What is bariatric surgery?

What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a type of weight loss surgery that some people may be eligible for if they have obesity. This is usually when traditional lifestyle changes - such as diet and exercise - have not helped them lose weight.

Dr Peter Vasas, Consultant Bariatric Surgeon, Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough, UK says that weight loss surgery can make a real difference to a person's life - not just as a weight reduction method, but it also has a positive effect on health conditions related to obesità.

"It has an amazing outcome on ipertensione e diabete di tipo 2," he explains. "Surgery should always be a last resort when diets and exercise have failed to help maintain weight."

Dr Peter Vasas, Consultant Bariatric Surgeon, Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough, UK

Bariatric surgery is generally considered a lifelong intervention that, depending on your type of procedure, makes permanent changes to your digestive system. This approach is considered a more long-term measure compared to weight loss injections.

Vasas says that, after surgery, people tend to lose weight quickly.

"This is around a stone a month for the first nine months - and the total outcome is usually reached in 18 months," he explains. "It can reverse diabetes, improve high blood pressure, and help apnea del sonno. Emotionally, patients often feel able to do things they couldn’t before. It opens up a completely different lifestyle, from swimming to skiing."

In the UK, bariatric surgery is available through both the NHS and private healthcare providers. If you're going through the NHS, your wait time can be anywhere from 1-3 years. However, if you choose private treatment, the procedure can often be arranged within a few weeks.

"Everyone goes through a full pre-op assessment to make sure it's right for them," he says. "Typically, candidates are people with a indice di massa corporea (IMC) between 35 and 45, or down to 30 if they have weight-related medical conditions such as newly diagnosed diabetes."

When carried out by accredited healthcare providers in a safe and hygienic environment, bariatric surgery follows a carefully structured and regulated process.

"Of course, there can be side effects - especially if the surgery is done abroad," Vasas warns. "I've performed emergency surgery on people who have had it done overseas. Flying soon after surgery can lead to infection, or even the stomach opening up."

Vasas advises that to prevent weight regain, you must follow a two-year aftercare program which includes support from a dietitian, nutritional guidance, and regular check-ups.

"Surgery gives long-term change," he adds. "But you must also follow the lifestyle and dietary advice to keep the results."

Before weight loss surgery can be approved, you will undergo a pre-operative assessment that reviews your medical history, dietary habits, and overall suitability for the procedure. If you meet the necessary criteria, you will need to adjust your diet beforehand.

After surgery, you'll need to make long-term changes to the way you eat - a commitment that lasts a lifetime. Your doctor will provide detailed guidance on how to eat and drink, including advice on alcohol consumption and portion control.

You’ll need to check in regularly with your weight loss clinic for at least two years and have a blood test once a year to monitor your health. It’s also really important to take your daily vitamin and mineral supplements - skipping them can lead to serious health issues over time.

"Regular contact with a dietitian can provide advice on nutrition, minerals, and vitamins," says Vasas. "You can still enjoy food - just in smaller amounts."