Obesity is a growing challenge that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite efforts to stay in shape through diet and exercise, many people struggle to achieve significant and sustainable weight loss. For those with severe obesity, bariatric surgery has emerged as a powerful tool to help them shed excess weight and improve their health.

Dr Mohit Bhandari, Chief Bariatric Surgeon at Pristyn Care and Director of Mohak Bariatrics and Robotics, explains that bariatric surgery can be a life-changing option for people diagnosed with severe obesity. "Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix, but for many patients, it is the most effective way to lose substantial weight when other methods have failed. It can also help in the management of obesity-related conditions like diabetes and hypertension," he said.

Bariatric surgery involves a series of procedures that alter the digestive system to help people lose weight. The three most common types of bariatric surgeries are:

- Gastric Bypass: This procedure reduces the size of the stomach and reroutes the digestive system, leading to both decreased food intake and reduced nutrient absorption.

- Sleeve Gastrectomy: This surgery removes a portion of the stomach, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach that can hold less food.

- Adjustable Gastric Banding: A band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch, limiting food intake.

These surgeries work by either reducing the stomach’s capacity or altering how the body absorbs nutrients, which helps people lose weight. The reduction in weight can, in turn, alleviate health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even heart disease, conditions often linked to obesity.

Bariatric surgery is generally recommended for people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or those with a BMI of 35 or more who also suffer from serious health conditions like type 2 diabetes or heart disease. Dr Bhandari shares, "Bariatric surgery is a tool, not a cure. It should be combined with long-term lifestyle changes to be truly effective."

One of the most significant benefits of bariatric surgery is the potential for substantial weight loss. Many patients lose between 50 per cent and 70 per cent of their excess weight within the first two years following surgery. Dr Bhandari explains, "This weight loss can lead to dramatic improvements in health. Conditions like type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure are often resolved or significantly improved."

While the initial weight loss from bariatric surgery can be impressive, it’s important to remember that the surgery is only the first step. Success depends on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Dr Bhandari explains, "If you revert to old habits like overeating, consuming high-calorie foods, or leading a sedentary lifestyle, you may regain weight. Bariatric surgery requires a lifelong commitment to healthy eating and regular physical activity."

Patients also need to take supplements for the rest of their lives to prevent nutrient deficiencies, as the body's ability to absorb vitamins and minerals is altered by the surgery.

As with any surgery, bariatric procedures come with risks. These can include infection, blood clots, and nutritional deficiencies. Dr Bhandari shares, "While bariatric surgery can be a highly effective weight-loss tool, it’s essential for patients to be aware of the risks and the need for ongoing medical follow-up. Supplements, such as vitamins and minerals, are critical to avoid long-term complications."

Bariatric surgery should not be seen as a one-time fix. "It’s not a cure for obesity but rather a tool that helps patients take control of their weight and health. Long-term success depends on lifestyle changes," says Dr Bhandari.

Bariatric surgery offers a new sense of hope for people struggling with severe obesity. It can lead to significant weight loss and improved health, but it’s just one part of a broader, long-term weight management plan. "Bariatric surgery can indeed be life-changing, but it requires the right mindset and a commitment to making lasting lifestyle changes," Dr Bhandari shares.

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