Bariatric surgery refers to medical procedures that alter the anatomy of your digestive system to cause weight loss and to make future weight loss easier. The term covers a wide range of procedures, including gastric bypass and adjustable gastric band surgeries. Regardless of the type of procedure your physician recommends and you choose, there are some pros and cons to keep in mind before finalizing that decision.
Qualifying for Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is not recommended for everyone. To qualify, you need to have a body mass index of at least 40 or of at least 35 if you have health problems, such as high blood pressure, which might be improved through weight loss. In most cases, you have to demonstrate that other types of weight loss attempts have been unsuccessful. This last requirement is usually needed by the insurance companies and not by the physicians. Health insurance companies will sometimes pay for these procedures if you meet all of these qualifications.
Pro: Dramatic Weight Loss
One of the most obvious benefits of bariatric surgery is the weight loss. Most people who go through the surgery see an immediate drop in weight followed by a period of continued weight loss. The average initial loss ranges from around 45% to as much of 61% of excess weight (the amount of weight above the recommended weight for your height).
Pro: Health Benefits
Bariatric surgery has also demonstrated improvement in other aspects of patients' health. Nearly three-fourths of patients can go off of their medications for high blood pressure and high cholesterol within just a few weeks or months of the procedure. Problems directly associated with obesity, such as sleep apnea, can also be reduced thanks to the surgery. Heart disease and diabetes risks are also reduced.
Con: Dumping Syndrome
One of the side effects of bariatric surgery is called dumping syndrome. What happens here is that foods, particularly foods high in fat and/or sugar, end up going through your digestive tract too quickly. As a result, you'll experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, dizziness and sometimes fainting. To prevent these symptoms, you must maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet that contains minimal amounts of fat and sugar.
Con: Health Risks
Although bariatric surgery can have some positive health benefits, the surgery poses some risks. According to the Mayo Clinic, the death rate for bariatric surgery is 1 out of every 300 compared to about 1 out of every 600 for cardiac surgery. The risk of blood clots in the legs, gallstone development, and vitamin deficiency are also serious. Some of these problems can be prevented by walking regularly and by taking vitamin supplements.
