Overview

Obesity is one of the most common health concerns in India. The condition affects not only the aesthetic, but also overall health. It causes several health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease, and the list goes on.

Due to the fear of leading a bad lifestyle, people may opt for weight loss programs, hit the gym, and even try dieting. However, these sometimes don’t deliver the desired or lasting results. This is mostly true when the causes for obesity are hormonal, genetic, or metabolic. In such cases, doctors recommend bariatric surgery as a part of the weight management plan. This surgery not only offers a way to lose weight, but also to regain health, energy, and confidence. To help patients understand the bariatric surgery eligibility criteria, this blog explores what it is, the benefits, risks, and whether they are the right candidate for this surgery.

Table Of Contents

• What is Bariatric Surgery?
• Who is Eligible for Bariatric Surgery?
• What are the Benefits of Bariatric Surgery?
• Risks Associated With Bariatric Surgery?
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery comprises multiple types of procedures, such as gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, & adjustable gastric banding. The procedure is often referred to as weight loss surgery, which aims to change how a person’s digestive system works. The procedure either limits hunger signals or alters the digestive system to absorb fewer calories. Sometimes, it also combines both approaches.

The procedure helps the body maintain weight loss by eating less but healthy food and incorporating exercise, such as running, yoga, etc., in your daily life. This is mainly suggested to individuals who have tried everything else and have not yet achieved their goals.

Remember: Weight loss isn’t a quick fix; one must adhere to the protocols and recommendations given by the doctors so that the results are visible.

Who is Eligible for Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery eligibility is determined by a team of doctors, such as a physician, surgeon, dietician, and psychologist, discussing the patient’s condition. It is mainly for people who have tried every weight loss option, but have not been able to achieve their sustainable body goals. Though the eligibility often varies depending on the person’s overall health, the following bariatric surgery criteria remain the same:

1. Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI is one of the most important factors that is considered when assessing obesity levels. When assessing BMI, doctors also consider fat distribution, muscle mass, family history, and even metabolic health.

• Depending on the person’s height, a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher means a person is at higher risk of obesity-related health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes. This is known as extreme obesity.
• People with a BMI between 35 & 39.9 and one obesity-related health condition, such as hypertension, sleep apnoea, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, may also qualify for bariatric surgery.
• In some cases, surgery may also be required for people with a BMI between 30 and 34.9. For example, if the person is diagnosed with serious metabolic conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes.
• Moreover, people who struggle to maintain their weight at the optimal level through non-surgical methods may also be suggested to undergo bariatric surgery. However, first they are prescribed a supervised diet and exercise plan.

2. Age

A person should be between 18 and 65 years of age. However, under exceptional circumstances, sometimes doctors may consider adolescent patients. This is usually done after a thorough medical, nutritional, and psychological evaluation.

Surgery is only advised after proper assessment of emotional readiness and physical maturity. There is no absolute upper age limit, and older adults may also benefit from surgery if they need it and are medically fit.

3. Psychological Readiness

Psychological assessment is also an important part of the surgery; rather than marking someone as “psychologically fit,” this evaluation focuses on identifying factors that may influence recovery and adherence to lifestyle changes.

4. Commitment to Long-Term Lifestyle Changes

Even after the surgery, a patient has to follow an active and healthy lifestyle. Doctors assess the patient’s motivation to stay healthy and adhere to the advice. Though it changes the digestive system, it requires the patient to:

• Follow lifelong dietary recommendations
• Continue doing exercises
• Attend regular follow-up appointments
• Take vitamins and mineral supplements as and when directed

These bariatric surgery criteria are extremely important for meeting weight goals and maintaining a healthy body. Doctors may also recommend periodic blood tests to monitor iron levels, vitamin B12, vitamin D, folate, and other nutrients.

5. Previous Failed Weight-Loss Attempts

Obesity is a chronic condition, and bariatric surgery is required when all the conventional treatment methods have failed. Before suggesting the surgery, doctors make sure that the patient has put genuine effort into losing weight.

What are the Benefits of Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric, or weight loss surgery, has the following benefits:

• Helps improve quality of life, as obesity can cause limitations in physical activity, increased body pain, fatigue, and depression.
• More than 90% of people with obesity have type 2 diabetes, and bariatric surgery can help improve blood sugar. The improvement was seen in 86% of patients (meta-analysis of 22,000 patients in 136 studies).
• Morbid obesity is very much associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and the best way to control the condition is weight loss surgery. Studies show that 80% of patients experience improvement in NASH after bariatric surgery.
• Bariatric surgery has also been reported to reduce or normalise hypertension in approximately 50% of the patients. It has also reduced the need for antihypertensive treatment in ≥30% of patients.
• The surgery also reduces the underlying risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Research also shows that weight loss surgery could relieve knee OA pain. It can also prevent OA onset or manage existing OA symptoms and disability.

Risks Associated With Bariatric Surgery

Like any other surgery, bariatric surgery is also associated with certain risks. Some may be common while some can be long-term.

Common Risks

• Acid Reflux
• Anaesthesia-related risks
• Infection
• Severe vomiting and nausea
• Weight gain or failure to lose weight (not so common, though)

Long-Term Risks

• Dilation of esophagus
• Inability to eat certain foods
• Vomiting
• Ulcers
• Hernias
• Obstructed bowel movement
• Malnutrition
• Low blood sugar
• Leaking or narrowing of the new connections in the gut
• Dumping syndrome, which may cause symptoms like dizziness and nausea

Conclusion

Living with obesity can be physically and emotionally exhausting; people try to lose weight through several means – exercise, diet, medication, and others. Bariatric surgery can open doors to explore a new world where people can regain their confidence and enjoy a better life.

Individuals with a BMI above 40 or above 34 may also be considered eligible for bariatric surgery, depending on several factors. Hence, speaking with a doctor can help you understand the options and determine whether you actually need weight loss surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the most common complication of bariatric surgery?

Ans. Dilation of the oesophagus is one of the most common complications of bariatric surgery. In addition, complications such as dizziness, infection, and inability to digest can occur.

Q2. What is the cost of bariatric surgery?

Ans. The cost of bariatric surgery generally ranges from Rs 2,50,000 to Rs 6,00,000, depending on the type of procedure.

Q3. What is the safest form of weight loss surgery?

Ans. The safest form of weight loss surgery or bariatric surgery is vertical sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve, in short). This procedure does not involve cutting or rerouting the intestines.

Q4. When not to have bariatric surgery?

Ans. If a person is diagnosed with major complications, such as bleeding, infections, blood clots, nutrient deficiencies, and digestive issues.

Q5. Do you lose weight immediately after gastric bypass surgery?

Ans. After the surgery, the patient may start losing weight very fast in the first three to six months, and as much as 100-200 pounds in the first year.