There are online communities and individuals who, for numerous reasons, prefer to remain overweight or even obese and unwell rather than opting for a healthier life free from comorbidities. This approach can be seen from fears and misunderstandings about bariatric surgery. Some believe the risk of complications is too high, or that the side effects outweigh the benefits. However, the reality is quite different and deserves some explaining.
There is an extensive list of comorbidities associated with obesity that bariatric surgery can solve. Some of the most common include:
– Type 2 diabetes
– Hypertension
– Sleep apnea
– Heart disease
– Osteoarthritis
Bariatric surgery has proven to be an effective solution for all of these and other comorbidities, significantly improving patients’ quality of life.
El índice de complicaciones y la tasa de mortalidad de la cirugía bariátrica es muy baja. Sin embargo, es fundamental que el paciente esté psicológicamente preparado para el procedimiento. Si no es así, existe el riesgo de que recupere el peso y experimente dificultades con la restricción gástrica.
The complication rate and mortality rate for bariatric surgery are very low. However, it’s crucial that the patient is psychologically prepared for the procedure. Without this readiness, there’s a risk they may regain weight and experience difficulties related to gastric restriction.
Chronic Malnutrition Is Rare and is a Consequence of Very Aggressive Procedures
Chronic malnutrition is an uncommon complication, generally occurring only in highly aggressive procedures that involve increased malabsorption for enhanced results. In my personal experience, I have never had patients suffer from malnutrition.
Medications Are Explained Before Surgery
A gastric sleeve only requires a multivitamin tab once or twice a day. Malnutrition can occur in mixed and malabsorptive techniques like gastric bypass, BAGUA, or SADI-S, primarily due to reduced intestinal absorption. In these cases, supplements such as B-complex, iron, calcium, and increased protein intake are prescribed.
Conclusion
The bariatric surgery side-effects are secondary to complications from very aggressive procedures. Our role as surgeons is to use proper techniques to minimize surgical complications. Lack of program adherence from patients is an issue, and I agree that, as specialists we must carefully select patients. However, I do not consider that international patients are a lost cause, as virtual platforms, allows medical specialists to effectively follow-up through telemedicine with our full multidisciplinary team.
Bariatric Surgery Costs
It’s important to clarify that the mentioned costs in some articles do not reflect reality. In Colombia, the cost can be higher due to specific services offered by clinics, ranging between 14 and 17 million Colombian pesos. This amount does not include medical fees, multidisciplinary follow-up, preoperative exams, and postoperative medications.
Bariatric Surgery as a Long-Term Solution
Bariatric surgery is currently the only highly successful long-term procedure available. Each procedure has a success rate and a complication rate. For example, the gastric sleeve has a 65% success rate over five years, and a gastric bypass can reach up to 80%. Other procedures with higher success rates tend to have more complications due to malabsorption, which can lead to malnutrition.
It’s essential to remember that the primary dietary goals in bariatric surgery are to minimize muscle mass loss, optimize weight loss, and establish lasting dietary habits over time.
I hope this article helps clarify some concerns and misunderstandings about bariatric surgery and its effectiveness in treating obesity and related comorbidities.
