The Effects of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery, more commonly known as weight loss surgery, may seem like the magical solution for obesity. Although this major surgery has been proven to result in high weight loss and a reduction of some health issues, it has also been proven to create new health issues for the people who choose to undergo weight loss surgery. There are several effects to consider before deciding whether bariatric surgery is the right choice for you.
Weight Loss
The intended outcome for bariatric surgery patients is weight loss. According to the National Institutes of Health, this occurs because the stomach has been made smaller, which means patients can eat less food, and because a portion of the small intestine has been removed, so they absorb fewer nutrients and calories from the food they eat. Weight loss is normally quicker just after surgery because the patient is on a liquid or puree food diet. Weight loss gradually slows down when solid foods are introduced and the remaining portion of the stomach begins to stretch and increase, allowing a person to eat more food per meal. Some people may notice that they stop losing weight or begin to regain the weight they lost several years after surgery.
Malnutrition
Because a large portion of the stomach and small intestine are removed, the body no longer absorbs nutrients as it was intended to. According to the National Institutes of Health, this can lead to malnutrition and conditions such as anemia or osteoporosis. Anemia is a result of absorbing less iron, and osteoporosis is a result of absorbing less calcium. Other important vitamins and minerals are also less likely to be absorbed in proper amounts, leading to skin changes, hair loss or other symptoms.
Decreased Disease Risk
Certain diseases may improve or disappear completely after bariatric surgery. Because the body is absorbing fewer nutrients, including sugars, a person with Type II diabetes may find that he no longer have issues with his blood sugar levels, resolving the disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, weight loss may also improve high blood pressure, and changes in eating habits caused by the surgery can also help reduce high cholesterol levels.
Increased Disease Risk
A person who has undergone bariatric surgery is more likely to develop gallstones. Some surgeons may recommend having the gallbladder removed prior to bariatric surgery to prevent this issue. There is also an increased risk of developing kidney stones after bariatric surgery. A person who has undergone weight loss surgery may also face an increase in gastritis, which is an inflammation of the lining in the stomach.
Chronic Digestion Issues
Most people who undergo bariatric surgery will experience digestion issues such as vomiting or diarrhea as their bodies adjust to the changes in the digestive tract. Some patients may have chronic problems with certain foods, such as sugar or alcohol, causing them to vomit. Others may have what is referred to as "dumping syndrome." According to the National Institutes of Health, this syndrome is a result of food not being properly digested because of the shortened intestinal tract. This causes partially digested food to enter the bowel, which can result in chronic diarrhea and extremely smelly stools.
