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Fizza Mahmood
13 Feb 2024
There are many weight loss management options one of which includes weight loss surgery. It's important to know the types of surgery, the side effects, and the alternatives available.
A decrease of 5% of body weight has been clinically proven to have very positive effects on health. It's essential to understand that all weight management approaches are effective when combined with diet and exercise.
There are multiple weight loss treatment options. They include tablets, meal replacement shakes/bars/supplements, prescription injections, or surgical procedures.
Bariatric surgery is recommended for individuals who fall into two categories. Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 and those with a BMI over 35 who also have significant health issues like type 2 diabetes or health problems (e.g., heart or other medical conditions).
Bariatric surgery, also referred to as weight loss surgery, is a medical procedure designed to change the size of the stomach and its impact on food digestion. The main aim is to limit stomach capacity, enabling individuals to feel full with smaller amounts of food.
In Australia, the most prevalent bariatric surgery procedures include lap band surgery, gastric bypass surgery, and gastric sleeve surgery. These surgeries are generally performed using minimally invasive techniques, involving small incisions in the abdomen.
Weight loss surgery has potential health risks both in the short and long term. Short-term risks include excessive bleeding, infections, anesthesia reactions, blood clots, breathing issues, gastrointestinal leaks, and, rarely, painkiller dependence.
Long-term complications vary by surgery type and can involve bowel obstruction and symptoms like diarrhea, flushing, lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting. Other complications are gallstones, hernias, low blood sugar, malnutrition, ulcers, vomiting, acid reflux, and the possibility of needing a second revision surgery.
This surgery is called gastric banding. This procedure involves placing an adjustable gastric band around the upper part of the stomach. This creates a small pouch, thus extending the time food remains in the stomach.
This surgery is called Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. This surgery staples and removes a part of the small intestine, forming a small stomach pouch. This pouch is then directly connected to the small intestine, allowing food to bypass most of the stomach, resulting in reduced calorie absorption.
This surgery is called sleeve gastrectomy. It is a procedure in which a significant portion of the stomach, including the area that produces a hunger hormone, is removed. Further reducing the amount of food held in the stomach.
In a study of 80 research articles, they looked at how much weight people lost 5 to 10 years after different weight loss surgeries.
Weight loss surgery can be a big change for those who are very obese, but it's not the same for everyone. Before considering surgery, it's important to carefully think about it, do some research, and weigh the pros and cons.
Weight loss surgeries, though commonly performed, should be approached after considering other alternatives. Typically, the first step involves making changes to your diet and lifestyle, including eating habits and exercise routines.
Some individuals find they get better results through exercise, while others feel altering eating habits and calorie control are best. Additionally nutrient nutrient-dense foods like fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can promote well-being.
Reducing weight is a gradual process, and though people may yield short-term results from crash diets, they may have long-term consequences. Individuals should try to stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and manage stress. Weight loss medications with doctor's support can also be an option to explore, or consulting a dietitian can be a step in the right direction.
Fizza is a registered pharmacist with APHRA and has been with Simple Online Doctor since 2023. With a Bachelor of Pharmacy and 8 plus years of experience as a pharmacist, Fizza has a strong passion to improve patient care via enhancing the quality and continuity of care delivered through digital health platforms.
Tyson is a clinical pharmacist in charge of the development and improvement of patient services. He provides clinical support to our team of healthcare professionals and ensures patient health and wellbeing are at the centre of all our services.
Last Reviewed : 13/02/2024
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