Bariatric refers to the branch of medicine that focuses on the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity. This term is often used in relation to surgeries and procedures that help in reducing weight. The term stems from the Greek word "Baros," meaning weight.
Bariatric medicine is crucial in the field of health, fitness, and weight loss as it helps in addressing obesity, which is a widespread health issue affecting a significant portion of the global population. It employs various strategies ranging from nutritional and lifestyle modifications to surgical interventions aiming at significant weight loss and enhancing overall health.
Understanding bariatric medicine is important for people dealing with obesity because it provides them with various choices and treatments that can eventually lead to healthier and more fulfilling lives.
The science of bariatrics involves understanding how the body manages the consumption, metabolization and storage of nutrients and energy. The most well-known aspect of bariatric science is perhaps bariatric surgery, which includes procedures like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric band, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch.
Each bariatric surgery aims to decrease the intake, absorption, or both, of consumed food by altering the structure of the digestive system, leading to significant weight loss. The scientific evidence supports the efficacy of these procedures in reducing obesity and its related complications.
Bariatric procedures offer multiple benefits, including substantial weight loss, improvements in obesity-associated co-morbidities like diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and a significant improvement in quality of life.
However, there can be drawbacks or risks related to bariatric procedures, such as surgery-related complications, nutrient deficiencies due to malabsorption, and the need for lifelong dietary modifications and supplementation.
If one decides to pursue bariatric surgery, they must undergo a thorough evaluation process consisting of medical examinations, nutritional counselling, and psychological evaluations. Here are some key steps to prepare:
Q: Is Bariatric Surgery safe? A: All surgeries come with risks, but when performed by a skilled surgeon, bariatric surgery is generally safe and can greatly reduce the risk of other medical complications due to obesity.
Q: How much weight will I lose after Bariatric Surgery? A: The amount of weight loss varies, depending on the type of surgery and your adherence to the prescribed diet and exercise plan. Most patients lose 50-70% of their excess weight within the first two years post-surgery.
Q: Can I eat normally after Bariatric Surgery? A: Post-surgery, you'll need to make significant lifelong changes in your eating habits. Initially, you'll be on a liquid diet which will gradually transition to solid foods. The diet needs to be high in protein and low in fats, sugars and calories.
In conclusion, Bariatric Medicine is a crucial branch of health science that focuses on the treatment and prevention of obesity. By using various surgical procedures, it aims to bring about significant weight loss, leading to improved health outcomes for obese individuals. Its importance lies in its ability to address worldwide obesity, a condition tied to numerous health complications.