Being overweight is becoming a common sight. However, opting for bariatric surgery is not the first option for everyone who is obese. Also to remember is that morbid obesity is not an isolated condition. It affects a person s overall physical and mental health in various ways, and therefore bariatric surgery becomes an option only as a last resort. 

Some defining criteria for this surgery would be:

A male who is at least 100 pounds overweight for his height or a female who is at least 80 pounds overweight for her height. This puts them at a body mass index (BMI) of more than 40.
If the BMI is in the range of 35 to 39 and if there are significant health issues like metabolic syndrome, then bariatric surgery can be done. For BMI less than 35, other conservative measures are usually tried before resorting to a surgical approach.
Most people with BMI in the range of 35 and above will have health issues like sleep apnoea, heart disease, lipid disorders, and metabolic syndrome.
Conservative measures to lose weight including diet changes and exercise have failed to produce any desired results.
The person, in addition to physical health, should also be emotionally strong to undergo the demands of bariatric surgery. There are changes involving almost all body systems including digestive, respiratory, cardiac, and musculoskeletal, and so the person needs to be prepared for a lifestyle change.
Strict lifestyle changes including diet and exercise are required, so the person needs to be counseled and convinced about these. A person who can see the long-term benefits will be willing to take the effort.
It is also essential that the person has a strong social support system. For immediate post-op care when skin flaps need to be managed, and for long-term emotional support to manage emotional issues, it works wonders if there is a strong social network. The results are usually better in such people.
A person s overall health would be screened to make sure the lab tests are well within acceptable limits before surgery. It would be unreasonable to get these numbers within limits, if they are way too beyond acceptable limits.
Not the least consideration, but bariatric surgery is an expensive affair. It requires not just surgical costs, but also post-op costs. The good thing, however, is that overall healthcare costs would come down, once the results are visible.
Identifying the right candidate for a bariatric surgery is very essential, as doing this extensive surgical approach on an unsuitable candidate would be a failure.

Bariatric Surgery - Who Is Eligible For The Same?

Obesity is a medical condition where the body accumulates excess fat to the extent that it adversely affects your health. People having a Body Mass Index (BMI) equal to or greater than 30 are considered obese. BMI is the measure of your body fat based on your height and weight. While some people may have a genetic background of being obese, others may gain excess weight due to underlying health conditions.

What causes obesity?
People who do not take part in physical activities or exercise on a regular basis are prone to excess weight gain. Those who have a family history of obesity are likely to be obese. Consumption of high-fat and high-calorie food like processed/fried food, pulses, rice, potatoes, red meat etc. Lack of sleep and sedentary lifestyle also play a huge part in unhealthy weight gain. As you age, your body undergoes many hormonal changes and loses muscle mass as a result of which metabolic rate becomes slower. This makes it easier for you to gain weight. A number of medical conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), diabetes, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), Prader-Willi Syndrome etc also cause your body to gain excess weight.

What are the symptoms of obesity?
People who are obese, experience symptoms such as- tiredness, fatigue, exhaustion, shortness of breath, increased sweating, inability to keep up with physical activities etc. These symptoms, if not paid attention to, can lead to serious health issues such as sleep apnea, heart ailments, high blood pressure.

Role of homeopathy in treating obesity-
Homeopathy can proficiently manage the symptoms of obesity, and also prevent the condition from relapsing. Homeopathic remedies are extracted from different plants, herbs and natural substances that are absolutely safe for you. This branch of medicine attempts to improve your metabolism, correct your digestive system and easily eliminate waste products- which are the three basic prerequisites for weight loss. Homeopathic medicines, unlike conventional medications which restrict nutrient absorption and promote a feeling of fullness, aim to cure the symptoms responsible for excess weight gain naturally. The homeopathy component most commonly used to treat obesity is impure calcium derived from the middle layers of the shells. Homeopathic components like Clubmoss plant extract and sodium chloride are prescribed to those who have excess fat accumulated in the buttocks and thighs.

