When individuals face obesity issues that impact their health and quality of life, bariatric surgery may be a vital option to achieve positive change. Although surgery may be effective in losing excess weight, it comes with a host of side effects and risks that patients must seriously consider. These side effects include the possibility of wound infections, possible digestive problems, and changes in psychological status, while risks range from surgical bleeding to nutritional disorders. Patients must be fully aware of these effects and risks before deciding to undergo this type of critical surgery.
What are obesity surgeries?
Before learning about the potential risks, you must first learn about the concept of obesity surgery, which are surgical procedures used to treat severe obesity that has not responded to non-surgical treatments such as lifestyle changes, diet, and exercise. These surgeries aim to reduce the size of the stomach or modify the digestive system to limit the absorption of food and calories, leading to weight loss and improved overall health. Here are some common types of obesity surgery:
Gastric Sleeve: It is a procedure during which the surgeon removes a large portion of the stomach, reducing its size to an almond shape. This reduction reduces the amount of food that can be eaten, which contributes to weight loss.
Colonoscopy (Gastric Bypass): This type of surgery involves significantly reducing the size of the stomach and directing food directly into the small intestine, bypassing the stomach and upper small intestine. This reduces the absorption of calories and nutrients.
Gastric rerouting (Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch): This type of surgery combined operations to reduce the size of the stomach with diverting part of the digestive tract, which reduces the absorption of calories and fat.
Adjustable Gastric Banding: This type of surgery involves placing a constructible band around the upper part of the stomach to reduce its size and the amount of food it can accommodate.
Obesity surgeries are complex procedures and require constant medical follow-up after surgery to ensure good results and deal with potential risks such as nutritional deficiencies and digestive problems. Details and directions vary based on each patient’s condition and health conditions.
Risks of obesity surgery
Bariatric surgeries are major surgical procedures that carry some risks and side effects that people considering having them should be aware of. Among the common risks and side effects the following can be mentioned:
General surgical risks: such as infection, surgical bleeding, and blood clots. Some cases may require re-admission to surgery to fix problems such as leakage from surgery.
Digestion problems: such as persistent nausea and vomiting, abdominal swelling, high acidity, and worsening gastroesophageal reflux.
Nutritional problems: including vitamin, mineral, and protein deficiencies, since the body will not be able to absorb nutrients in the same way after surgery.
Lifestyle changes: Surgery can require radical changes in lifestyle and diet, and it may be difficult for some to adapt to these permanent changes.
Psychological problems: such as depression or physical disorders after surgery, especially if the results are not as expected.
Long-term risks: May include increased risk of fractures, cardiovascular, and respiratory problems.
These risks vary from person to person and depend on factors such as the individual’s medical history and the type of surgery performed. It is important for people interested in surgery to have a comprehensive understanding of the potential risks and benefits, and to work with a specialized medical team to make the optimal decision about whether to have surgery and follow-up care after surgery.
Tips to avoid the risks of obesity surgery
To reduce the potential risks of bariatric surgery, several steps and guidelines can be taken, including:
Comprehensive evaluation before surgery: People who want to undergo obesity surgery should speak with a specialized medical team, which includes surgeons, nutritionists, and psychiatrists, to evaluate the general health condition and determine the best type of surgery suitable.
Physical preparation: It is important to improve your general health condition before surgery by exercising, following a healthy diet, abstaining from smoking, and reducing weight if necessary.
Follow-up nutritional and nutrition counseling: After surgery, the patient must adhere to a balanced diet and follow the nutritionist’s directions to ensure obtaining essential nutrients and avoid deficiencies.
Regular medical follow-up: The patient must attend periodic appointments with doctors to check the results and deal with any potential health problems early.
Adherence to medications and vitamins: Some surgeries may require taking vitamin supplements for life, which helps avoid vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Psychological and psychological support: Obtaining psychological and psychological support after surgery can help in dealing with psychological challenges and lifestyle changes.
Maintaining physical activity: Continuing to engage in appropriate physical activity can help maintain proper weight and overall health.
Long-term follow-up: It is important to have continuous medical care throughout the life to monitor health outcomes and deal with any potential problems.
By choosing a specialized medical team and carefully following medical guidelines, you can reduce the potential risks of bariatric surgery, increase your chances of successful weight loss, and improve your overall health.
In conclusion, bariatric surgery is a bold step that requires careful evaluation and comprehensive preparation from medical and psychological aspects. Despite the potential risks, its benefits may be tangible for individuals suffering from obesity and associated health problems. By adhering to medical guidelines and lifestyle changes, potential harm can be minimized and the chances of success greatly enhanced. Conducting research and consulting with a specialized medical team are the keys to success to ensure achieving the desired results and maintaining good health in the long term.
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