SHARES
In our past series of articles, we read about Diabesity and Obesity. These diseases are pretty common in this day and age. The implications of these diseases are plenty and can be life-threatening as well if appropriate action is not taken at the right time.
There are several factors that contribute to whether or not an individual’s body weight. Some of the factors include:
- Individual genetic make up
- Environment
- Behavioural choices
Our body weight and fat levels are regulated by a complex system of signals in the body and these signals control appetite, digestion, energy balance and metabolism to keep our body weight and fat at a steady level or “set point”. Now everyone has a different set point and it can change over time. This set point can be a challenge if you are trying to lose weight. Your body’s set point is part of a basic biological instinct. When body weight and fat levels go below the set point for example when dieting, the body activates defense mechanisms to maintain body weight and fat in order to prevent starvation, even in those who are obese. When on a diet, the body thinks it is in a state of starvation and the survival instinct kicks in. This results in our body storing up energy-rich body fat and thus we are unable to lose weight easily.
For an obese person to achieve significant long-term weight loss, the body’s weight regulation mechanism must be reset so the body stops storing excess fat. This is where bariatric surgery steps in. It helps reset the body’s ability to effectively manage weight.
Losing just 5% of body weight can have the following benefits:
- 5% decrease in HbA1c
- 5mm Hg decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure
- 40mg/dL decrease in triglycerides
- 5mg/dL increase in HDL (good cholesterol)
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery also referred to as metabolic surgery, is an operation which is performed on individuals who are obese and are looking to lose weight. This has been found to be a very effective form of treatment to treat obesity and impending diabetes that is seen in many people who are suffering from obesity.
Move over liposuction and other surgical procedures, bariatric surgery is here to stay. With very minimal invasiveness and post-operative care needed, the positives that come out of a bariatric surgery outweigh the negatives making it a more sought after form of treatment.
What are the types of weight loss surgery available?
- Gastric Bypass – surgical procedure where the stomach is divided into small upper pouch and a much larger lower “remnant” pouch and then the small intestine is rearranged to connect to both.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy – creation of a small stomach “sleeve” using a stapling device and the rest of the stomach is removed.
- Adjustable gastric band – a surgery where the stomach is made smaller by placement of an inflatable band
- Duodenal Switch – makes the stomach smaller, reroutes the intestines and removal of gall bladder
Who gets what?? Which surgery type is best suited for you?
This surgery is not recommended for people who wish to lose only a few kilograms. However, if you meet the criteria, and you and your surgeon agree to the surgery after trying other methods, it can be the key to alleviating diabesity-related health conditions and the beginning of a healthier lifestyle.
What are the health benefits of bariatric surgery?
Some of the general improvements that have been observed after bariatric surgery procedure include:
Migraine – 57% resolved
Pseudotumour Cerebri – 96% resolved
High Cholesterol – 63% resolved
Liver Disease – 20% resolution of fibrosis
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus – 83% resolved
PCOS – 100% resolution of menstrual dysfunction
Venous Statis Disease – 95% resolved
Depression – 55% resolved
Obstructive Sleep Apnea – 74-98% resolved
Asthma – 82% improved or resolved
Heart related disease – 82% risk reduction
High BP – 52-92% resolved
Gastroesophageal reflux disorder – 72-98% resolved
Urinary Incontinence – 44-88% resolved
Degenerative Joint Disease – 41-76% resolved
There you see the improvements outweigh the minimal side effects of bariatric surgery.
What are the post-operative care instructions?
The recovery can start from 6 hours post-surgery to 4 days. You can be back to work, on your feet in about 3 to 14 days’ time. In case of the hospital that is offering these services, you can stay up to a week at the hospital under the watchful eyes of the doctors at Chi Mei Medical Center, Taiwan.
At this facility, the doctors are specialized in minimally invasive procedures (the surgery only involves making 3 small holes on the abdominal wall) that requires the shortest possible post-operative recovery time. The estimated time between admission to discharge is 7 days or less.
Upon discharge the patient can eat, drink and perform activities as usual.
What are the follow-up procedures?
For uncomplicated cases, all subsequent follow-ups can be done at your local GPs. The progress of you surgical wound healing can be managed adequately by local General Practitioners.
Should there be a complication; the GPs will refer you to an affiliate practice for management of complication in a local medical facility.
You will be required to go for 3-6 follow-ups with your local GP depending on your progress of recovery.
[Good news for GetDoc Community]
If you are considering Bariatric Surgery to lose weight and resolve the health hazards that you are facing, yet did not know whether it’s suitable to your condition; fret not! GetDoc is bringing you the COMPLIMENTARY Pre-Assessment for Bariatric Surgery by Dr Carollyn Kek Chee Yen.
Kindly submit your information through this link: http://says.getdoc.co/bariatricpreassessment , Dr Carollyn will arrange the Pre-Assessment with you.
Got questions? Leave us a comment below and we will get back to you on this!
by Dr Carollyn Kek
M.D (FMSMU), Diploma of Dermatology (Bangkok). Dr. Kek is the practitioner in charge of Klinik Welcare in Seksyen 17 Shah Alam, Selangor. Dr. Kek is committed to not only provide optimal physical care, but also to provide options for clients to cosmetically enhance themselves. View all articles by Dr Carollyn Kek.
