Bariatric surgery: Your expert guide to weight loss and better health

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a term for several procedures that alter the digestive system to help patients struggling with severe obesity achieve significant weight loss and improve obesity-related health conditions.

This article explores the different types of bariatric surgery, the preparation involved, recovery expectations, and long-term outcomes.

What are the different types of bariatric surgery?

There are several types of bariatric surgery, each designed to achieve weight loss by modifying how the digestive system processes food. The most common are:

Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y): This procedure involves creating a small pouch at the upper portion of the stomach. Your surgeon then connects this pouch directly to the small intestine, bypassing a portion of the stomach and small bowel. This reduces the stomach’s capacity and reroutes food, limiting calorie absorption.

Sleeve gastrectomy: This procedure involves removing approximately 75-80% of the stomach, leaving a narrow, tube-shaped “sleeve”. This significantly reduces the stomach’s capacity, restricting food intake and reducing the production of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates hunger.

Adjustable gastric banding: This procedure involves placing a silicone band around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch above the band. The band’s tightness is then adjusted through a port under the skin, controlling the size of the opening to the rest of the stomach. This restricts food intake.

Do I need to prepare before bariatric surgery?

Preparation is crucial to ensure a smooth operation and successful recovery. You will need to undergo a series of evaluations, including medical tests, nutritional assessments, and psychological screening, to determine your eligibility.

Before surgery, you will also be advised to follow a low-calorie, high-protein diet for 2-4 weeks to shrink the liver and improve surgical outcomes. Smoking cessation will be required as well, as smoking increases the risk of complications. Additionally, you may need to adjust or discontinue certain medications, such as blood thinners.

Lastly, preparing mentally and emotionally is equally important. Many patients will benefit from attending counselling sessions or speaking with people who have undergone bariatric surgery to set realistic expectations and build a support network.

How long is recovery after bariatric surgery?

The recovery timeline will vary depending on the type of bariatric surgery performed. However, most patients will stay in the hospital for 1-3 days and return to light activities within 1-2 weeks. Full recovery will take 4-6 weeks.

In the weeks following surgery, you will need to follow a phased diet plan to allow the stomach and digestive system to heal. Adhering to these dietary guidelines is critical for avoiding complications such as nausea, vomiting, or stretching of the stomach pouch. Nutritional supplements, such as multivitamins, calcium, vitamin D, and B12, will also be prescribed to prevent deficiencies.

Is the weight loss permanent?

Bariatric surgery can lead to substantial and long-lasting weight loss. However, its success will depend on your commitment to adopting and maintain long-term lifestyle changes, which include following a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and attending routine follow-up appointments with your surgeon.

On average, you can lose around 50-70% of your excess weight within 12-18 months following surgery. For instance, if you carry 100 pounds of excess weight, you can expect to lose 50-70 pounds. Beyond weight loss, bariatric surgery often leads to improvements in related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, high blood pressure, and joint pain. These improvements will contribute to an enhanced quality of life.