IS BARIATRIC SURGERY SAFE?

We need to see things in multiple dimensions. Obesity along with its associated morbidities (unhealthy conditions that are resultant of obesity) cripples the life of the patient. The beauty of bariatric surgery is besides decreasing the weight, it helps in curing all the morbidities. Safety of a surgical procedure can be broadly divided into intraoperative safety and post-operative safety. With the advent of modern gadgets, the risk of surgery has come down drastically, making it comparable to any other surgery (like gall bladder surgery). The chance of a staple line leak is about 1%.

We whole heartedly believe in the saying- “With power, comes great responsibility.” Likewise, with the responsibility of performing bariatric surgery, comes the responsibility of caring for the patient’s safety. Complications do happen. But having the capability for timely detection and intervention for the same is important. No complication is such that cannot be treated or is life threatening. If we compare the ill effects to life that you carry by being obese, these minor complications of surgery seem insignificant. Moreover, the life after surgery (there will be some changes) is not such that will compromise your safety (Refer the section on Life after bariatric surgery). So, we would like to state emphatically – “Yes, Bariatric Surgery is safe”

Bariatric surgery is completely a safe treatment for reducing the extra fat of your body & maintain the size of your body as it can be done by experienced surgeons & hospital. The post risk of any complication is very rare, some pain or swallowing may occur but it can be cured with medicine otherwise it is absolutely safe procedure to reduce weight loss.

Surgical procedures are generally divided into three categories: malabsorption, restrictive, and mixed, or combination. The type of surgery any patient will undergo will depend on how much weight needs to be lost. Lap banding and gastric bypass are two of the most common surgeries

Bariatric Surgery is done for weight loss. This is the ONLY proven technique and strategy to induce and maintain permanent weight loss. In fact, the weight loss does improve Sugar control in those with Type 2 Diabetes and some even come off their medications for good. There are 3 techniques - Gastric banding, Sleeve Gastrectomy and gastric bypass procedures.

Each surgery has its own benefits and risks. Undergoing weight loss surgery is a serious decision. Awareness of the surgery and its consequences is important before taking a decision. Other factors to consider include the patient’s BMI, eating habits, health conditions related to obesity, and previous stomach surgeries. The risk of problems of is lesser at centers that do more than 100 weight loss operations per year. Demises in the month following gastric sidestep surgery are very infrequent (about 0.2% to 0.5%, or less than one in 200 people) when the procedure is done by a highly skilled surgeon.

Bariatric Surgery has been developed keeping the complex conditions of different patients. While obesity becomes morbid, surgery is the only assured method to get rid of it. It is painless, safe, affordable and fruitful!

Today, bariatric surgery procedures are performed using laparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery. This specialized technique for performing a surgical procedure uses several 0.5 to 1 centimeter incisions as opposed to a large single incision. Considering the majority of risks associated with bariatric surgery have to do with the site of the incision, including excessive bleeding, infection, blood clots, and leaks in the gastrointestinal system, laparoscopic surgery has clearly played a role in improving the safety of weight loss surgery.

However, like all surgery, it is best done by a well trained and experienced surgeon at Ree Age, with a strong support team. You could start looking for one at Ree Age wellness Centre.

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