The Pros
and Cons of Weight Loss Surgery
by Patricia Strasser
Weight loss surgery, or more commonly known as Bariatric surgery,
is a surgical procedure that is indicated for patients who have at least 100
excess pounds. Aside from plain obesity, one must have health-related risks such
as hypertension, diabetes, and other similar conditions in order for surgery to
be advisable and recommended.
This comes in various types which range from simple
implantation of a medical device to the removal of a portion of the stomach.
Although proven to have produced significant long-term effects, such procedures
are believed to have many side effects, which can sometimes be fatal.
Before you decide to resort to weight loss surgery you need to
carefully evaluate its pros and cons so you can avoid life-threatening
complications. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of undergoing weight
loss surgery:
Advantages
Although many weight loss methods are made available, surgery is especially
indicated to patients who have serious co-existing medical concerns arising from
obesity. Surgery is a life-saving solution that produces substantial and lasting
results due to the following reasons:
Abrupt weight loss
The main purpose of undergoing surgery is to get immediate weight reduction.
Since absorption of nutrients is lessened due to either rerouting or reducing
the stomach size, a lesser food intake is to be expected.
Decreased risk of associated health problems
Another indication for surgery is to decrease the chances of developing
secondary medical problems, particularly hypertension and diabetes. These are
the most common health issues obese people face. Based on studies, a
considerable improvement has been observed on cardiovascular patients,
especially a reduced mortality rate.
Faster recovery period
Medical professionals consider surgery to be simple and safe based on their
experiences. In fact, patients stay in the hospital for observation for less
than a week. However, this may vary depending on then person's overall health
condition.
Improved general health condition
With a lesser weight, patient feel lighter and more mobile. Endurance and
general conditions are also improved, especially when regular exercise is
practiced.
Disadvantages
Just like with any other surgery, post-operative complications are common
due to immobilization. The immune system is somehow affected and can cause
secondary complications may arise such as:
Respiratory problems
One common respiratory condition associated with prolonged immobilization is
pneumonia. Coughing may develop and causes pain at the incision area.
Deep venous thrombosis
When a patient is immobilized for a prolonged period of time, body fluids
such as blood may become stagnant. Since there is less muscle movement, blood
pooling on the lower limbs will most likely develop. Depending on the extent of
inactivity, clots may develop within the blood vessels, which may subsequently
dislodge and lead to another serious condition called stroke.
Infection
The area where the incision is made must be monitored because infection may
occur when the area is not properly cleaned. Therefore, personal hygiene is a
must to avoid bacterial infections.
Nutritional deficiency
As previously mentioned, the procedure may vary from simple rerouting to the
removal of a portion of the stomach. In rare cases, leaks may be observed on the
affected areas. This could mean malabsorption of nutrients or vitamin deficiency
which causes malnutrition.
Death
When complications are left unmanaged, more serious conditions, or even
death, can result.
Before you schedule your weight loss surgery, you must carefully consider
the pros and cons or resort to a more conservative choice. Surgery is not about
instant change. You need to work hard to gain your desired result.
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for more information. |
