Bariatric surgery is a medical procedure aimed at promoting weight loss.
Bariatric surgery is a medical procedure aimed at promoting weight loss
Discover the nature of weight loss surgery, the various surgical options
accessible, their respective procedures, and the postoperative recovery
process.
What is weight loss surgery?
- Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a medical intervention aimed at addressing severe obesity. By reducing the size of the stomach, individuals undergoing this procedure experience a sensation of fullness earlier, resulting in reduced food intake.
- There are several primary categories of weight loss surgery, namely gastric bypass, gastric band, gastric balloon, and sleeve gastrectomy.
- In order to qualify for NHS weight loss surgery, individuals typically must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher and have made attempts to reduce weight through a combination of healthy eating, physical activity, and medication.
- Following the surgical procedure, it will be necessary for you to consent to modifications in your lifestyle and dietary habits, as well as adhere to scheduled follow-up appointments.
- The surgical procedure will be conducted at the hospital, and typically, patients are discharged within 1 to 3 days post-surgery. The expected recovery period generally spans from 4 to 6 weeks.
The rationale behind performing weight loss surgery
Weight loss surgery could potentially be accessible through the National Health Service (NHS) under certain circumstances:
- Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 40, or falling within the range of 35 to 40 with associated health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, breathing issues, and asthma, may benefit from weight loss.
- Despite attempts at dieting, exercise, and other weight loss strategies, achieving and maintaining weight loss has proven challenging.
- Commitment to adopting healthy lifestyle modifications and attending routine follow-up appointments post-surgery is agreed upon.
The accessibility of weight loss surgery is subject to regional disparities within the United Kingdom. Alternatively, individuals have the option to privately finance the surgical procedure, albeit at a potentially high cost.
Getting ready for bariatric surgery
Prior to undergoing weight loss surgery, your general practitioner will
make a referral to a multidisciplinary team of experts who will
evaluate various aspects of your health and well-being:
- The assessment of physical health involves the utilization of blood and urine tests, X-rays, and scans to detect conditions such as blood clots, ulcers, and hernias.
- Mental wellbeing evaluation encompasses your capacity to manage the enduring lifestyle adjustments required post weight loss surgery, which includes adhering to follow-up appointments and supplement intake.
- The analysis of eating patterns and diet includes an examination of your previous attempts at weight loss.