Dr. Patta Radhakrishna

Struggling with obesity for years? Maybe we can help

Obesity is a major disease affecting millions today. It is a risk enhancing factor for many other ailments like diabetes, heart diseases, cancer etc. As such, weight loss is more about achieving and maintaining good health through proper diet and lifestyle rather than looking good.

Maintaining a healthy weight is a challenge to many people. This is because of the rise in unhealthy lifestyle habits like excessive and unhealthy eating habits, smoking, drinking etc.Add sedentary lifestyle with little exercise to this mix and you get a situation that goes out of control.

When conventional methods dont work, bariatric surgery is the only option. Bariatric surgery limits the amount of calories absorbed, by surgically reducing the stomach's capacity to a few ounces.

Types of bariatric surgeries

Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-en-Y): This is the most commonly performed bariatric surgery. It basically inhibits the amount of food consumed by making the stomach smaller. As a result, patients eat lesser after the surgery because the stomach is smaller and they absorb fewer calories.

Gastric Banding (adjustable): In this procedure,the upper part of the stomach is covered with a silicone band filled with saline to create small pouch. The pouch remains just above the band while rest of the stomach remains below the band. This results in patients eating less and feel full quickly. The size of opening can be adjusted after surgery.

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy: In this procedure,approximately 85% of the stomach is removed leaving behind a sleeve-shaped stomach that resembles the shape of a banana. The new stomach is then closed using surgical staples. This can be done as both an laparoscopic surgery or open surgery.

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

	Continued weight reduction. Patients may reduce 50-60% weight for 6 months.
	Reduces risk of heart disease by half.
	Resolves Type-2 diabetes in most patients.
	Resolves sleep apnea.