One major advantage of homeopathy is that they are non-addictive, and can be adopted by people even when they re on other conventional treatment medications.

Obesity - How Homeopathy Can Help?

Looking good and feeling good are sometimes one and the same thing which can be achieved with good skin and a fit body. One can turn to many measures to achieve the same, including cosmetic procedures. Cosmetic surgery like liposuction is generally used to remove the excess fat in the body which cannot be treated with normal exercise or diet control measures. This surgery is conducted by a plastic surgeon. Here is everything you need to know about liposuction.

About: Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure. It removes the excess fat present in one s body with the help of a procedure known as body contouring. This kind of contouring may be carried out in various parts of the body including the calves, knees, buttocks, hips, abdomen, upper arms, breasts and even the neck and chin area. These are the areas that generally end up accumulating excessive fat which does not go away easily. For some people, persistent diet control and exercising may help. But for severe and chronic cases, one will have to make use of measures like liposuction.

Types of Liposuction: Depending on your case as well as the individual system of the patient, one can go in for one of the various types of liposuction. The fluid injection based liposuction is the most popular and common form where a large dose of medicated solution is injected with a local anaesthesia blended into it. This helps in contracting the blood vessels so that the fat can be suctioned out. The next type is the super wet liposuction where the amount of liquid solution injected is the same as the amount of fat that has to be removed. Ultrasound assisted liposuction uses ultrasonic waves in order to transform the fat cells into liquid which can be vacuumed out later. Further, laser assisted liposuction makes use of laser pulses and beams in order to make the fat cells liquid before they are vacuumed out of the system.

The procedure: The plastic surgeon will make use of a special liposuction machine and cannulas or special instruments, so that the surgery may be carried out in a proper manner. Also, depending on the type of procedure you are going in for, you will require local or general anaesthesia. A small incision is made so that the tube may be inserted for the liquefaction process to begin. After this, the fat that has been dislodged will be vacuumed away through the same suction tube. Small drainage tubes will be inserted to remove blood and fluid from the deflated areas and in some rare cases, blood transfusion or fluid replacement may also be required. High blood pressure and cardiovascular cases should not use this option.

Liposuction - How It Can Help You?

Laproscopic Bariatric Surgery allows Surgeons to perform minimally-invasive treatments to obese patients who have had repeated failure in losing weight through diet change and exercise. Bariatric Surgery is a procedure that does not require any incisions. Patients can return home within 2-3days without much discomfort. In this procedure, inserting operative instruments through multiple holes along with a camera which displays video images on monitor without making a single incision. The camera allows the Surgeons to witness the internal condition and perform the procedure safely. The three most well-known Laproscopic bariatric surgery procedures include gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and mini-gastric bypass. 

Most common types of Laparoscopic bariatric surgery: 

Gastric sleeve: This is a more drastic mode of surgery and is a new addition to the bariatric endoscopic surgery procedures. Through this procedure, 90 percent of a patient s stomach is removed to facilitate the loss of hunger. This also helps in portion control of food. 
Gastric bypass: This is the most widely used bariatric procedure to cut down fats and control hunger across the globe. The digestive system is re-routed to suppress the hunger of the patient in this procedure. It also contains minimal risk to a healthy individual. 
Mini-Gastric bypass: Similar to Gastric bypass but shorter procedure with approximately equal results in comparison to gastric bypass. 
Other procedures for weight loss are: EndoBarrier therapy and Intra-gastric balloon The procedure is decided by the Surgeons and depending on which types of the procedure will suit you the most. 
Bariatric Surgery allows doctors to perform minimally-invasive treatments to obese patients who have had repeated failure in losing weight through diet change and exercise. Bariatric Surgery is a procedure that does not require any incisions. Patients can return home within the few day without much discomfort. A keyhole procedure involves inserting camera and instructions within abdominal cavity and operations performed by viewing over the monitor. The camera allows the doctor to witness the internal condition and perform the procedure safely. 

