What is weight loss surgery and what are the benefits?
Surgery for weight loss (bariatric surgery) aims to reduce weight and improve medical conditions which are associated with obesity.28 Weight loss surgery works by increasing your sense of fullness after eating.34
Your doctor may consider bariatric surgery if you have some of the following conditions:
Please consult with your doctor to see if bariatric surgery is right for you24
- Able to understand the risks associated with the surgery
- Committed to required lifestyle changes and follow-up care
- BMI is greater than 40
- OR BMI 30+ if there is an associated illness, e.g.type 2 diabetes or sleep apnoea, that may improve with weight loss
- OR BMI 30+ with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes despite lifestyle and optimal medical therapy
How well does weight loss surgery work?
There are three main BENEFITS to weight loss surgery:
- Weight loss
- Improvement in associated medical conditions
- Improvement to your quality of life.
Studies have shown that surgery leads to the greatest and most sustained weight loss outcomes of all weight loss strategies.36
Amongst people with type 2 diabetes having bariatric surgery, 31-77% achieve normal blood sugar without diabetes medication and 80% maintain good glycaemic control with reduced or no medication.37
Animation: OMH Bariatric Sleeve Gastrectomy - (01:55)
Did you know?
Despite your best efforts, your body senses weight loss and actively works to return you to your starting weight.
- Changes to the hormones which control your hunger and fullness work to push your weight back up.12
- Your doctor can assess a wide range of things that may be influencing your health. Together you can then decide on the best approach for you to lose weight and improve your health.38
OMH Bariatric Sleeve Gastrectomy - (01:55)
OMH Bariatric Duodenal Switch - (02:21)
OMH One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass - (02:25)
OMH Bariatric Adjustable Gastric Band - (02:05)
OMH Bariatric SADI Bypass - (02:20)
OMH Bariatric Roux en Y Gastric Bypass - (02:20)
Disclaimer: Consult healthcare professional for weight management and get help in working out what is suitable for you.
References
12. Pilitsi E, et al. Pharmacotherapy of obesity: Available medications and drugs under investigation. Metab Clin Exp 2019; 92: 170–92
24. ANZOS and ADS. 2019. The Australian Obesity Management Algorithm. Available at: http://anzos.com/assets/Obesity-Management-Algorithm-18.10.2016.pdf. Accessed September 2019.
28. NH&MRC (2013) Clinical practice guidelines for the management of overweight and obesity in adults, adolescents and children in Australia. Available at https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/clinical-practice-guidelines-management-overweight-and-obesity#block-views-block-file-attachments-content-block-1, Accessed September 2019.
34. Dimitriadis, G.K., Randeva, M.S., & Miras, A.D. (2017). Potential Hormone Mechanisms of Bariatric Surgery. Current obesity reports, 6(3), 253-265.doi:10.1007/s13679-017-0276-5
36. Schwartz M, et al. Endocrine Rev 2017; 38: 267-96
37. Perez-Pevida B, Escalada J, Miras AD and Fruhbeck G (2019) Mechanisms Underlying Type 2 Diabetes Remission After Metabolic Surgery. Front. Endocrinol. 10:641. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00641
38. De Luca M, et al. Obes Surg 2016; 26 (8): 1659-96.