Bariatric Surgery in Iran

Your digestive system will be altered by weight-reduction surgeries, which are referred to as bariatric or metabolic surgery. The main purpose of bariatric surgeries is to aid in the weight-loss process.

What is bariatric surgery?

When diet and exercise are ineffective or when your weight is causing significant health issues, bariatric surgery is performed. There are weight-loss methods that restrict your food intake. Others function by lessening the body’s capacity to absorb calories and fat. Certain processes combine these two.

All types of weight-loss surgery are serious procedures with potential dangers and adverse effects, even though bariatric surgery can have many positive consequences. To assist in guaranteeing the long-term effectiveness of bariatric surgery, you also need to engage in regular exercise and make long-term, healthy dietary modifications.

Bariatric surgery types

There are three main bariatric (or weight loss) operations being performed at the moment. Let’s check the bariatric surgery types in the following.

Gastric bypass/ Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

A form of weight-loss surgery known as gastric bypass, or Roux-en-Y (roo-en-wy) gastric bypass, entails making a small pouch from the stomach and connecting it straight to the small intestine. Following a gastric bypass, food that is ingested will flow through this tiny stomach pouch and straight into the small intestine, avoiding the majority of the stomach and the first portion of the small intestine.

One of the most popular kinds of bariatric surgery is gastric bypass. When diet and exercise have failed or when your weight is causing major health issues, this life-changing surgery is performed.

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy

A surgical weight-loss technique known as a sleeve gastrectomy, or vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is performed. Usually carried out laparoscopically, this technique entails making several tiny incisions in the upper belly through which tiny devices are inserted. About 80% of the stomach is removed during a sleeve gastrectomy, leaving a tube-shaped stomach that resembles a banana in size and form.

Restricting the size of your stomach limits how much food you can eat. Hormonal changes brought on by the surgery also aid in weight loss. These same hormonal shifts also aid in the relief of heart disease and high blood pressure, two disorders linked to obesity.

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS)

There are two main components to this weight-loss treatment known as biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS).

The initial procedure is a sleeve gastrectomy, which removes over 80% of the stomach to leave a smaller, banana-shaped tube. Still present, though, are the duodenum, a short section of the small intestine that ordinarily joins the stomach, and the pyloric valve, which discharges food into the small intestine.

By joining the terminal section of the intestine to the duodenum close to the stomach, the second step avoids most of the intestine. A BPD/DS lowers the absorption of nutrients, such as proteins and fats, and limits the amount you can eat.

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

A bariatric surgery plus a thorough treatment plan could be a successful means of maintaining long-term weight loss and excellent health.

Better quality of life: Following bariatric surgery, patients report improved mobility, less anxiety and despair, increased self-esteem, improved social connections, and improved sexual function, among other improvements in their quality of life.

Improved longevity: It has been discovered that bariatric surgery patients had a decreased death risk compared to obese individuals who did not receive surgery.

Faster metabolism: Increased physical activity, such as riding, walking, and swimming, will help you lose weight faster since it increases the body’s capacity to burn fat. The reduction of hormones like insulin and cortisol, or the stress hormone, also aids in reducing the amount of fat that the body stores.

Improvement or cure of obesity-related conditions: Most individuals who undergo bariatric surgery experience a reduction in or complete elimination of obesity-related symptoms, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, asthma, arthritis, cholesterol, and other ailments.

Long-term weight loss success: Research indicates that over 90% of patients who undergo bariatric surgery can keep off at least half of the weight they lost after the treatment.

Bariatric surgery success rate

After bariatric surgery, the majority of patients—about 90%—lose roughly 50% of their extra weight and keep it off. Results from different processes vary slightly. For example, following a gastric bypass, the typical weight loss is roughly 70% of the excess weight.

Bariatric surgery side effects

Bariatric surgery has significant long- and short-term health risks, much like any major surgical procedure.

