Bariatric Surgery Complications Explained
There is no secret that being overweight causes severe health hazards that significantly shorten a person's life expectancy. The CDC has published numerous white papers detailing the consequences of various chronic diseases caused by obesity, including the leading cause of death: heart disease.
Gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, duodenal switch and other weight-loss surgeries, collectively referred to as bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery, involve modifying anatomically and physiologically your digestive system to facilitate weight loss. This type of surgery is typically considered when traditional approaches such as diet and exercise have proven ineffective, or when your weight is causing severe health complications. Certain procedures restrict your food intake (gastric sleeve), while others diminish the body's capacity to absorb nutrients and calories (gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass and duodenal switch). Some procedures combine both approaches.
It is important to recognize that while bariatric surgery can offer numerous advantages, all variations of weight-loss surgery are substantial operations that carry significant risks and potential side effects. Furthermore, in order to ensure the long-term success of bariatric surgery, it is crucial to adopt permanent healthy dietary habits and engage in regular exercise.