Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, has proven to be an effective tool in the fight against obesity. But, before you decide to proceed, there are some critical factors you should consider. From eligibility criteria to potential risks, life changes and more, here are the key aspects to consider before committing to weight loss surgery.

Eligibility:

1. Not everyone is a candidate: These types of surgeries are typically recommended for individuals who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 30 or higher with associated health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Meeting this criterion doesn’t automatically make you a candidate; other factors, such as psychological readiness, are considered as well.

The Preparation:

2. Pre-operative lifestyle changes: Before going under the knife, your healthcare provider may require you to adopt some lifestyle changes. This can include diet control, regular exercise, and quitting smoking. These changes aim to reduce surgery risks and prepare your body for the subsequent weight loss journey.

3. Psychological readiness: It’s vital not to discount the emotional implications of these surgeries. Many people struggle with changes to their appearance and the emotional baggage that often accompanies a significant lifestyle change. Mental health support is recommended before and after the surgery.

The Surgery and Beyond:

4. Procedure type: There are several types of weight loss surgeries, including gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Each has its own benefits and risks. Discuss with your healthcare provider to understand which would work best for your unique situation.

5. Post-surgery lifestyle changes: After the surgery, you’ll need to sustain strict dietary rules and habits to maintain the weight loss. This usually includes consuming very small, nutrient-rich meals and avoiding sugary, high-fat diets. Regular exercise will also become essential.

6. Potential complications and risks: All surgeries have inherent risks. These can include infection, bleeding, blood clots, dumping syndrome, nutritional deficiencies, and more. Understanding these risks can assist you in making an informed decision.

7. Long-term follow-up: Long-term follow-up care is crucial for maintaining the weight loss and managing potential problems. These may include counseling, nutrition consulting, group support, and regular medical checkups.

You’re Not Alone:

8. Support systems: Successful weight loss is not just about the surgery. It’s about ongoing care, counseling, nutritional directives, and having a support system that understands your journey. A strong support system will ease the emotional and physical adjustments needed post-surgery.

9. Impact on relationships: The changes that follow bariatric surgery can affect personal relationships. Not everyone will understand or support your journey, and this can be an unexpected yet common struggle. Being aware of these possible changes can help prepare you for any shifts in your social dynamics.

Before proceeding with weight loss surgery, comprehensive understanding and preparedness are crucial. Discuss all these factors with your healthcare provider or a bariatric surgeon. Remember, the goal is not only shedding pounds but also gaining health, ensuring that weight loss surgery truly aligns with your expectation and readiness to embrace overall life changes.

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Weight loss surgery, commonly known as bariatric surgery, can be a significant game-changer for those who struggle with obesity, especially when it’s complicated by conditions such as type-2 diabetes. One such surgical procedure in the armamentarium of weight management is the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG). Apart from aiding in considerable weight reduction, this surgery can also lead to a significant amelioration of diabetes. This blog post aims to delve into the benefits of Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy for diabetics.

Understanding Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) is a type of bariatric surgery in which approximately 80% of the patient’s stomach is surgically removed, leaving behind a small, vertical or ‘sleeve’-like pouch. This restricted stomach capacity encourages reduced food intake and promotes weight loss.

VSG and Diabetes: The Remarkable Link

While VSG is primarily performed to treat obesity, its impact as a metabolic surgery, specifically on resolving type-2 diabetes, is profoundly transformative. A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed that nearly 40% of individuals undergoing VSG witnessed complete remission of their diabetes.

1. Resolution and Improvement of Diabetes

After Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, most patients experience a significant improvement in their glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, a key determinant of long-term blood glucose control. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, many individuals experience complete remission of diabetes, meaning their blood glucose levels become normal without the requirement of medication.

2. Improved Insulin Sensitivity

With weight loss post-VSG, the body’s ability to use insulin efficiently increases, thereby improving insulin sensitivity. This enhanced sensitivity diminishes the load on pancreatic beta cells that produce insulin, lowering insulin resistance, a common trait in type-2 diabetics.

3. Alterations in Gut Hormones

VSG modifies the gut hormones involved in hunger control, satiety, and blood glucose regulation. Notably, it increases the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that stimulates insulin release, and peptide YY, which controls appetite and induces satiety. These hormonal changes favor improved glycemic control.

4. Promotes Healthy Lifestyle Changes

After surgery, patients follow a nutritious, portion-controlled, low-calorie diet paired with regular exercise, which can aid in the maintenance of blood glucose levels. A healthy lifestyle is crucial in managing type-2 diabetes.

Reduction in Associated Comorbidities

VSG often results in the amelioration of other obesity-related conditions like sleep apnea, hypertension, and lipid abnormalities, further aiding patients in achieving an overall healthy state.

Less is More: VSG as a Less Invasive Option

Compared to other bariatric surgeries, VSG is less invasive, offering potential benefits like shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery, fewer nutritional deficiencies, and lower risk of surgical complications, making this surgical option more favorable.

Every patient is unique, so the decision to undergo VSG should be customized. A multidisciplinary approach involving dietitians, endocrinologists, and bariatric surgeons is the cornerstone of patient-centered care. If you’re considering bariatric surgery and suffer from diabetes, consult your healthcare provider to discuss if Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy could be the right option for you.

“This is an informational post, and should not substitute professional medical advice. It’s always essential to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice”

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When you start researching Weight Loss Surgery procedures, you will find a variety of routes to achieve your goals, and the most common usually are:

1. Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)
2. Lap band
3. Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

One major study from 2018 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6652193/) shows that out of the three procedures, the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy was the safest and had lower risk of generating side effects.

In another study from 2021  (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/fullarticle/2784823) the vertical sleeve also showed a fewest complications compared to the Gastric Bypass.

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