Basic Information On Weight Reduction Surgery

By Kathy Kaufman


Weight reduction surgery, also called bariatric surgery refers to a series of procedures carried out on overweight people. The size of the stomach is either reduced or a portion of it removed. This is possible either through use of a gastric band or sleeve gastrectomy respectively. Gastric bypass can also be done by resecting and diverting the small intestine to the stomach. Research has shown that this procedure helps in improving the condition of diabetic patients and reducing the risk of cardiovascular risks.

It is recommended for people with a minimum body mass index of forty and those with existing medical conditions in which obesity is a predisposing factor. Such conditions may include diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, hypertension and impaired glucose tolerance. Surgery is considered when all other programs including exercise, diet and drug therapy have failed.

There are a number of advantages and disadvantages associated with this surgery. All these need to be taken into account before a decision is made on whether the procedure is necessary. Some of the possible complications that should be anticipated include malabsorption of nutrients and gall bladder disease. The risk of depression is also high and as such these persons should be counselled.

There are three surgical options that one may choose from. The common thing about them is that they are aimed at minimizing the recurrence of obesity and to encourage loss of weight. These are broadly classified into malabsorptive, restrictive and mixed type. In the malabsorptive procedure, the aim is to encourage malabsorption of some components in food. Such a procedure includes, for example, what is known as billiopancreatic diversion that is usually accompanied with a duodenal stitch (BDS/DS). The main downside is that some essential nutrients may not be absorbed and this often results in metabolic diseases.

The restrictive procedure is one that minimizes eating by restricting the stomach volume. Persons that have undergone this type often get satisfied earlier than normal. Vertical banded gastroplasty is one of the procedures that can be used here. It involves the permanent placement of staples on the stomach in a manner that results in the creation of a smaller pouch. It is the safest.

Another effective technique that is restrictive in nature is what is referred to as sleeve gastrectomy. As much as 15% of the stomach can be resected by use of this technique. Most of this portion is taken from the greater curvature. This technique transforms it into a tubular shape. Laparoscopes are often used to improve on the accuracy.

In the immediate post-operation period, one should only take liquid foods such as fruit juices and broth and gelatin desserts which are sugar-free. One should eat these foods until the gut fully recovers from the operation. Other diets to be introduced slowly include skimmed milk, cream soup, protein drinks and blended foods.

Adverse effects of weight reduction surgery are common. Due to reduced calcium absorption, patients can develop metabolic bone disease in form of secondary hyperparathyroidism and osteopenia. Rapid weight loss can also result in gallstones. In addition, reduced absorption of nutrients such as thiamine, folate, iron and vitamin B12 can lead to nutritional derangements. Defective renal handling has also been reported.




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