Weight loss surgery may be a treatment option for you if you have serious obesity-related issues.
Today’s women are very particular about their appearance, and are constantly worried about putting on weight. That said, a lot of them think of undergoing a weight loss surgery. But, not anyone and everyone is suitable for this surgery as there are various factors which decide if you can opt for it. We tell you everything you need to know before going for a weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery.
Questions to ask
What is your BMI?
BMI ie. body mass index is one of the most important factors for a weight loss surgery. If your BMI is 32.5 or more, you may decide to go for a weight loss surgery. If you are 20 to 25 kgs more than what should be your ideal weight, then you can get this surgery done.
Do you have diabetes?
Diabetes is probably considered as one of the diseases with no cure. It has serious complications like high blood pressure, heart attack, brain stroke, kidney failure and blindness and these are usually witnessed in uncontrolled patients. So if you have diabetes, weight loss surgery may be a solution for you.
Are you obese?
Weight loss surgery may be a treatment option for you if you have serious obesity-related issues, such as high blood pressure, because the risk of complications of the disease is high if you don’t lose weight.
Benefits of weight loss surgery
Losing weight: Even though it takes time for the changes to be visible, you do lose a lot of weight as is obvious, but in order to maintain it you need to make changes in your lifestyle and follow a strict diet as well as an exercise routine.
Diabetes remission: Diabetes which is otherwise a disease with absolutely no cure, can be brought down by weight loss surgery. Thereby reducing complications like high blood pressure and kidney failures which are associated with diabetes.
Reduction in cholesterol levels: Weight loss surgery brings down your cholesterol level and a lot of people who are on medication to decrease their cholesterol level, discontinue their drugs after surgery due to the results.
Normalisation of hormones in women with PCOD: Weight loss surgery normalises the hormones in women with PCOD ie. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. PCOD is a very common female endocrine disorder and causes a hormonal imbalance which causes heavy or irregular bleeding during periods.
Improved quality of living: It’s not easy to feel good about yourself when you don’t like what you see in the mirror. Weight loss surgery gives you a better quality of living because it makes you feel good about yourself thereby boosting your confidence. You can move about freely, indulge in sports and other activities as well.
Things to do post weight loss surgery
Schedule a meeting with your doctor: Follow ups after your weight loss surgery is a must and isn’t something you can take lightly. Schedule your first visit 7 to 10 days after your surgery and be regular with your appointments.
Follow a diet: Take a diet plan from your dietician and follow it religiously. There’s no point of undergoing a weight loss surgery if you aren’t going to take that extra effort after and maintain the weight. Eat 4 to 6 small meals throughout the day and don’t drink liquids with your meal. Avoid eating sugary foods too.
Watch out for the signs: Studies suggest that a slight discomfort in the stomach, rapid increase of heart rate, bleeding from the incision, leg or calf pain or swelling can be faced after a weight loss surgery so don’t overlook any symtoms and watch out for the signs and make sure you call your doctor immediately if you’re feeling unwell.
Exercise: Don’t go overboard with your exercise regime, take it slowly by starting with a walk. Consult your doctor before taking up any kind of exercise.
Drink enough water: Drink enough fluids between meals to fulfill the requirement your body needs to prevent dehydration.
Inputs by Dr Ramen Goel, Senior Bariatric and Metabolic Surgeon, Nova Specialty Hospitals, Mumbai.
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