“Weight Loss Surgery is NOT a Cosmetic Procedure”
According to the National Institute of Health consensus conference, surgery is the only effective treatment for long term and sustained weight loss that has good outcomes in terms of improvement and/or resolution of co-morbid conditions, improved self esteem and quality of life as well as increase longevity.
“What is Obesity Surgery? Is it same as the liposuction?” this is the most common question among people and the answer is No! Liposuction is a surface surgery done to remove the extra unwanted fat from different parts of the body. Basically, this is a surgery a surgery for body sculpturing and not weight loss, whereas obesity or bariatric surgery gives an option for treating the diseases. It is evolved into three categories:
- Restrictive procedures such as Sleeve gastrectomy, gastric band
- Malabsorptive procedures such as Bilio-pancreatic diversion with or without duodenal switch
- Combined procedures such as Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass (RYGB)
Hence, the selection of the procedure needs to be individualized based on the age, presence or absence of the co morbidities, BMI, patient’s preference and compliance, experience of the surgeons, etc. The most crucial in selecting the right procedure for an individual is the experience of the bariatric surgeon.
Weight Loss Surgery Procedures
There are two basic mechanisms of weight loss surgery:
- Restrictive procedures decrease the food intake by creating a small upper stomach pouch to limit the food intake.
- Malabsorptive procedures alter the digestion thereby causes the food to be properly digested and completely absorbed.
There are several procedures combining the restrictive and the malabsorptive mechanisms of weight loss surgery.
How effective is bariatric surgery?
The actual weight a patient will lose post operation depends on several factors as such:
- Weight before surgery
- Overall condition of patient’s health
- Ability to exercise
- Patient’s age
- Surgical procedure
- Commitment to maintain dietary guidelines and other follow-up care
- Motivation of patient and cooperation of family, association and friends
The ability to achieve and maintain loss of at least 50% of the excess body weight without having any significant adverse effects establishes the successful bariatric surgery. Most patients lose weight rapidly post surgery and continue to do so until 18 to 24 months losing around 30 to 50% of their excess weight during the first 6 months and 77% for 12 months after surgery. Further patients with co-morbid conditions have experienced complete resolution or improvement.
Our Team of Specialists
Dr. (Prof.) Tej Krishan Tusoo- Director
Dr. Paritosh S. Gupta- Sr. Consultant
Dr. Mayank Manjul- Consultant