Bariatric Surgery
A branch of medicine called bariatrics studies the causes, effects, and prevention of overweight and obese people. A disorder characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fat in the body, obesity is a chronic medical condition. Weight gain is associated with a wide range of health complications and is the leading cause of preventable death in the world.
What are the Causes of Obesity?
Obesity is caused primarily by an imbalance between your calorie intake and your activity level, i.e. if you consume more calories than you burn off. In the long run, excess calories are stored as fat in your body, leading to obesity. However, there are many other factors that can affect your weight. These include:
- Consumption of unhealthy foods
- Sedentary lifestyle (lack of physical activity)
- Genetics (inherited obesity)
- Hormonal imbalance
- Low thyroid hormone secretion- hypothyroidism
- Some medications, such as steroids, antidepressants, and diabetic medications, can cause weight gain.
- Some medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism (less thyroid hormone secretion) and Cushing’s symptoms (excess corticosteroid hormone production), may lead to excessive fat deposition in the body.
- The Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) affects the intellectual ability of infants by causing constant hunger and obesity
Symptoms of obesity:
The following complications may occur as a result of obesity:
- Dyspnea – difficulty in breathing
- Apnea or difficulty breathing while sleeping, manifested as snoring and sleepiness during the day.
- Fertility problems.
- Psychological problems such as depression.
- Involuntary urine leakage is urinary incontinence
- Sweating
- Cardiovascular disease and heart diseases
- Type 2 diabetes (Diabetic Mellitus)
- Fatigue (tiredness and weakness)
- Arthritis of the joints and muscles.
- High blood pressure.
- Increased cancer risk in obese individuals.
How Is Obesity Diagnosed?
Weight gain is a sign of obesity and is usually self-diagnosable. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to determine the ideal weight-to-height ratio for men and women. BMI is no longer considered a reliable measure since it is based solely on weight and height, fat, bone mass, and weight distribution are also of importance. In addition, it’s important to consider:
Family History: Having a family history of obesity increases the risk of a child gaining weight earlier in life. Therefore, if you evaluate the family history of obesity, you can devise a treatment plan beforehand.
BMI or Body Mass Index: A general physical examination involves measuring height, weight, and checking heart rate. The diagnosis of obesity or overweight is usually made by a general physical examination by a physician. The usual method is to measure weight. Several online tools and apps can be used to do so. An individual can check his weight and height and enter them.
Calculation of waist-to-hip circumference: You can measure your visceral fat (abdominal obesity) by taking this measurement. Your doctor can use the waist-to-hip ratio to determine your overall health risk and complications.
Blood tests: If you gain weight, a blood test is recommended to determine what’s causing it. You may have hypothyroidism, which can be corrected with oral medication.
How is Obesity Treated?
Treatment for obesity largely depends on the severity and complications of health factors. This is mainly determined by the Body Mass Index and the comorbidities. Dietary and exercise-based weight management programs are the most common treatment for overweight or obesity. Other methods include:
Non-surgical methods for treating obesity:
Modifications to lifestyle (usually recommended for people with low BMIs)
Based on your health factors, age, sex, symptoms, and complications. The following lifestyle changes and healthy habits may be suggested by your doctor.
- A balanced diet is a key to healthy eating habits.
- Exercise helps burn excess calories
- By reducing junk food containing low-density fat.
- Mental health counseling to treat overeating-related psychological problems
The following medications are used to treat obesity:
Sometimes fat deposition in the body can be reduced by anti-obesity medications. The medication may reduce the urge to overeat by resisting the hunger sensation. You may feel full after taking other medications because they alter digestion and metabolism.
Invasive surgical method to treat obesity:
Bariatric surgery:
By restricting the amount of food that enters the stomach and intestines or by making the food absorb less, bariatric surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure (laparoscopic, i.e., done through keyholes) used to cause weight loss. In turn, this reduces the body’s ability to absorb food. Bariatric surgery is classified by the site of surgery and the procedure used.
- The gastric bypass
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- Bilateral Pancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS) Gastric Bypass
- The gastric band that is adjustable
Weight loss bariatric surgery has both advantages and risks, so you should consult with your doctor before undergoing the procedure.
Why choose us?
If you are experiencing any signs of obesity, make sure to get in touch with an expert right away.
Best Bariatric Surgeon in Faridabad
Dr B D Pathak is the best bariatric surgeon in Faridabad. He has more than 25 yrs of experience in this field. Dr Pathak has performed more than 30000 surgeries. He has good hands to perform bariatric surgery.