For people with severe obesity, exercise and diet changes often are not enough on their own to achieve effective weight loss and improved health. Here comes Bariatric surgery to their rescue by helping them lose weight.
Research indicates that bariatric surgery may reduce mortality rates for patients with extreme obesity, especially when paired with adopting a nutritious diet and active lifestyle following the operation. The surgery provides weight loss support that lifestyle modifications alone could not achieve.
But wait!
Before coming to a final verdict, let’s know about Bariatric procedure and whether it helps in actual weight loss.
What are the Principles of Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery aims to limit calorie intake and nutrient absorption through modifications to digestive anatomy.
Let’s check how bariatric surgery works!
Normally, digestion begins as food is broken down in the mouth by chewing and mixed with salivary enzymes. In the stomach, further breakdown aids nutrient release for absorption. The small intestine, especially the duodenum, where bile and pancreatic fluids mix with the food, expedites this process.
To prevent food from being absorbed and digested in the conventional way, bariatric surgery alters a small part of the digestive system. Patients can lose weight and reduce their risk of developing health issues associated with obesity by absorbing fewer calories and nutrition.
>> Also Read: Beware! Your Bathing Habits Can Impact Your Digestion
Types of Bariatric Surgery
There are five types of Bariatric surgery, namely:
- Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty
- Biliopancreatic diversion with a switch in duodenal (i.e. BPD/DS)
- Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y)
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- Intragastric balloon
We’re going to elaborate the types here:
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
It is a modern, minimally invasive technique that involves the insertion of a suturing device through the oesophagus to stitch your stomach and reduce its capacity. If diet and exercise haven't helped you lose weight and your BMI is over 30, this type of bariatric surgery can help you a great deal.
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty enables sustainable weight loss through a non-invasive approach. By strategically reducing stomach capacity via internal suturing, it assists with portion control and calorie reduction over time. As a minimally invasive method, it presents few operative risks and allows for faster post-surgical.
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (Bpd/Ds)
This is a less common type of bariatric surgery comprising two primary steps. In the initial step, sleeve gastrectomy delicately reduces the stomach to approximately 20% of its original size, leaving a narrow tubular section while preserving the pyloric valve and a portion of the small intestine.
The second step involves gently bypassing most of the small intestine to the duodenum near the newly shaped stomach. This type of surgery supports weight loss through two complementary mechanisms. By restricting stomach capacity, less food can be consumed at once. Simultaneously, bypassing most of the small bowel limits the absorption of calories, particularly fats and proteins.
Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is a commonly performed bariatric procedure that can support sustainable weight loss.
In this surgery, the upper stomach is delicately formed into a small pouch while the remainder is divided below. The pouch is then delicately linked to the small intestine without going through the lower stomach or the initial part of the small bowel.
Once swallowed, food passes directly from the narrow pouch through the reconfigured digestive system. The bypass gently limits the amount that can be consumed and redirects digestion in a way that enhances feelings of fullness.
As the most prevalent weight loss operation worldwide, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is recommended when more conservative alternatives such as dietary and lifestyle changes have proven unsuccessful over time for patients with severe, clinical obesity.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Through a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach, sleeve gastrectomy gently reshapes the stomach to support sustainable weight loss and health improvement.
In this stomach bypass surgery, approximately 80% of the upper stomach is delicately removed, leaving a slender tubular section in its place. This gently transforms the stomach into a narrow banana-like shape.
Beyond simply restricting consumption, sleeve gastrectomy has been shown to induce beneficial hormonal changes. Specific gut hormones reduced by weight often return to healthier levels, aiding weight control while simultaneously mitigating related medical issues.
Intragastric Balloon
Intragastric balloon surgery gently facilitates weight loss through consumption management. During this surgery, a small saline-filled balloon is delicately placed within the stomach. By taking up some volume in the stomach, the balloon helps satisfy feelings of fullness with modest portions.
With a restricted appetite, patients tend to adopt eating habits conducive to sustainable weight control. By limiting intake, fewer calories can be consumed to impede weight regain over time.
As the balloon is not a permanent implant, it provides a supported period for healthier behaviours to take hold.
What to Expect After Bariatric Surgery?
In the initial period following bariatric surgery, allowing the gastrointestinal system time to properly heal is important.
Patients generally begin with clear liquids only for 1-2 days post-operation. A customized nutrition plan is then carefully followed over subsequent weeks.
The diet progresses gradually from thin fluids to pureed textures and eventually softer, more typical foods. Intake amounts are also closely managed under guidance.
Regular follow-up appointments with medical professionals help support optimal recovery. Frequent monitoring helps identify and address any issues instantly. This focused approach aims to place minimal strain on the digestive tract while still meeting nutritional requirements.
What does Bariatric Surgery Cost?
The estimated Bariatric surgery cost in India is between ₹2,00,000 to ₹6,00,000. However, the Bariatric surgery cost depends on several factors like the patient’s health condition, doctor’s fee, hospital fee, etc.
Is Bariatric Surgery Useful?
When accompanied by optimized lifestyle choices, bariatric surgeries such as gastric bypass surgery have proven potential for sustained weight management. Undergoing surgery paired with focused dietary improvements and activity changes allows many patients to safely reduce excess pounds by as much as half or more in less than two years.
Bariatric surgery alsxo helps to address serious health issues like cardiovascular disease, hypertension, sleep apnea, diabetes, fatty liver disorders, etc. and improves health all over. Thus, a sound health helps to lead a more active and quality life.
Takeaway
Considering the advancement in technology and effectiveness of this surgery, the bariatric surgery cost can be a little heavy on the pocket. Well, fret not! Your health insurer will take care of the hefty bills.
Yes, you heard it right!
Even a few years ago, bariatric surgery was a common exclusion in health insurance. But, after IRDAI guidelines announced in 2014 bariatric surgery was covered since then.
Private insurance companies cover bariatric procedures as these are often seen as medically necessary treatments for severe obesity. The coverage can pay for the surgery costs as well as follow-up sessions. This makes these life-changing weight loss surgeries financially accessible. Thus, having insurance can greatly help in affording the costs of bariatric surgery.
Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.
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