Bariatric surgery is an operation that helps you lose weight by making changes to your digestive system. Some types of bariatric surgeries make your stomach smaller, allowing you to eat and drink less at one time and making you feel full sooner. Other bariatric surgeries also change your small intestine—the part of your body that absorbs calories and nutrients from foods and beverages.
Bariatric surgery may be an option if you have severe obesity and have not been able to lose weight or keep from gaining back any weight you lost using other methods such as lifestyle treatment or medications. Bariatric surgery also may be an option if you have serious health problems, such as type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea, related to obesity. Bariatric surgery can improve many of the medical conditions linked to obesity, especially type 2 diabetes.
Does Bariatric Surgery Always Work?
Studies show that many people who have bariatric surgery lose about 15 to 30 percent of their starting weight on average, depending on the type of surgery they have. However, no method, including surgery, is sure to produce and maintain weight loss. Some people who have bariatric surgery may not lose as much as they hoped. Over time, some people regain a portion of the weight they lost. The amount of weight people regain may vary. Factors that affect weight regain may include a person’s level of obesity and the type of surgery he or she had.
Bariatric surgery does not replace healthy habits, but may make it easier for you to consume fewer calories and be more physically active. Choosing healthy foods and beverages before and after the surgery may help you lose more weight and keep it off long term. Regular physical activity after surgery also helps keep the weight off. To improve your health, you must commit to a lifetime of healthy lifestyle habits and following the advice of your health care providers.
What Should I Expect Before Surgery?
Before surgery, you will meet with several health care providers, such as a dietitian, a psychiatrist or psychologist, an internist, and a bariatric surgeon.
- The doctor will ask about your medical history, do a thorough physical exam, and order blood tests. If you are a smoker, he or she will likely ask you to stop smoking at least 6 weeks before your surgery.
- The surgeon will tell you more about the surgery, including how to prepare for it and what type of follow- up you will need.
- The dietitian will explain what and how much you will be able to eat and drink after surgery and help you to prepare for how your life will change after surgery.
- The psychiatrist or psychologist may do an assessment to see if bariatric surgery is an option for you.
These health care providers also will advise you to become more active and adopt a healthy eating plan before and after surgery. In some cases, losing weight and bringing your blood sugar levels closer to normal before surgery may lower your chances of having surgery-related problems.
Some bariatric surgery programs have groups you can attend before and after surgery that can help answer questions about the surgery and offer support.
What Should I Expect After Surgery?
After surgery, you will need to rest and recover. Although the type of follow-up varies by type of surgery, you will need to take supplements that your doctor prescribes to make sure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals.
Walking and moving around the house may help you recover more quickly. Start slowly and follow your doctor’s advice about the type of physical activity you can do safely. As you feel more comfortable, add more physical activity.
After surgery, most people move from a liquid diet to a soft diet such as cottage cheese, yogurt, or soup, and then to solid foods over several weeks. Your doctor, nurse, or dietitian will tell you which foods and beverages you may have and which ones you should avoid. You will need to eat small meals and chew your food well.
How Much Weight Can I Expect To Lose?
The amount of weight people lose after bariatric surgery depends on the individual and on the type of surgery he or she had. A study following people for 3 years after surgery found that those who had gastric band surgery lost an average of about 45 pounds. People who had gastric bypass lost an average of 90 pounds. 1 Most people regained some weight over time, but weight regain was usually small compared to their initial weight loss.
Researchers know less about the long-term results of gastric sleeve surgery, but the amount of weight loss seems to be similar to or slightly less than gastric bypass.
Your weight loss could be different. Remember, reaching your goal depends not just on the surgery but also on sticking with healthy lifestyle habits throughout your life.
What Are The Benefits Of Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery can help you lose weight and improve many health problems related to obesity. These health problems include
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Unhealthy cholesterol levels
- Sleep apnea
- Urinary incontinence
- Body pain
- Knee and hip pain
You may be better able to move around and be physically active after surgery. You might also notice your mood improve and feel like your quality of life is better.
Potential Candidates For Bariatric Surgery
Adjustment Diets:
To control the weight, patients need to reduce the caloric intake to a level lower than the caloric consumption. This asks for food adjustments without causing food shortage. Less calories does not always mean less quantities of food. The composition of the food is the most important thing. That is why patients need to see a dietitian.
Physical Exercise:
Also the consumption of calories is very important. This can be stimulated by physical excercises. An excercise from minimum 30 minutes a day (on top of your daily activities) and a moderate intensity. For example walking, swimming, running…
Medication:
The medication Orlistat (Alli/Xenical) reduces the absorption of fat. A study shows that Orlistat results in a very little weightloss.
References
- Pediatric best practice guidelines. American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery website. asmbs.org/resources/pediatric-best-practice-guidelines. Published January 2012. Accessed May 24, 2016.
- Inge TH, Courcoulas AP, Jenkins TM, et al. Weight loss and health status 3 years after bariatric surgery in adolescents. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2016;374(2):113–123.