If You have been fighting excess weight for at least several years, trying all the ways to lose weight, but nothing works, there is an extra option – bariatric surgery reducing the stomach capacity.
Plunging into this topic, a lot of people are getting embarrassed at a variety of data, not always reliable, on clinics’ websites. We have written this article together with Andrian Reiti, Chief Physician at our Medical Center, in order to answer common questions regarding weight loss surgery.
What types of bariatric surgery are available?
- Gastric and mini-gastric bypass.
- Biliopancreatic diversion.
- Sleeve gastrectomy.
- Intragastric balloons.
- Gastric banding.
Liposuction and abdominoplasty, aiming at the correction of obesity-associated aesthetic problems, are not considered bariatrics.
Which weight turns out to be a treatment indication?
BMI > 25 kg/m2 is signalizing excess weight in adults, while BMI > 3039.9 kg/m2 is considered obesity and serves as the indicator for bariatrics. BMI > 40 kg/m2 indicates morbid obesity, which is life-threatening.
The risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension, arthritis, various cardiovascular accidents, etc. is rising. Complications involving the reproductive system, kidneys and liver are also reported in obese people.
Use the calculator on our website to find out your Body Mass Index.
What age is suitable for bariatric surgery?
Losing weight in such a way is recommended for patients aged 18-65, however, if surgery is urgently necessary, it is performed both at older and younger ages.
Any complications possible?
As in the case of any surgical procedure, bleeding can also occur. A surgeon is not always able of instantly localizing and recognizing a health issue due to patient’s excess weight.
Complications may also arise during the rehabilitation period. For example, sutures may break demanding emergency reoperation. Patients sometimes have malaise, nausea and feel discomfort in the first days after the bariatric surgical procedure.
How long do You have to stay in the clinic?
The advanced laparoscopic technique is used as a part of bariatric surgery. As opposed to laparotomy, it doesn’t require huge incisions. A surgeon makes several 0.5-1.5 cm punctures, inserts surgical instruments into the holes and starts to operate, controlling the process on the monitor.
Closed surgery benefits: scarless, quick recovery, almost painless. Several hours after the surgery a patient can get out of bed independently. Thereby an inpatient department stay is minimized to 2-3 days, although in separate cases it’s required to stay in the Clinic for up to 10 days.
When and what can You eat after bariatrics?
Nearly one hour after the surgical procedure performed in a bariatric surgery clinic it’s allowed to drink small portions of water. It’s preferable to refrain from consuming food on the first day, but since the second day sip feeding is allowed. These are the nutrient mixtures, taken in small portions (up to 10 ml at a time) 5-6 times a day.
When physical activity is permitted?
It’s not suggested to take high-intensity exercises, especially involving abdominal muscles within a month after treatment. You should take walks outdoors daily (at least 30 min), ride a bike, swim, do morning exercises and breathing exercises, perform light physical activities.
It’s preferable to take high-intensity exercises in a gym after getting a medical advice from a surgeon. In order to achieve greater effectiveness while exercising and avoid mistakes, while loading joints and the spinal cord, find a qualified trainer.
How long does rehabilitation last?
Recovery after bariatric surgery lasts 6 months on average. It’s necessary to stick to all physician recommendations, create new eating habits, move more at this stage.
When to start thinking about having a baby?
For many obese women, weight loss surgery is the only chance for a healthy pregnancy and maternity. Mechanisms responsible for menses and reproductive health are getting impaired because of obesity, and, as a result, conception, childbearing and childbirth are getting complicated or even impossible.
Doctors suggest to wait at least 1.5 years after bariatric surgery – it’s a period of rapid weight loss and the adoption of a new diet. Pregnancy will turn out to be a heavy body burden at this time.
While pregnancy, as well as before it, it’s critical to prevent vitamin and mineral deficiency, because after specific types of bariatric surgery their intestinal absorption decreases.
Bariatric surgery and alcohol – compatible?
During the rehabilitation period (first 6 months) alcoholic beverages are prohibited. There are no stringent prohibitions after complete recovery, but keep in Your mind that alcohol consumption is one of the causes of regaining kilos. It’s high-calorie and lacking nutrients, so drunkenness may arise faster after surgery. The absorption of vitamins, ought to be taken after the surgical procedure, also worsen.
Everyone decides independently whether it’s allowed to drink alcohol after surgery. If the goal is to embark on the path of healthy eating, lead an active lifestyle and get rid of extra kilos, the answer is obvious: no.
Can the weight return?
After weight loss surgery kilos return occasionally. Causes:
- Hormone dysregulation, metabolism slowing-down;
- Appetite returns, a patient overeats, and, as a result, the capacity of the stomach rises;
- Sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise.
Where to undergo the bariatric surgical procedure in Ukraine?
A full multidisciplinary team led by Andrian Reiti, Bariatric Surgeon, works at our Metabolic Surgery Center. Here You can get a medical advice, have a medical check-up and treat obesity. We guarantee the support of the Center during and after rehabilitation.