Obesity is an escalating health problem worldwide. For many people, traditional weight loss methods may not be effective. Obesity surgery, a procedure performed by experienced and specialized surgeons, offers lasting weight loss and a pathway to a healthier life for these individuals.
What is Obesity Surgery?
Obesity is characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as a body mass index (BMI) over 30. Obesity can lead to severe health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. The primary causes of obesity include genetic predisposition, unhealthy dietary habits, lack of physical activity, and certain hormonal disorders. While diet and exercise are the first treatment options, they may not always be sufficient. In these cases, medication, lifestyle changes, or surgical intervention may be necessary.
Obesity surgery is a surgical intervention designed to help individuals with severe weight issues achieve significant weight loss. It is generally recommended for individuals with a BMI of 40 or above, or those with a BMI over 35 who also suffer from serious health issues related to obesity.
Types of Obesity Surgery
Obesity surgery encompasses a variety of procedures tailored to different patient needs, based on factors like weight, overall health, and obesity-related conditions.
- Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy): In this procedure, a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a tube-shaped stomach. This reduced stomach size helps patients feel full with smaller amounts of food. Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the most common types of obesity surgery.
- Gastric Bypass: This involves creating a small stomach pouch and connecting it directly to the small intestine, bypassing part of the stomach. This reduces both stomach capacity and the time food is absorbed, aiding in weight loss.
- Gastric Banding: An adjustable band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to reduce its capacity, and the tightness can be adjusted to control food intake. Although less invasive, the success rates for gastric banding are generally lower than those for sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass.
- Duodenal Switch and Biliopancreatic Diversion: These are more complex surgical options aimed at both reducing stomach size and limiting nutrient absorption. Due to higher associated risks, they are typically reserved for specific patients with unique health needs.
Each of these surgeries provides different levels of support and risks, and the choice of procedure is personalized to meet the specific needs of each patient.
Who is Eligible for Obesity Surgery?
Who is Eligible for Obesity Surgery?
Obesity surgery is an effective and long-term weight loss solution for individuals struggling with severe obesity. However, not everyone qualifies for this surgery; it requires specific medical criteria evaluated by surgeons based on the patient's overall health, BMI, age, and other factors.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) Criteria: A BMI of 40 or above generally qualifies a person as a good candidate for obesity surgery.
- BMI of 35+ with Related Health Conditions: If the BMI is above 35 and the patient has conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or sleep apnea, surgery may be considered.
- BMI of 30-35 with Type 2 Diabetes: For patients with a BMI of 30-35 who cannot control type 2 diabetes through other treatments, obesity surgery might be an option.
- Age Requirements: Obesity surgery is typically for adults. Patients under 18 are rarely considered unless there is a severe health condition. Similarly, patients over 65 may require a thorough evaluation before surgery.
Obesity Surgery for Women
Women may experience different pre- and post-surgical outcomes due to hormonal variations and specific health concerns. Weight reduction from surgery can increase fertility rates; thus, women are advised to avoid pregnancy for at least a year post-surgery, during the peak weight loss phase. Hormonal changes and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may also impact weight. Women undergoing obesity surgery during menopause should pay extra attention to bone health due to an increased risk of osteoporosis.
Obesity Surgery for Men
Obesity in men often presents with abdominal fat, which is closely associated with heart disease. Obesity can also reduce testosterone levels in men, which may normalize after surgery. As men tend to have more muscle mass than women, maintaining muscle during post-surgery weight loss is particularly important.
After Obesity Surgery
The post-surgery phase is crucial for achieving long-term success. Patients must adhere to dietary guidelines, engage in regular physical activity, and attend follow-up appointments as recommended. Surgeons must assess patients' readiness to make lifestyle adjustments and ensure they are physically and psychologically prepared for the weight loss journey. Pre- and post-surgery psychological support may be beneficial, especially for those dealing with eating disorders or emotional challenges related to surgery.