Benefits of Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: 

Being a minimally-invasive procedure, laparoscopic bariatric surgery has its own advantages. Since minimal incisions are made, the risk of operative complications is easily mitigated. Bariatric surgery is also a long-term solution.

Most Common Types Of Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery!

Bariatric surgery is a surgery performed on the stomach and is usually recommended for people who are obese. If you have a BMI value more than 40, then this surgery is a very good option. Along with those having an obesity problem, this surgery is also said to be ideal for those people who are suffering from type 2 diabetes and having a BMI value between 35 to 40.

There are many studies which show that there is a great improvement in people with type 2 diabetes after bariatric surgery. Even the cholesterol and blood pressure levels can also be controlled with the help of this surgery. Post-surgery, you will have to take fewer medicines or in some cases, you need not have to take medicine at all.

How does the doctor decide if you need bariatric surgery?
Basically, there are two things that will be considered by the doctor. The first one is the BMI value, which should be above 35. And the second parameter to consider is if you have tried any other methods to lose weight but did not succeed. Based on these and if you are ready to face the mental and physical challenges after the surgery, you will be advised to go through this surgery. You should make sure that you are doing regular exercise and also eat less.

Types of bariatric surgeries for type 2 diabetes

Gastric bypass: In this kind of surgery, the stomach is divided into two parts. One small part at the top is separated from the lower part of the stomach. Whatever you eat, will go into this small part of the stomach and that makes you feel full faster. Also, fewer nutrients and calories are absorbed into the body. After this kind of surgery, more than 80 percent of diabetes patients showed no signs of diabetes at all.
Gastric sleeve: In this surgery, a large portion of the stomach is removed and hence you will be able to eat less. This also reduces the amount of ghrelin, the hormone responsible for making you feel hungry, produced. This is successful in 60 percent of people with type 2 diabetes.
Adjustable gastric band: A small inflatable band is placed around the stomach. This will look like a small pouch at the place where the food goes in. This pouch will get full a lot quicker and hence you will not be able to eat too much.
Does it help?
Some surgeries show 80 percent success rate and some show 60 percent success rate, but that is in terms of diabetes levels. Due to less food, the body will not get the required minerals and vitamins, which will result in other health complications. Some surgeries are also irreversible. So, it is your doctor who understands the surgery and your health better and they will always suggest the best option for you.

Bariatric Surgery For Type 2 Diabetes - Does It Help?

Bariatric surgery is unlike other surgeries, as its effects are not instant but gradual and are seen over the months. Like any other surgery, it is not without complication. But again unlike all other surgeries, the complication rate can be negligible if a strict protocol is followed. Moreover, the factors like technology advancements, development in the field of advanced laparoscopy, enhanced skillset of the bariatric surgeon, dedicated management of bariatric and metabolic surgeries by bariatric surgeons, play a vital role in the reduction of complication rate which eventually results in safe surgery.

As the procedure is done laparoscopically, the pain is just for a day and is minimally managed by analgesics.

The fear of increasing incidence of incisional hernias while operating an obese patient is so negligible or nil, as the procedure is performed through tiny key holes and all precautions are taken to suture the sheath through which the ports are put to perform the surgery.

Reduced hospital stay and early resuming to work is one of the biggest benefits of this laparoscopic bariatric procedure.

Sometimes, problems that may be faced are:- 

Post-operative bleeding: Normally, this a nearly bloodless surgery involving 5 to 10ml loss of blood. However bleeding from the staple edges is known, but this can be managed well by the surgeon, by choosing the right size of the cartridge as well the right technique of application of the cartridge.

