Bariatric surgery can sound like an intense procedure, however, it has helped people make significant changes in their lives. In this blog post, we'll talk about what bariatric surgery is, who qualifies, and how it's done.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is performed on the stomach and/or intestines to induce weight loss. It is implemented on different areas of the digestive system, and a few procedures are used to yield the same results.
Patients typically get the help of bariatric surgery when other weight loss solutions, such as diet and exercise, aren't working. Long-term weight loss can be determined by your gut hormone levels, which are responsible for communicating the feeling of being hungry with the brain. Having these areas shrunk can help reduce hunger and make you feel satisfied quicker when eating a meal.
Are You a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
There are a few different factors that make you a candidate for bariatric surgery.
What is your BMI?
Having a Body Mass Index of 30 or higher is considered obese. Individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher are considered candidates for bariatric surgery. (It is important to note that individuals with lean muscles could register on this list but be perfectly healthy. Pairing the BMI test with body fat percentage is crucial to discovering the actual state of your body.)
Do you have an obesity-related illness?
If you have a BMI as low as 35 and at least one of the following obesity-related illnesses, you are a candidate for bariatric surgery:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Depression
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Other weight loss techniques unsuccessful?
If you have been going through the process of diet and exercise under a physician's supervision with no success, your physician might suggest bariatric surgery.
Types of Bariatric Surgery
Weight loss surgery can help you take back control of your life. There is no reason to be ashamed of getting some help in your weight loss journey.
Understanding what happens during the different bariatric surgeries can help you feel more at ease. It can be nerve-wracking if you don't know what happens to your body when you go under anesthesia.
For that reason, we have put together the details of each procedure and how it can aid you in your weight loss efforts.
Gastric Bypass
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is the most common type of bariatric surgery performed worldwide. During this surgery, a small stomach pouch roughly the size of an egg is made by dividing a section of the stomach away. The small intestine is then divided and connected to the newly formed stomach pouch.
The remaining small intestine attached to the bypassed stomach is connected below the new stomach pouch so that the stomach acids and digestive enzymes can mix with the food.
Passing these areas of the stomach helps limit the amount of food your stomach can hold and the number of calories and nutrients your body can absorb. It also reduces the hormones that make you feel hungry.
Gastric Sleeve
A gastric sleeve removes about 85% of the stomach, leaving a much smaller stomach tube or "sleeve." This reduction restricts the amount of food you can eat in one sitting and helps make you feel full quickly. It also reduces hunger hormones and decreases your appetite and cravings.
It is the most common weight loss surgery in the US since it requires a shorter time under general anesthesia. It also does not affect the number of nutrients your body absorbs since the intestines are left alone.
Starting Healthy Habits
Starting and continuing healthy habits after your surgery will help you keep the weight off and feel healthier.
Going on walks is easy on your joints and an excellent way to keep your body active. We have many walking tips and tricks to follow so you can feel motivated to continue working out.
Picking healthier food choices is also essential so you are more aware of what is going into your body. Understanding the portions you need on your plate and what to avoid when eating out can be the difference between a healthy and unhealthy body.
Change Your Life With Arnot
Arnot can provide the surgery you need to change your life forever. When traditional weight loss methods aren't working, don't lose hope. There is still hope for your weight loss journey. You might just need a little help.
Come to Arnot Health and let us evaluate whether or not you are a candidate for bariatric surgery.
