Bariatric Surgery Options
Bariatric Surgery Options
- What Does Bariatric Mean?
- What are the Different Types of Bariatric Surgery?
- Which Bariatric Surgical Option is Best for me?
Among the prevailing worldwide epidemic ravaging our nations today, obesity stands as one of the top concerns, not just among adults, but also among children and young adults. Although the problem with obesity seems to be more cosmetic or physically related, the issue is complex according to medical analysis. It is a medical situation that exposes the patient to the risk of heart-related disease, like coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, end-stage renal disease, and even certain cancers.
With over a quarter of people in America overweight, ten percent of these populations resort to medication as a remedy. Even though many people in our society are aware of the dangers of obesity, caused by consuming more calories than they burn through exercise and normal daily activities, some of them give up on the fight to stay. There are many factors responsible for overweight, and managing that weight is often very difficult. Some of these are hereditary or genetic, hormonal, metabolic, environmental, and personal dieting, and exercise choices.
The reports from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) have proven that obesity can be more severe among adults 40–59 than other age groups. And according to the trends in obesity among adults by CDC, the tendency for severe obesity remains higher among women than in men. (Hales, Carroll, Fryar, & Ogden, 2020). With the restriction in people’s mobility from buses to offices and even to their houses, most facilities are not set up to adapt these constraints. As a result, more people in the United States and Canada ranks as obese.
Here is the Good News! Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective modality that provides a significant, sustained weight loss for morbidly obese patients.
What Does Bariatric Mean?
According to Merriam Webster dictionary, Baros means “weight” in Greek; so, for example, a barometer is an instrument that measures air pressure or weight. Bariatric describes the medical treatment of obesity. Hence, the term “bariatrics” refers to procedures that target the reduction of the stomach size, temporarily or permanently, to decrease the amount of food or calorie intake of a person.
Bariatric procedures or surgeries help with weight loss by combining volume-restrictive, intestinal hormones, alteration, and nutrient-malabsorption. Some bariatric procedures can assist with reducing the stomach size and decreasing the number of calories the body can absorb at the same time.
What are the Different Types of Bariatric Surgery?
All bariatric surgery, no matter the procedure is classified under malabsorptive, restrictive, or a combination of the two. Malabsorptive methods seem to be more effective for weight loss because it focuses on changing the digestive process by rerouting the food away from the stomach, and by removing a portion of the stomach, known as ‘gastric bypass,’ procedures. The restrictive procedures also reduce the stomach’s size to hold less food, but the digestive functions remain intact. This type is often known as a “gastric stapling” procedure.
Gastric bypass surgery
This surgery focuses on altering the process of digestion that will result in weight loss. The operation shrinks the patient’s stomach and the number of calories and fat the body absorbs.
PROS: Gastric bypass is very useful, and patients usually lose more than 20 pounds after the procedure. It can also lead to some positive hormonal changes in the body and can improve the patient’s diabetic condition.
CONS: It is difficult to reverse. Vitamin shortage will most likely occur,
Higher surgery-related problems than gastric band, and increased risk of alcohol use disorder.
Sleeve gastrectomy surgery
It is also called gastric sleeve surgery, and it takes place in the stomach. About 80 to 85% of the stomach is removed. This surgery is for high-risk surgical patients, with previous multiple surgeries, on numerous medications, and for people who weigh more than 400-500 pounds.
PROS: the sleeve is a bit safer than gastric bypass. With the sleeve gastrectomy, there are no connections between the bowel, no adjustments as needed, more significant weight loss than the gastric band, no changes to intestines, and no objects placed in the body.
CONS: This procedure cannot be reversed. There are chances of vitamin shortage, a higher chance of surgery-related problems than gastric band, likely case of acid reflux.
Duodenal switch
Duodenal switch is the combination of sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. During this procedure, bariatric surgeons remove part of the stomach to create the trademark sleeve. Then they do a more extensive version of gastric bypass surgery, which will result in weight loss and more significant metabolic effects.
PROS: Patients experience significant amount of weight loss. It can help correct some health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and hormonal balance for people with the chronic metabolic disease.
CONS: High risk of surgical complications due to complex procedures. Also, there are very few experienced doctors in this type of surgery.
Bariatric Surgery Requirements
Before the Surgery
Patient will meet with several health care providers, including a dietitian, and a bariatric surgeon. Some programs include helpful before and after support groups. The medical history, physical exams and blood work will be documented, and detailed information about the surgery, and what follows will be provided. The dietitian will walk the patient through a new feeding lifestyle.
After the Surgery
The Patient will rest and recover, the doctor will prescribe vitamins and minerals supplements, and the patient will gradually walk and move around for a faster recovery, until fully recovered.
Duodenal switch
After surgery, patients will mostly start on liquid to soft diets before solid food, which will take weeks. The doctor, nurse, or dietitian will provide instruction on the best meal option.
Which Bariatric Surgery Option is Best for me?
- Between 35 and over 40, with conditions like high blood pressure, liver disease, diabetes, or between 30 and 35, with uncontrolled diabetes.
- No matter what the weight loss goals are, it is necessary to discuss with your doctor on what type of bariatric surgery is best for you.
Where can I find the right Bariatric Surgical place?
- Do you live in Dallas or Fort Worth area?
- Have you heard of Nova Bariatric, and Minimally Invasive Surgery?
They are a team of dedicated Bariatrics Specialists, and Dr. Alibhai and the team at NOVA Bariatrics is committed to helping their patients with the goal of losing weight and getting rid of obesity. At NOVA they are willing to help you every step of the way and create solutions that are fit for you.
Dr. Alibhai and his team believes that weight loss is a journey and commits to his patients’ success by walking alongside them every step of the way. He dedicates time to help guide each patient with solutions and individualized treatments that will work best for them.
Nova Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery are in Irving, TX, Arlington, TX, and in Dallas, TX. Whether you have access to health insurance or not, no matter how hard you have tried, feel free to contact the office for any question or concerns, and start your amazing journey to weight loss!
CLINICS FOR BARIATRICS
DR. MUSTAFA ALIBHAI
Nova Bariatrics and Minimally Invasive Surgery
6750 N. MacArthur Blvd
Ste 209
Irving, Texas 75039
469-639-0953
9509 N Beach Street
Ste 102
Fort Worth, TX 76244
469-639-0953