Health Guide: Pros and Cons of Weight Loss Surgery

As a common knowledge, obesity and weight gain are gradually attaining epidemic proportions globally. This is due to our increasing appetite for unhealthy junk foods, sedentary lifestyles, a lack of exercise and for some, a background genetic predisposition. Further compounding the problem of obesity are the other health conditions which it predisposes individuals to. These health risks include an increased risk for type 2 diabetes Mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension etc.

Although conventional approaches have focused on achievement of weight loss through dieting, exercise and drugs, these have continued to prove unsatisfactory especially in terms of their ability to cause weight loss and maintenance of the new weight. To tackle this problem, a new approach was sought, which led to the birth of weight loss surgery. This has proven over time to be an effective means of achieving weight loss. Weight loss surgery employs Bariatric techniques and options which include sleeve gastrectomy, ileal interposition, transit bipartition etc.

As with all medical/surgical procedures, weight loss surgery by Metabolic Surgery Clinic also comes with its own set of pros and cons which we shall briefly explore. It is best to approach each weight loss surgery option, detailing its pros and cons. 

Sleeve gastrectomy

Pros

·        There is rapid weight loss of as much as 30-50% within the first 6 months to 1 year.

·        There is improvement in obesity-related complications such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and hypertension.

·        There is decrease in the gastric capacity leading to decreased hunger and eating of small meals.

Cons

·        There may be leakage at stapling points on the stomach which can predispose to other complications such as infections.

·        There may be some form of malabsorption.

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

Pros

·        Achievement and maintenance of rapid weight loss in the long run

·        Decrease in gastric capacity, decreased hunger and eating of smaller meal portions

Cons

·        Predisposition to micronutrient deficiencies which can be corrected with adequate supplementation.

·        It is technically difficult to carry out due to the complexity.

·        There is increased chance of intra-operative and anesthetic complications.

From the information provided above, there is no single best option for every obese or overweight patient. It is generally advised for patients to discuss with their primary care physician or an expert on the option which best suits their unique situation.