Bariatric surgery is a permanent and irreversible procedure. It's important to take the necessary time to research and reflect on whether this life-changing surgery is right for you. Many obese patients have many health issues directly caused or related to their obesity.  These obesity-related illnesses include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and arthritis.

Bariatric surgery is not a surgery without risks. These risks increase based upon your current health state before surgery.  The factors that affect your ability to have a successful bariatric surgery include your nutrition, weight history, age, medical condition, motivation, and mental health. All of these factors are monitored and examined by your bariatric health care team to determine whether or not surgery is the best treatment for your obesity.

Safe Elective Surgery?

The simple answer is yes, but there are considerations you must be aware of. Bariatric surgery is considered one of the safest procedures you can undergo compared to other elective surgeries.  Surgeons use a minimal invasive approach such as laparoscopy or robotic surgery to limit complications after surgery.

Laparoscopic surgery is when a thin tube is inserted into your abdomen through a small incision of one to two inches.  This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small cameras and tools to alter your digestive system or remove part of your stomach.  Using this technique, your recovery time and hospital stay are significantly reduced after bariatric surgery.  You will also have limited scarring and pain.

Bariatric Surgery Data

The Bariatric Center of Excellence data shows the risk of death within thirty days of surgery following bariatric surgery is 0.13 percent, which is 1 out of 1,0000 patients.  This statistic is less than gallbladder or hip replacement surgery, showing it is relatively safe compared to other surgeries.

Studies show that relative risk reduction of death due to all causes is up to 89 percent when comparing no surgery obese popultion vs bariatric surgery group.  Cancer mortality is reduced by 60 percent, and death in relation to diabetes is reduced by over 90 percent.  Heart disease is also lowered by 50 percent.  These numbers indicate that the benefits of bariatric surgery far outweigh any small possible risks.

Bariatric Surgery Options

Gastric Bypass

This operation shrinks your stomach size with the redirection of your digestive system.

Risks

• Nutritional, vitamin deficiencies due to smaller stomach and malabsorption.  You must change your diet and how you eat food, given your smaller stomach.
• A possible side effect of gastric bypass is intestinal leakage that occurs in less than two percent of patients and potential long term intestinal reconnection issues.
• Dumping syndrome is also a common side effect when you eat overly greasy or fatty foods.  These foods are not tolerated well after bariatric surgery.

Gastric Sleeve

This surgery removes over eighty percent of your stomach size, leaving a banana sized sleeve in its place.

Risks

• This is a newer permanent surgery still being evaluated for long term risks.
• Decreased absorption of Calcium, iron and B12  is the most common risk due to your smaller stomach size and less acid production. You have a high chance of being anemic and having osteoporosis due to lower levels of calcium and iron.
• Infection, blood clots, and leaking of your sleeve.

Gastric Lap Band

Gastric Lap Band is an inflatable silicone device is placed around the top portion of your stomach. This decreases your food intake.

Risks

• Common side effects are vomiting after overeating too quickly.
• Your band bay slips out of place, becomes too loose or leak. You may need more surgeries, which increases your risk of infections.

Does Bariatric Surgery tend to be successful?

Bariatric surgery is successful for patients in treating obesity.  With weight loss surgery, there is an improvement in your overall health with potential elimination of sleep apnea, reversing type 2 diabetes, and improving your high blood pressure.

Your mortality rate is significantly reduced, therefore decreasing a premature death.  Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity.  There are risks involved with this surgery, as with any major surgery.  Choosing a qualified and competent surgeon is also vital for successful surgery.

Along with physical improvements to your health, your mental health is also much improved with surgery.  Many non-weight related achievements give bariatric patients immense joy.  Whether this is having the ability to cross your legs, go on a ride, or walk around your neighborhood without feeling winded.

Your success is however, you choose to measure it, where it is in numbers, actions, or happiness.

My Experience

My gastric sleeve surgery was a permanent and life-altering surgery that I am grateful for.  I was told of the health risks before making my decision.  I was prepared for the dedication and awareness needed to have a thriving, healthy life pre, and post-bariatric surgery.

I was able to pass all physical and mental examinations before surgery, and my risk level was relatively low.  I was deemed able to have surgery.  I did not encounter any infections after surgery.  My incisions healed properly.  My abdomen was sore, and I experienced pain when I rotated my body. Overall I experienced minor pain and was able to heal correctly.

All of these life improvements are short and long term successes, but your overall success with bariatric surgery depends on how you view your surgery.  The most beneficial way to look at your surgery is as a useful tool.  A tool that allows you to make smart, healthy choices daily.

Your long term success depends entirely on your will power, determination, and motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  The weight will come off fast, but it eventually stops, and you can either continue with your health habits or loss your ambition.

It also helps in your weight loss journey to have people you trust in holding you accountable.  This may be family, friends, therapist, coworkers, doctors, or congregation. These valuable members in your network and community who you trust with your well being will be useful and necessary in your long term success.