Weight Loss Surgery Weight Loss Surgery also called as Bariatic Surgery (from the Greek word “baro”, meaning weight) aims at reducing an obese person’s weight through surgery. Obesity is defined as a person weighing 100 pounds or more over their ideal body weight or having a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or higher. Not every candidate is suitable for Bariatic surgery; If you are looking for slimming treatment and just to look more prettier and slimmer, I am sorry that Bariatic surgery may not suitable for you. Research has shown that Bariatic surgery is ONLY for people who cannot lose weight through conventional methods or suffering from serious or life-threatening, weight-related illnesses such as diabetes, sleep apnoea (sleeping disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep), high blood pressure, and heart disease, to name a few.
Types of Weight Loss surgery
| Procedure | Pros | Cons |
| Gastric Banding (Lap-band) a hollow band is placed around the stomach at the upper end, creating a small pouch and a constricted passage into the larger remainder of the stomach. The band is inflated with saline solution and can be tightened or loosened over time to change the size of the passage. During the procedure, about a centimeter each are made in the abdomen to insert a camera, surgical instruments and the lap-band, which are externally controlled by the surgeon. It takes about an hour to perform. |
- Short hospital stay/ quick recovery - Lower mortality rate - Low risk - Less scarring/ wound problems - Completely reversible - Band is adjustable |
- Complications – ulceration, gastritis - Mechanical problems – prolapse, pouch dilatation, slippage of stomach - Moderate weight loss- 1-3 kgs a month |
| Sleeve Gastrectomy More than 60% of the stomach is removed and the open edges are then attached together with staples to form a tube. Who is it for?For extremely obese patients and they will lose a great amount of weight after the first procedure. |
- No “dumping syndrome” - No foreign object is inserted into the body |
- Complications such as leakage and dilatation of the sleeve - Not reversible |
| Biliopancreatic Diversion (also known as the Bilioenteric Bypass) A portion of the stomach is surgically removed to reduce the size. |
- Quick weight loss |
- Might have “dumping syndrome” - May result in long-term nutrient deficiency |
| Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (stomach stapling) After surgery: Patients unable to reach the weight loss due to consume food too rapidly without proper chewing, they put themselves at risk for heartburn, vomiting and stomach discomfort. |
- No “dumping syndrome” – where the lower end of the small intestines fills too quickly with undigested food - No nutritional deficiencies |
- Lifestyle changes are imperative - Risk of complications - Not adjustable - Needs strict compliance to diet program |
| Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass* Limiting the absorption of food in the intestinal tract by bypassing a portion of the small intestine. The stomach is made smaller by the creation of a small pouch at the top using either surgical staples or a plastic band. The smaller stomach connects directly to the middle portion of the small intestine, by passing the rest of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine (duo-denum). Who is it for?Recommended for extremely obese patients and it is crucial that patients make a lifelong commitment to change their consume behavior, which will include dietary supplement, as surgery reduces nutritional absorption. |
- Fast recovery period - Quick weight loss |
- Infections / ulcers - Might have ‘dumping syndrome” |
After surgery, the stomach can hold is about 3 or 4 tablespoons of food.
- Well-chewed solid food is taken in small quantities at a time.
- Not to eat and drink at the same time, as this can cause coughs, choking, bloating, food regurgitation and hiccups.
- Carbonated drinks and high calorie liquid meals are not advisable and vitamins and minerals supplements such as iron and zinc should be included in the diet.
Between RM33, 000 to RM40, 000. Insurance companies will not cover the cost of Bariatic surgery as it is consider as cosmetic surgery.
Endnote: Studies has shown that suicide rates increase following bariatic surgery due to the patients feel that careful follow-up, especially the need to manage expectations and recognize and treat depression.
Source from Cosmetic Surgery & Beauty, Issue 1, 2008 Pg. 59
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