is necessary to meet a number of requirements before adding up, because the soil is stricter for the individual, also because you have to be aware of the changes that need to be made later.
For this reason, the surgeon will perform a medical history and study based on his medical and nutritional history in order to evaluate what type of surgery will be most appropriate, once defined, will lead to several medical specialties – cardiologist, endocrinologist, nutritionist, psychologist and others that the doctor deems necessary – to perform an evaluation and issue a medical report indicating that the individual is fit to perform the operation.
The main types of bariatric surgery are
This surgery involves placing an adjustable gastric band on the top of the stomach, which reduces its size and creates a small pocket on the ring, allowing the individual to decrease the portions they ingest, resulting in a loss of between 40 and 50% excess weight It is important to mention that this weight loss is much slower than any other type of bariatric surgery.
Gastric band is a type of restrictive surgery and does not create nutrient malabsorption, presents fewer health risks and recovery is very fast.
Once this surgery is reversible, the gastric band can be removed before the person can gain weight, without causing permanent damage to the stomach. It is important to note that people who have this type of surgery should be checked by a nutritionist to control weight loss and, once removed from the wristband, to help maintain it.
Gastric sleeve, also called vertical gastroplasty, is a type of bariatric surgery that is used in people with morbid obesity, in which any part of the stomach is removed by reducing its gastric capacity, is a restrictive technique because it does not affect the absorption of nutrients However, the patient must follow a diet with a nutritionist, since the stomach can expand again , allowing you to regain weight.
As surgery where part of the stomach is removed, the risks are greater, recovery is slower, it can take up to 6 months, however, this type of surgery has a more lasting result, especially for people who have difficulty dieting.
Gastric bypass is a restrictive and malabsorptive technique in Roux-en-Y, because it not only reduces the size of the stomach, leaving it with a capacity of approximately 30ml at the beginning, a bell that also suppresses the sphincter that controls the gastric aspirator and connects the lower part of the small intestine with the created small stomach, causing poor absorption of nutrients.
This surgical technique results in weight loss over a wide range, between 60-80% of excess weight, however, it is a complete operation that can cause malnutrition if the individual does not follow control with a nutritionist. .
This is a gastrectomy-like procedure, in this surgery your doctor has small spots in your stomach to reduce your size, rather than cutting, so there’s less room for food, leading to lower food intake, which helps more easily. Once the weight is reduced, the points can be removed and the individual’s stomach regains its original size.
This surgery is mainly suitable for people who cannot lose weight with workouts and diet, but who are able to maintain a balanced diet.
In biliopancreatic bypass, a first gastric sleeve is performed and connected to the most distal part of the small intestine to the stomach, creating a restriction and malabsorption of nutrients.
People undergoing a biliopancreatic bypass should consume a nutritional supplement that ensures the daily needs of vitamins and minerals important for the proper functioning of the body.
Post-surgical surgery of bariatric surgery will, however, depend on the type of surgery performed, maintaining strict nutritional control, starting from a clear liquid diet that will evolve according to the tolerance of the individual, in addition to these, in the techniques from which a malabsorption of nutrients occurs, the nutritionist will indicate the intake of multivitamin supplements, calcium, iron and vitamin B12 to avoid deficiency of these nutrients , preventing problems such as anemia, hair loss, weakness, among others.
Women who wish to leave after surgery should wait at least 18 months, as accelerated weight loss could affect the baby’s development.
Learn more about how to recover from weight loss surgery.