Obesity has become the most important epidemic of our times. It is responsible for many diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, snoring, arthritis, hernias, infertility, etc. Thus it is not only a cosmetic problem. Obese people try many methods to lose weight not only to look better but to be healthier.
Although dieting and physical training remains the most important way to lose weight, it is not always easy or successful especially if someone is severely obese. This would mean in simple language that women above 90 and men above 100 kgs are less likely to lose significant weight in long term based on diet-activity program. Many do resort to plenty of unscientific practices and gimmicks to lose weight but they lose their time and money only instead. The readers are advised to check for any scientific basis before adopting any method for weight loss.
Bariatric surgery comes as a boon to all the patients who are unable to lose weight. There are many reasons why it has become so popular ( In fact it has overtaken laparoscopic removal of gallbladder as the commonest laparoscopic procedure in the West):
- It is a laparoscopic surgery (keyhole surgery in the abdomen), hence there is minimal pain, no scars and patient can be discharged 24 hours after the surgery.
- The weight loss is significant and lasting. For example, Shruti , 28 yr old(name changed) who weighed 110 kgs a year back is now 70 kgs, a year later from surgery. Obviously she looks prettier.
- There is resolution of diseases associated with obesity such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, snoring, etc. There is improvement in the confidence level, sex life and quality of life. Obese diabetics benefit tremendously from the procedure.
- The risk of complications is very low.
In a nutshell, the reason for the growing popularity of bariatric surgery is because as an investment in health, it offers high return.
Watch Surgery for Obesity and Diabetes video on YouTube.