Month: March 2021

There is a lot of misinformation surrounding bariatric surgery, and it’s likely that some of what you’ve heard is mere hearsay. But if you’re ready to pursue bariatric surgery to change your life for the better, what you really want to understand is whether or not bariatric surgery is safe.

Surgery requirements

It’s important to understand that bariatric surgery isn’t offered as the first weight-loss option for people. It is often only turned to when individuals are unable to lose weight despite repeated diet and exercise regimens. Many people choose bariatric procedures to improve their health because they are at an elevated risk of life-threatening diseases like heart disease, certain cancers, and Type 2 diabetes. They may already have some health problems related to weight, such as high blood pressure. Regardless, patients are unable to undergo bariatric surgery unless they meet certain guidelines.

Surgery risks

There is always a risk when you undergo surgery under anesthesia, whether it’s for a broken bone or bariatric surgery. Risks of surgery include: excess bleeding, infection of surgery site, blood clots, and reactions to anesthesia. While death is extremely rare, it is important to note that there is risk of death with even the simplest surgeries. With bariatric surgery, you may also experience leaks in the gastrointestinal system. Before undergoing bariatric surgery, your surgery team will conduct thorough tests to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery. You may have to change your habits before surgery, such as eliminating smoking and drinking.

Risks depending on type of bariatric procedure

There are several different types of bariatric surgery—among the most common being gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric banding (the Lap-Band® Procedure). The risk of complications goes up depending on how complicated the surgery you choose is. For instance, during gastric bypass surgery, a small stomach pouch is cut and part of the small intestine is cut and sewn directly into the pouch. During a sleeve gastrectomy, a majority of the stomach is removed. The Lap-Band Procedure, however, does not require any cutting or rerouting of the intestines or stomach, making it a safer, simpler procedure with fewer complications and lower mortality rates. A band is laparoscopically placed at the top of the stomach, creating a smaller stomach pouch. It also does not take as long to perform as other bariatric procedures. The procedure is typically performed in less than an hour, and you can usually return home the same day. It boasts the shortest recovery time of all the bariatric procedures. If for any reason your Lap-Band needs to be removed, it is easily reversible, unlike other bariatric procedures.

Safety conclusion

Despite some risks, bariatric surgery is still considered one of the safest surgeries patients can undergo, especially when you consider the technological advancements made in recent years and the improved aftercare programs. It is also important to note that taking on surgery risks may mitigate the consequences of morbid obesity, such as diabetes, heart disease, and other weight-related health conditions.

There are a few questions you must ask yourself before you pursue bariatric surgery, such as, How will my life change? Am I ready to make a lifetime commitment to a healthier lifestyle? Which bariatric procedure is the right choice for me? Along with those questions will come more specific sets of questions, especially related to food. Many people wonder if they’ll still be able to consume the foods they love and if they’ll still be able to meet their nutrition requirements when consuming less food. Read on to learn whether or not you’ll need to take supplements after bariatric surgery to meet your nutrition requirements.

Limited food capacity

It is difficult to obtain the amount of nutrients we need each day, and that’s without having a restrictive or malabsorptive bariatric procedure completed. This is why many individuals (who haven’t had bariatric surgery) opt to take a basic multivitamin. However, after bariatric surgeries that restrict the amount of food consumed, it is incredibly difficult to consume enough nutrients in the day because patients simply do not have the capacity for the nutrient-dense food they need. 

Malabsorption

While it is true that each bariatric surgery option you pursue results in the inability to eat as much food as you once could, not all procedures are linked to malabsorption. Malabsorption is when your digestive tract is unable to properly absorb nutrients from food. This typically happens because the digestive tract is cut and rerouted, bypassing some of the small intestine. When the small intestine is bypassed, food touches less of the absorptive surface and the nutrients cannot be extracted and absorbed by the body. Additionally, the food does not mix with bile and enzymes as much, which is a necessary part of nutrient absorption. As a result, individuals may find themselves low in B vitamins, iron, calcium, folate, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K.

Some procedures, like biliopancreatic diversions and the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch are categorized as malabsorptive procedures because that is primarily how patients lose weight: through malabsorption.

