Types of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is an option for those that are obese and are unable to control their weight through diet and exercise. There are two types of bariatric surgery. A restrictive surgery limits the amount of food the stomach can hold by creating a pouch and closing off the rest of the stomach. A malabsorptive surgery will bypass sections of the small intestine which will limit the amount of calories that your body absorbs. One of the major changes after bariatric surgery is the amount of food that you can eat. The most popular bariatric surgery is a gastric bypass. This surgery creates a smaller stomach. Your new stomach is the size of a walnut and can only hold 1 oz. of food. Important changes occur as your body loses a drastic amount of weight.
A Healthy Heart
Bariatric surgery can extend your life by reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure can be a silent killer that can severely damage your blood vessels and arteries.Losing excess weight can help you control your blood pressure. High medications may not be necessary after surgery if your blood pressure returns to normal. Losing weight can also prevent heart failure.
Type 2 Diabetes
Obese patients are frequently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. This disease causes high amounts of glucose in the blood and occurs when the body does not respond properly to insulin (hormones released by the pancreas). Some patients are able to maintain healthy glucose levels after surgery. There is an improvement in the levels of glucose even if the patient has not reached his target weight. The risk of blindness and kidney failure associated with diabetes will decrease. More than 50% of patients are able to cure their diabetes one year after surgery. Losing weight can also prevent the onset of diabetes.
Breathing Easier
Shedding those pounds will help you to sleep better at night. Many patients suffering from sleep apnea noticed that their symptoms improved after surgery. Sleep apnea causes constant disruptions when you are sleeping. You may wake up gasping and coughing because you have temporarily stopped breathing. Sleep apnea can cause exhaustion and fatigue during the day. Being overweight can contribute to sleep apnea. Weight loss will allow you to reach deep stages of sleep and you will feel rested
Side Effects of Bariatric Surgery
Some patients have complained of side effects as their body adjusts to the new stomach anatomy. , there must be diet changes. Eating too quickly or eating large bites will cause nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. You will be unable to consume large amounts of foods because you might feel severe pain behind the breastbone. You will not be able to eat very dry or tough foods. Dehydration is a common problem after surgery. It is advised that you drink at least 2 liters of liquid daily. Not drinking enough fluid can cause nausea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. Vitamin deficiencies can occur if you are dehydrated from vomiting.
Dumping Syndrome
A condition, also known as "dumping syndrome" may occur if the stomach empties the ingested food too quickly into the small intestine. Foods that are high in sugar or fried foods can cause dumping syndrome. Symptoms of this syndrome include nausea, fatigue, weakness, faintness, rapid heart beat, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. Constipation is another complaint after bariatric surgery. This is due to the decrease and size of bowel movements. Eating more fiber, exercising, and drinking more fluids can alleviate this problem.
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