Obesity surgery or bariatric surgery encompasses medical interventions performed to induce weight loss in individuals suffering from severe weight problems. Procedures like gastric sleeve and gastric bypass alter the digestive system, restricting food intake or reducing calorie absorption. This surgical treatment is suitable for individuals who have been unsuccessful in losing weight through methods like diet and exercise, have a BMI above 35, and experience health issues related to obesity. However, not only the benefits but also the risks of surgery should be considered, and expert evaluation should be conducted before making a decision.
Obesity is a significant health issue affecting millions of individuals worldwide, leading to serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. For individuals who struggle to lose weight through traditional methods like diet and exercise, obesity surgery can offer an effective solution. This article will explore what obesity surgery entails, different procedural types, and who is appropriate for these surgeries.
Obesity surgery or medically known as bariatric surgery refers to surgical interventions that assist individuals in losing weight by altering the digestive system. These operations are usually recommended for individuals who are severely overweight and have not succeeded with other weight loss methods. Among the most common types of obesity surgery are gastric bypass and gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy).
Obesity surgery is generally categorized into two main types:
Restrictive Procedures: These surgeries limit food intake by restricting the capacity of the stomach. Procedures like gastric sleeve fall into this category, where a significant portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a small tube-shaped stomach, thereby making the patient feel full with less food.
Malabsorptive Procedures: These surgeries alter the digestive process to reduce the amount of calories absorbed from food. Gastric bypass can be an example of this method. With this surgery, the stomach is made into a small pouch and directly connected to the small intestine, bypassing a significant portion of digestion.
Obesity surgery is not suitable for every individual and certain criteria must be met. One of these criteria is the Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a measure that evaluates a person's weight based on their height. Generally, the following groups are considered suitable for obesity surgery:
Individuals with a BMI of 40 or above: These individuals fall into the category of severe obesity, and surgical intervention can be one of the most appropriate treatment options.
Individuals with a BMI between 35-40 and experiencing health issues related to obesity: Those with significant health problems linked to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea, may also be suitable candidates for surgery.
Individuals with a BMI between 30-35 and experiencing serious health problems related to obesity: Individuals with a BMI above 30 and suffering from obesity-related health issues like diabetes or heart disease may also consider surgical options.
Obesity surgery can not only facilitate weight loss but also improve obesity-related health conditions. For example, controlling post-surgical problems like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure is common. However, like any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. These include infection, bleeding, digestive issues, and nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, post-surgical nutritional monitoring and lifestyle changes are crucial.
Conclusion
Obesity surgery provides an effective solution for individuals struggling with severe obesity and failing to achieve successful weight loss through other methods. These surgeries can help achieve sustainable weight loss by restricting food intake or reducing calorie absorption. However, before deciding on such surgeries, individuals need to meet specific criteria like BMI and thoroughly evaluate both the benefits and potential risks of the surgical process.