Risks of bariatric surgery:

•       Excessive loss of blood
•       Infection
•       Responses to sedation
•       Breathing or lung issues.
•       Blood clots
•       Leaks within your digestive tract

Depending on the procedure, there are different long-term risks and concerns associated with weight loss surgery. They may consist of:

•       Blockage of the bowel
•       “Dumping syndrome” which can cause nausea, vomiting, flushing, dizziness, and diarrhea
•       Kidney stones
•       Hernias.
•       Malnutrition
•       vomiting
•       Low blood sugar
•       Acid reflux
•       Death very seldom

Who is a Good Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

Generally speaking, you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if:

If your BMI is 40 or over, you are considered to be extremely obese.

You have a major weight-related health issue, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or severe sleep apnea, and your BMI is between 35 and 39.9, which is considered obesity. If your BMI is between 30 and 34 and you have significant health issues due to your weight, you may be eligible for specific forms of weight-loss surgery in particular circumstances.  

Not everyone who is extremely overweight should have bariatric surgery. For you to be eligible for weight-loss surgery, you might have to fulfill specific medical criteria. There will probably be a rigorous screening procedure to determine your eligibility. Having the surgery will be your last resort after attempting to lose weight through diet and exercise. Plus, to adopt a healthier lifestyle, you must also be prepared to make long-term adjustments.

It could be necessary for you to take part in long-term follow-up programs that monitor your medical problems, nutrition, lifestyle, and behavior.

Preparing for Bariatric Surgery

Your healthcare team provides you with information on how to get ready for your particular type of surgery if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery. Before surgery, you might need to undergo examinations and lab testing. There can be restrictions on what you can eat, drink, and take medications. You might be asked to give up smoking and begin a physical exercise regimen.

You might also need to get ready by making plans for your post-operative rehabilitation. For example, if you anticipate needing assistance, make plans for help at home.

Bariatric surgery pre-op diet

The patient will transition to a full-liquid, low-fat, low-sugar, high-protein, low-carb diet (64 ounces per day) a week or two before surgery. The protein will be crucial for wound healing and tissue repair following surgery, but there’s another rationale for this process. The main goal is to make the liver smaller so that surgery can be done easily. “Sugar and fat make the liver bigger.” Surgeons may find this challenging while doing bariatric surgery, which is done laparoscopically via tiny abdominal incisions.

Clear and suitable liquids include:

•       Water
•       carbonated, sugar-free drinks (like Crystal Light)
•       Low-sodium broth
•       Beverages high in protein (60–80 grams daily).
•       Gelatin and sugar-free popsicles.
•       Coffee and tea without caffeine.

Post-Operative Care

You must frequently take vitamins and supplements, consume nutrient-dense foods, follow up with your bariatric surgery team, exercise, and take part in support groups following surgery. Your commitment to this complex approach will determine both your physical and mental well-being.

To ensure your success, surround yourself with individuals who will support you in sticking with the program, as this significant lifestyle change can be quite difficult.

Post-op diet

You usually won’t be allowed to eat for one to two days following weight-loss surgery to give your stomach and digestive system time to heal. After that, you’ll adhere to a particular diet for a few weeks. The diet consists solely of liquids at first, then pureed and extremely soft foods, and lastly, conventional foods. There can be a lot of limitations on what and how much you are allowed to eat and drink.

In the initial few months following weight-loss surgery, you will also have regular check-ups with your physician to monitor your health. Blood work, laboratory tests, and other examinations can be required.

Life after Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery lowers total healthcare costs while improving comorbid conditions and quality of life. Patients who have surgery will probably live longer since their chances of developing diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are reduced. Long-term bariatric follow-up necessitates a multidisciplinary approach and consideration of various treatment facets.

The most crucial component of follow-up to safely optimize weight reduction and avoid weight gain is nutrition. Losing weight can be maintained with exercise. Early detection is crucial for the identification of difficulties, which may arise from inappropriate conduct or surgical complications. A large number of patients experience emotional problems.

To monitor your weight loss and ensure that you are within the healthy weight range, you will require routine check-ups with your provider.

Bariatric surgery before and after

Several bariatric before and after photos are available to check the wonderful outcomes. To view the outcomes for yourself, check these photos out. Additionally, you can learn what motivates people to undergo bariatric surgery as well as what advice they can offer.