Why is Lap-Band different?

The answer to the question of whether or not you’ll require daily supplements is dependent upon the bariatric procedure you proceed with. The Lap-Band® Program is different than other bariatric procedures because there is no cutting or partial “amputation” of the stomach or intestines. This means that patients are not at risk of malabsorption. Lap-Band is categorized as a limited-capacity procedure because it limits the amount of food patients can consume, so nutrient deficiencies may result. However, they can be resolved by taking a daily multivitamin. Other expensive supplements, such as the ones recommended after gastric bypass and the sleeve gastrectomy, are typically not needed after the Lap-Band Procedure.

To see a comparison of the Lap-Band Procedure and other bariatric procedures, visit https://www.www.lapband.com/why-its-different/.

Each year on March 4, we recognize World Obesity Day. Recognized internationally, the day is designed to raise awareness about the obesity epidemic and provide individuals with obesity helpful information and resources. There is an unfair bias toward individuals with obesity and the false assumption that obesity is caused by factors entirely in our control, such as laziness and overeating. There are countless factors that play a role in the disease of obesity—many of which are not in our control.

Genetics

Genetics play a role in obesity. For example, if an individual’s parents both have obesity, the child is more likely to also struggle with obesity. The way fat is distributed and your metabolism are affected by genetics. We also learn eating and exercise habits from our families, meaning that individuals may be more likely to pick up unhealthy habits if they’re surrounded by them growing up.

Lack of accessibility

The lack of accessibility to resources can play a role in obesity in more ways than one. This includes environmental, social, and economic factors. Some people do not have access to a safe environment that allows them the space to exercise. There may not be an accessible fitness center in town and there may not be sidewalks or bike trails. Other individuals do not have access to healthy foods, whether that is because they cannot afford healthy foods or because there is a lack of resources nearby. Many people do not have access to affordable health care to help them treat their obesity either. These same individuals may also not know how to cook healthy foods or have the resources to learn. This lack of resources is an unfortunate reality that many organizations, like the World Obesity Organization, are aiming to fix.

Illnesses and medications

There is a whole list of illnesses and medications that can cause people to gain weight and struggle to lose it. Steroids and antidepressants, which are commonly prescribed, are linked to weight gain. Similarly, certain illnesses make exercising difficult, if not nearly impossible.

Lifestyle choices

 Making unhealthy food choices—such as eating a diet high in fat and sugar—or overeating can lead to weight gain. A sedentary lifestyle is also linked to weight gain. However, it is important to remember that this is not the only factor that contributes to obesity.

There are other factors that can make it more difficult for individuals to maintain a healthy weight, such as stress, poor sleep habits, and yo-yo dieting. To access weight-loss resources, visit our blog.

Obesity has an impact on the quality of life, but it can also make you more at risk for life-threatening diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. February is National American Heart Month. It’s a good idea to review the link between obesity and heart disease, review your heart health, and make any necessary changes.

High blood pressure

Obesity is associated with a rise in blood pressure. That’s because individuals with obesity need more blood to supply the body with oxygen and nutrients. This requires more pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension can increase your likelihood of having a heart attack. It may also lead to an enlarged left ventricle and increase your risk of heart failure.

High cholesterol

Not only does obesity make you more likely to have high levels of bad cholesterol—including triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol)—it may also lower your levels of good cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein (or HDL cholesterol) is important. It actively works to reduce your levels of bad cholesterol and lower your risk of heart disease.

Type-2 diabetes

Individuals with obesity are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, which is the impaired ability to tolerate glucose. In turn, type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk for developing heart disease. In fact, it’s reported that individuals with type 2 diabetes are “two to four times more likely to develop heart failure than someone without diabetes.”  You can learn more about diabetes and heart disease in our blog here.

Am I at risk?

Are you worried that you might be at risk for developing heart disease? A quick way to determine if you are at risk because of your weight is to check your body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.  A BMI above 25.0 for adults is a sign that you may be overweight. A higher waist circumference is associated with more abdominal fat. If your waist circumference is above 35 as a woman or above 40 as a man, you may be at risk of developing heart disease.

If you are worried about your heart disease risk, talk to your doctor.