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Building up to Bariatric: The Next Step in the Battle of the Bulge

By Dr. Pradeep Chowbey in Laparoscopic / Minimal Access Surgery , Bariatric Surgery / Metabolic

Jan 19 , 2017 | 1 min read

If you’ve been trying to lose significant weight, odds are that the words ‘bariatric surgery’ has been bounced off within your doctor walls. With India being the third most obese nation in the world, traditional methods such as diet and exercise are no longer enough to help people get their weight down.

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a treatment option for patients suffering from morbid obesity. It works by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold, or by a combination of restricting the food intake and absorption of food

Who is an ideal candidate?

As there is a significant weight loss associated with this surgery, it is ideally performed on obese people with:

BMI >= 37.5 kg/m2
BMI >= 32.5kg/m2 and has a co-morbidity disease (Diabetes Type 2, Hypertension. Respiratory disorders, Osteoarthritis, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
And obese persons with a higher BMI range and ones who have had previously unsuccessful attempts at weight loss.

What do you mean by morbidly obese?

A morbidly obese person is defined as someone who is more than 30kg kg over their ideal weight or has a BMI of over 37.5 kg/m2.

This excessive weight gain can lead to hypertension or diabetes type 2 or several co-morbidities that can lead to a serious health risk. Everyday tasks for the morbidly obese such as taking the stairs or cleaning the house is a herculean effort.

For those familiar with trying to lose weight, it always feels like no matter how much one exercise or diet, the weight is not under control. There is a complex psychological aspect of weight loss – triggers that lead to binge eating, low morale and motivation, lack of results leading of frustration. Bariatric surgery helps in kicking off a healthy path by aiding in the weight loss, motivating oneself to stick to bettering their health and strengthening their body.

Thus, for those people, who struggle to lose weight and are eligible for bariatric surgery, must seriously consider consulting their doctors for this surgery. Let’s cut a path to a healthier, happier life.