Dehydration: We are normally accustomed to drinking water at long intervals (a few hours) as we can consume nearly 200 to 400ml at one go. Following bariatric surgery, gulping or drinking water in one go is not possible in the first 2 to 4 weeks, due to reduced capacity of the gastric pouch. Hence, care needs to be taken to drink small quantities of water at frequent intervals to avoid dehydration. This is possible only if the patient is counselled about this prior to surgery and is fully aware of this. Also, the patient needs to be given good and clear post operative instructions regarding the quantity and frequency of liquid consumption, not forgetting the type of liquids. Coffee taken frequently could be another cause for dehydration. Family members and colleagues and friends at work play a major role in reminding tthe patient about consuming water frequently. Special care needs to be taken in people who are not accustomed to consuming adequate quantities of water prior to surgery as a general habit.

Vomiting/Fullness/ Discomfort/Indigestion: Following bariatric surgery, soft food is introduced in the diet in the third week, after the first 2 weeks of taking liquids. Due to the reduced capacity of the gastric pouch, the morsel size is significantly reduced and one has to chew the morsel well and eat slowly, giving a gap of 40 to 50 seconds between the morsels. This prevents distension or overdistension of the gastric pouch and thus avoids vomiting. This again requires good counselling prior to the surgery and on the follow up visit too before stating soft food. There is a subjective difference when we say small morsels and we cannot reach a standardization as the morsels size of each individual varies prior to the surgery itself. The best way to avoid this confusion is to make the person have the first soft food meal before you where in you can physically show the way food is expected to be eaten. However, by mistake, there is a chance that one can have a regular sized morsel as over years one is used to eating in that manner. If this happens, the person will vomit , and this will be a reminder to gauge the morsel size the next time the person eats. Following the vomiting, there could be a burning sensation in the stomach which will subside afer taking an antacid. If one follows the instructions of small morsel size, chewing properly and eating slowly, there is no chance that there will be vomiting. Another reason for vomiting could be keeping the stomach empty for a longer duration or having sicy food on an empty stomach. Avoid nuts, seeds, fried foods and processed foods. Very rarely vomiting could be due to reduced size of the joint between the gastric pouch and the small intestine. This could require an Endoscopy and necessary treatment.

Vitamin and mineral deficiency: It is seen that many of the obese patients are seen to have vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron and protein deficiencies in their blood tests that are done prior to surgery. With the significant reduction in the amount of food consumed after bariatric surgery, the existing deficiencies are bound to increase. Hence, it is necessary to do these tests, before surgery and rectify the deficit prior to the surgery.  

Gall bladder stones: Significant weight loss which is consistant over a short duration could lead to the formation of gall bladder stones, be it with or with out surgery in a small percentage of patients. To avoid this there are two schools of thought, one is have a prophylactic removal of the gall bladder along with the bariatric surgery and another is to put the patient on ursodeoxycholic acid (a tablet) for the first few months after surgery during which there is significant weight loss.

Skin sagging: In the morbidly obese, when the skin is overstretched beyond a certain point, it tends to sag once significant weight is lost. This sagging is influenced by a number of factors like age of the patient, the BMI, pre existing sagging, pre-existing muscle tone and protein supplements taken during weight loss and exercises done during the weight loss period. Skin sagging is less if the age is less than 45, BMI less than 45, good protein intake during weight loss and good toning exercises done during the weight loss period.

Hairfall: Significant weight loss either by diet and exercise, aerobics, bariatric surgery, will entail hair loss. But this can be minimised to a greater extent by ensuring good protein intake during the weight loss period and adequate supplements in terms of vitamins and minerals.

Dumping syndrome: With a reduced size of the stomach, the food moves from the stomach into the smaller intestine much faster. This causes the pancreas to release excessive amount of insulin, leading to very low blood sugar levels , producing various symptoms like abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhoea, sweating, dizziness, nausea, weakness, and anxiety. This is managed by eating less amount of sugars and fats and spacing out the meals through the day, having four to five small meals compared to  2 to 3 large meals. Having a high protein diet and avoiding liquids during meals is also an option.

Bariatric Surgery - Know Problems Of It!

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