Bariatric Surgery Options
Lose Weight. Gain Life. Expert Bariatric Surgery in Melbourne at Centre For weight Loss
Bariatric Surgery Options
Lose Weight. Gain Life. Expert Bariatric Surgery in Melbourne at Centre For weight Loss
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What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric (weight loss) surgery changes the way your stomach and digestive system work to help you lose weight and improve obesity related conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. It’s not a quick fix it’s a tool for long-term health when combined with lifestyle changes.
Why Consider Surgery?
Achieve significant, lasting weight loss
Reduce or reverse type 2 diabetes
Improve energy, mobility, and activity
Gain a longer, healthier quality of life
Dr. Arun Dhir explains how to choose the best weight loss surgery option.
Weight Loss Surgery Options
Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve)
Is it for me?: For BMI > 40, or > 35 with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea. Suitable if diets haven’t worked long term.
How it works: Removes most of the stomach, reducing hunger hormones and making you feel full with small meals.
Expected weight loss: About 25–30% of total body weight.
Mini Gastric Bypass or OAGB
Is it for me?: For BMI > 40, or > 35 with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea. Not suitable if you have reflux. Can be an option after lap band or stapling.
How it works: Creates a smaller stomach pouch and bypasses part of the intestine, reducing food intake and absorption.
Expected weight loss: About 30–40% of total body weight.
RNY Gastric Bypass
Is it for me?: For BMI > 40, or > 35 with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea. Often recommended if you have reflux or after lap band/stapling.
How it works: Creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the intestine, reducing food intake and absorption.
Expected weight loss: About 25–35% of total body weight.
When should I consider bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery may be an option if your BMI is over 40, or over 35 with serious health issues like diabetes or heart disease. It’s usually considered only after trying lifestyle changes and medicines. Weight loss from surgery can improve diabetes, blood pressure, and heart health.
What are the risks of Bariatric Surgery?
All surgery carries risks such as infection, bleeding, or reaction to anaesthesia. Smoking increases these risks, so heavy smokers must quit at least eight weeks before surgery. Each bariatric procedure has its own specific risks, which your surgeon will explain during consultation.
10 Point Checklist
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Bariatric Surgery FAQ's
What type of medical tests do I need before weight loss surgery?
Before weight loss surgery, your surgeon will likely order several medical tests to assess your overall health and identify any potential risks that could affect the safety of the surgery. Some of the common medical tests that you may need before weight loss surgery include:
1. Complete blood count (CBC): This test measures the levels of red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets in your blood.
2. Blood chemistry tests: These tests measure the levels of different chemicals in your blood, including electrolytes, glucose, liver enzymes, and kidney function markers.
3. Lipid profile: This test measures the levels of different types of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood.
4. Fasting blood sugar test: This test measures your blood sugar levels after an overnight fast to check for diabetes or insulin resistance.
5. Liver function tests: These tests assess the health of your liver, which is important for metabolizing fat after surgery.
6. Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test measures the electrical activity of your heart and can help detect any heart problems.
7. Pulmonary function tests: These tests measure how well your lungs are functioning and can identify any respiratory problems.
8. Upper endoscopy: This test involves inserting a small camera into your oesophagus (food pipe) and stomach to check for any abnormalities or potential complications.
Your surgeon may also recommend additional tests based on your specific medical history and the type of weight loss surgery you are undergoing. It’s important to follow all pre-surgical instructions and undergo all recommended tests to ensure the safest and most successful outcome.
What are the restrictions after weight-loss surgery?
Surgery gives you the physical tools to assist with weight loss. You must be committed to making the emotional and physical changes necessary after weight loss surgery. This commitment will ensure successful weight loss and long-term weight maintenance.
Lack of exercise, poorly balanced meals, constant grazing, eating processed carbohydrates and drinking sweet drinks (Sodas and shakes) are some of the most common preventable causes of failure to achieve adequate weight loss and maintain it.
Should I Consider Having Weight Loss Surgery?
If you have been struggling to lose weight for a long time or medical problems have started to creep up, then surgery could be an option for you.
Weight loss surgery can greatly help morbidly obese individuals who have been unsuccessful with other weight loss treatments.
Eligible individuals for weight loss surgery would usually have a body mass index or BMI of 35 or greater however, each patient is evaluated individually depending on medical conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea and high cholesterol.
How Does Weight Loss Surgery Affect Overall Health?
Weight loss surgery can greatly improve your quality of life and mobility. You feel more energy and can sleep better. Studies show that significant weight loss can also reduce your risk of heart attacks and certain cancers. It is best to discuss this further with your medical practitioner.
How much weight can I loose after Bariatric surgery?
Following weight loss surgery, the most weight loss will occur within the first six months.
It will start to slow after that but can continue for a total of 12-18 months. You may intermittently have plateaued in your weight loss for up to a month. This is usually an indication that you are eating too many carbohydrates or calories and/or not exercising enough. Take this as a sign to re-examine your eating and exercise habits.
Most patients’ weight will plateau after 18-24 months After this time, additional weight loss may be difficult. Weight regain may also occur if too many calories are consumed, exercise is discontinued or old habits, such as grazing, snacking, or poor eating habits return. This is where it is important to reassess your habits