Bariatric Surgery

F.A.Q

What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a medical procedure designed to help individuals with severe obesity achieve significant weight loss.
It involves altering the digestive system to restrict food intake or reduce nutrient absorption.
This surgery is often recommended when lifestyle changes alone are insufficient to achieve sustainable weight loss.

What are the types of bariatric surgery?

The main types of bariatric surgery include:
**Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy):**
– Removes a portion of the stomach to reduce its size and limit food intake.
**Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y):**
– Creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes a portion of the intestines to reduce calorie and nutrient absorption.
**Adjustable Gastric Band:**
– Involves placing a band around the upper stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch.
**Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS):**
– Combines a sleeve gastrectomy with intestinal rerouting for maximum restriction and malabsorption.

Who is an ideal candidate for bariatric surgery in India?

According to Indian BMI standards, the ideal candidates for bariatric surgery are:
– Individuals with a **BMI of 37.5 or higher**, even without co-morbid conditions.
– Those with a **BMI of 32.5 or higher** with obesity-related conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea.
– People who have struggled with weight loss despite efforts through diet, exercise, and medical management.

How does Dr. Vishal ensure healthy weight loss beyond surgery?

Vishal focuses on a comprehensive approach to ensure sustainable weight loss:
**Diet and Lifestyle Coaching:**
– Provides personalized nutrition plans tailored to the patient’s needs.
– Emphasizes healthy eating habits and long-term behavior change.
**Focus on Long-Term Success:**
– Guides patients in maintaining an active lifestyle to enhance results.
– Helps patients understand the importance of mental well-being in weight management.
**Avoiding Over-Reliance on Surgery Alone:**
– Encourages a holistic approach rather than relying solely on the calorie restriction or malabsorption caused by the surgery.
– Helps minimize the risk of weight regain through continuous support.

What is the risk of weight regain after bariatric surgery?

– Weight regain is possible if patients do not follow the recommended diet and lifestyle changes.
– Studies indicate that 20-30% of patients may regain some weight after 5-10 years.
– Dr. Vishal provides continuous coaching to help patients maintain their weight loss and avoid falling back into old habits.

What are the risks and complications of bariatric surgery?

While bariatric surgery is generally safe, some risks include:
– Bleeding, infection, or adverse reactions to anesthesia.
– Nutritional deficiencies due to reduced nutrient absorption.
– Rare complications like blood clots, hernias, or bowel obstruction.
– The overall complication rate is low, approximately **1-2% in experienced centers**.

How effective is bariatric surgery?

– Bariatric surgery leads to significant weight loss, with patients typically losing 50-70% of their excess weight within the first year.
– It also helps resolve or improve obesity-related conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and joint pain.
– Long-term success requires adherence to lifestyle changes and regular follow-ups.

How does Dr. Vishal prioritize patient safety?

Vishal ensures the highest standards of safety through:
– Thorough pre-surgery evaluations, including medical history and risk assessments.
– Advanced surgical techniques and equipment for precision and minimal complications.
– Regular follow-ups to monitor recovery and address any concerns.

What dietary changes are required after bariatric surgery?

Post-surgery, Dr. Vishal recommends:
– Starting with a liquid diet and gradually transitioning to soft foods before regular meals.
– Eating small, frequent meals to avoid stretching the stomach pouch.
– Focusing on protein-rich foods and avoiding high-sugar or high-fat items.
– Taking prescribed supplements to prevent nutritional deficiencies.