Bariatric surgery is directly linked to obesity. This is one of the most concerning modern diseases worldwide. It is a possible cause of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular complications and even some types of cancer. It is a condition that deserves a lot of attention and needs to be avoided throughout life. Therefore, this type of procedure, also known as a stomach reduction surgery, has been increasingly sought after. But what is bariatric surgery? Have you been thinking about this procedure? Is it really the best solution to your case? Check out the following topics!
Is obesity a disease?
According to the Ministry of Health, 1 in 5 Brazilians is obese, given that in the capitals of the country, half of the population is overweight.
And to consider that someone is overweight, a person’s BMI (Body Mass Index) must be above 25, and with a BMI above 30, the person can already be considered obese.
The BMI considers the weight/height x height formula, being a valid calculation for healthy people.
To avoid the risks of obesity, it is crucial to maintain a balanced diet including fruits and vegetables, in addition to practicing 150 minutes of moderate physical activities per week, on average.
How the bariatric surgery works
Bariatric surgery can be done in 4 types of procedures with the objective of reducing the patient’s stomach.
In the surgery, incisions are made in the abdomen so that a specific part of the stomach is stapled, reducing the ability to accumulate food and increasing the sensation of faster satiety.
What are the types of bariatric surgery?
In Brazil, the Federal Council of Medicine regulates 4 types of bariatric surgery:
- • Gastric Bypass: it is the most popular procedure in the country – 75% of surgeries are of this type. The surgery decreases the capacity of the stomach by 10%. With this, the hormone ghrelin, which generates hunger, is reduced. On the other hand, hormones that provide a sense of satiety are stimulated.
- Advantage of the Gastric Bypass: Appetite reduction without causing diarrhea or malnutrition. In addition, it is the type of bariatric surgery with faster recovery.
- • Vertical Gastrectomy: The procedure reduces 70% to 85% of the stomach, making it similar to a tube. With this type of bariatric surgery, there is also a decrease in the production of the ghrelin hormone.
- • Advantages of the Vertical Gastrectomy: If not successful, the procedure can be reverted to the gastric bypass.
- • Adjustable Gastric Banding: It is a procedure that uses a silicone ring to restrict the capacity of the stomach. Because it has lower efficacy, it is a type of bariatric surgery rarely used.
- • Advantages of the Adjustable Gastric Banding: It is a reversible and minimally invasive procedure. However, there is a risk of rejection of the silicone ring by the body, besides not decreasing the patient’s compulsion for sweets and other foods.
- Duodenal Switch: It is recommended for people with morbid obesity. In this type of bariatric surgery, 60% of the stomach is removed, causing an efficient and fast weight loss.
- Advantages of the Duodenal Switch: It quickly helps the health problem of those suffering from morbid obesity. However, it can cause loss of nutrient absorption and requires greater attention in medical follow-up.
Bariatric surgery: who is it for?
The types of bariatric surgery are recommended for people who have above Class II Obesity, for instance, with a BMI above 35.
In addition, the procedure should be performed only after you have run out of all possibilities trying to change your habits, such as following a more balanced diet and practicing physical exercises regularly.
Regarding age, bariatric surgery is recommended for people between 16 and 65 years old. For those under 16, the procedure is only recommended for specific situations where obesity compromises the patient’s life.
Who cannot undergo bariatric surgery?
In addition to requiring monitoring and specific release of specialists, bariatric surgery is not recommended for the following profiles:
- • Patients with psychiatric disorders;
- • Alcoholics;
- • Heart patients;
- • Lung patients;
- • Patients with digestive tract inflammation;
- Cushing’s syndrome carriers.
Is it possible to gain weight after undergoing a bariatric surgery?
Yes, it is. Specialists point out that, during the 18 months after surgery, the patient is still motivated to practice regular physical activities and maintain balanced diet with fruits and vegetables – as well as avoid greasy foods.
After this period, the weight is stabilized, but appetite can increase and the focus on the diet may decrease. During this period, binge eating should be avoided so that obesity does not return.
For those who are afraid of gaining weight again, it is always important keep a healthier lifestyle, practice sports, follow a balanced diet and have routine medical follow-ups.
For those who choose to avoid sports, it is worth incorporating physical activities into the routine, as shown in our campaign against obesity!
And so, did you understand what bariatric surgery is? How about starting to practice physical activities in your daily life to avoid a sedentary lifestyle and obesity? Also check out our article: Does walking help in weight loss? How to start it?
