Do You Need A Surgery For Obesity?

Obesity means having too much fat in your body. It is different from being overweight, which means weighing too much. The weight may come from muscle, bone, fat or body water. Both terms mean that a person's weight is greater than what is considered healthy for his or her height. Obesity occurs over time when you eat more calories than what you burn. The balance between calories-in and calories-out differs from person to person.

What is a weight loss surgery? 

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Dr Atul N. C. Peters says, "Weight loss surgery is also known as the metabolic surgery. It is done on the stomach and the intestine. It is different from liposuction. Most people confuse these two surgeries but they are two different procedures. Liposuction is the removal of fat from certain areas of the body to contour it or give shape to the body. Weight loss surgery is done to induce weight loss for increased or morbid obesity. Morbid obesity is defined on the basis of BMI."

Who needs a weight loss surgery? 

"BMI refers to body mass index which is calculated by dividing your body weight with your height in meter square. Normal BMI for Asians is 18 and half to 22 and half. From 22 and half to 27 and half is known as overweight and above 27 and half is known as obesity. Obesity is also divided into various classes. This procedure is advised to patients who have a BMI of over 37 and half which is the class third form of obesity. However, it is only advised to patients who do not have any other co-existing health conditions like diabetes or blood pressure," he added.

What are the types and benefits of this surgery? 

"The surgery is of two types. First is the restricted surgery where only the stomach is targeted and its capacity is reduced. It helps in transferring food quickly to the intestines. The second one is known as by pass. In this, a small pouch of the stomach and reconnect the intestines in such a way so that the food will pass above the small intestine. The purpose of this surgery is to ensure that food reaches the intestines faster due to which more hormones can be produced. The main hormone is GLP1. This increases when the food goes directly to the intestine. This hormone offers a number of benefits. It includes increased insulin, decreases glucose from liver and intestine so it actually eradicates diabetes. It also lowers the blood pressure and metabolizes the fat in a way so that the body starts to use fat as energy, thereby inducing weight loss. So basically utilization of fat is the purpose," Dr Atul explained.

Factors that might affect your weight include:

• Genetic makeup,
• Overeating, eating high-fat foods, and
• Not being physically active.

Being obese increases your risk of many diseases. These include:

• Diabetes,
• Heart disease,
• Stroke,
• Arthritis and
• Cancer.

If you are obese, losing even 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can delay or prevent some of these diseases. For example, that means losing 10 to 20 pounds if you weigh 200 pounds.

Teens usually do not require a weight loss surgery unless they are extremely obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35, and with a weight-related condition. You can talk to your doctor about whether it is a good option for you or not.

A surgery for obesity is a major life change and its effects are permanent. Many people research for years and can never take action. Weight loss surgery is not the right decision for everyone and depends from person to person. Weight loss surgery is not something to be undertaken without very careful consideration. You need to be fully prepared for the surgery and you need to be highly motivated. While considering for a surgery you must have the full understanding of what it involves, including the risks and benefits. You should also be aware that you need to make long-term changes to your lifestyle and eating habits after your surgery.

The way weight loss surgery works can be:

1. Surgery which may prevent you from being able to eat so much - for instance, by reducing the size of your stomach. This means that you will feel full more quickly and therefore eat less.

2. Surgery which may change the way that your body handles the food that you eat - this surgery can make the food that you eat bypass part of your gut (intestine) so that fewer calories are taken up (absorbed) by your body from food.

3. Some types of surgery use a combination of both of these ways.

Bariatric surgery is not designed for people who simply wish to lose a small amount of weight or sculpt a certain area of their body. Instead, a bariatric surgery is designed as a major weight loss tool to help individuals suffering from obesity who have a high body mass index (BMI) or obesity- related co- morbid health conditions.

Some guidelines which you need to keep in mind after a weight loss surgery:

• In order to lose weight, you will need to change your eating habits.
• You will not absorb certain vitamins and minerals in the same way after your operation; therefore you will need to take some supplements as advised by the doctor.
• It is important that you eat a healthy and a balanced diet.You need to be aware that you will need lifelong medical follow-up after weight loss surgery.
• You need to be aware that you will need lifelong medical follow-up after weight loss surgery.

(Dr Atul N. C. Peters is the Senior Consultant and head of the department at Apollo institute of metabolic surgery)

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.