Bariatric surgery also known as weight loss surgery, is a surgical procedure performed on people who are obese and those with related health conditions for the purpose of losing weight. It is usually carried out on people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more or 35 or more if they have other health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea.
Weight loss surgery is not a one-size-fits-all type of surgery; it is highly individualized. People who are thinking about weight loss surgery in Colombia should educate themselves on the various procedures available and talk with their bariatric surgeon about what will work best for them and their unique health conditions and goals.
Primary types of weight loss surgery in Colombia
There are two primary types of weight loss surgery in Colombia: restrictive surgeries and combined restrictive-malabsorptive surgeries.
Restrictive bariatric surgery reduces the amount of food a person can eat by creating a smaller stomach pouch. This limits the amount of food that can be consumed and creates a feeling of fullness. They are considered to be restrictive since the size of the stomach is reduced”
- Vertical sleeve gastrectomy
Malabsorptive bariatric surgery limits the amount of nutrients the body absorbs by bypassing a portion of the small intestine. These surgeries decrease the amount of time food spends in the stomach and upper intestine, which reduces bloating and discomfort after eating. They can also help people with Type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar more effectively since they absorb nutrients similarly to how the body absorbs insulin.
Types of weight loss surgery in Colombia
Laparoscopic Gastric banding surgery is reversible, meaning that if a person chooses to have the procedure reversed they can have it done so. A laparoscopic adjustable gastric band can be adjusted or removed at any time. Like other restrictive procedures, LAGB may not help you reach significant weight loss.
Gastric sleeve surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery reduces a person's stomach to a narrow, banana-shaped tube that is about 1/3 its original size. The remaining two-thirds are removed. The remaining stomach, which is shaped like a "sleeve" will hold about one-quarter cup of liquid. Over time, the stomach can expand to hold 1 cup of food. Since the rest of the stomach has been removed, this procedure is not reversible.
Gastric sleeve surgery benefits:
- The surgery is done by laparoscopy, which means it requires just a few tiny incisions and takes less time to recover from.
- You won't be able to eat as much as you used to, which helps you lose weight.
Gastric bypass surgery
Gastric bypass surgery separates the stomach into two sections: one of about 20% of its original size that holds food, and the other section that holds gastric juices. The small intestine is divided and re-routed to connect directly with the small stomach pouch, bypassing the large section. Gastric bypass surgery changes how food enters the body by creating a "new" stomach smaller than the original and attaching it directly to a part of the small intestine, so food bypasses most of the stomach and part of the small intestine.
The procedure is not reversible, so it's permanent. The procedure can be done by laparoscopy or open surgery. Weight is lost since less nutrients are absorbed. However, your doctor will prescribe supplements to ensure the body gets the vitamins and minerals it needs to stay healthy.
Gastric balloon
A gastric balloon consists of an expandable balloon that is inserted into the stomach through the throat and left there for several months. The balloon's presence physically reduces the size of the stomach, making patients feel full more quickly after eating small meals. It can also help modify eating habits by reducing how much food people are able to eat at once.
Gastric balloon benefits: The procedure is reversible, meaning that the implanted balloon can be deflated and removed if necessary.
Weight loss surgery may seem like an easy fix, but it's important to keep up with regular check-ups with your bariatric surgeon once the surgery is done. It's possible for someone who has had weight loss surgery to be back at their original weight within months if they start eating unhealthy foods again and stop exercising properly. If you're considering weight loss surgery, be sure to consult with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for you.
Who is a candidate for bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery is recommended for people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more. However, some people with a BMI as low as 30 may qualify if they can prove that they have any serious obesity-related health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnea.
It's important to note that the BMI is not the only factor that determines whether you're a good candidate for bariatric surgery. Your stomach size and how quickly your body absorbs food can also be factors in your eligibility, so your doctor will investigate your eating habits before making a decision about how to treat you.
How to measure body mass index (BMI)?
The body mass index (BMI) is a popular measure of obesity because it gives you an idea of whether your weight is in the healthy range. To calculate your BMI, you need to know your height and weight.
BMI formula
BMI = weight (kg) / height2 (m)
BMI Categories:
- Underweight = <18.5
- Normal weight = 18.5–24.9
- Overweight = 25–29.9
- Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater
However, keep in mind that this system has some limitations: it doesn't take into account your waist size, muscle mass, or body shape.
The greater your BMI is above 30, the more you're at risk of obesity-related health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, arthritis, and some cancers; however, if you have a BMI between 25 and 29.9, you're not in the safe range yet either. Even though your weight may be healthy for your height, it's still possible that you could benefit from weight loss surgery to help lower your risk of developing health problems.
What are the risks of bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery has some risks associated with it, but most people have very different experiences with the procedure. Some people lose weight quickly and never regain it because their bodies adjust to the changes that are made to their digestive tracts. Others have long-term success because their bodies are unable to adjust, and the weight loss they experience is permanent.
There are some general risks associated with bariatric surgery including an increased risk of infection, blood clots, and malnutrition. People considering bariatric surgery should talk with their doctors about all of these risks, including individual risks that are unique to them.
What are the risks of being obese?
Overweight and Obesity cause a number of conditions that may lead to early death.
These include:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Liver and gall bladder disease
- Breathing problems
- Osteoarthritis
- Sleep apnea
- Gout
- Depression
- Pregnancy complications
- Obesity can also affect your appearance, making you feel ashamed about your appearance.
- It can also cause low self-esteem and mood changes.
What causes overweight and obesity?
In fact, weight gain is a common result of many conditions and lifestyle choices. Some possible causes include:
- Eating too much or not getting enough exercise: In general, consuming more calories than you burn leads to weight gain.
- Lack of physical activity also plays a role; the less active you are, the fewer calories your body will burn, which may lead to weight gain.
- Inability to absorb certain nutrients: If you have a condition where your body is unable to properly absorb nutrients from the food you eat, you may be at a higher risk for weight gain.
- Genetic conditions that prevent the body from absorbing nutrients properly include celiac disease and cystic fibrosis.
- Diseases or injuries that prevent you from absorbing nutrients through your digestive system also may lead to weight gain, including Crohn's disease and stomach bypass surgery.
- Regularly taking certain medications: Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines may cause you to put on pounds. These include Antidepressants, Birth control pills, Diabetes medicine, Glaucoma medicine, Mood stabilizers, Parkinson's disease medicine, Psychotropic drugs, Sedatives, Sleeping pills, Weight loss drugs.
- Getting older: As you age, your body's ability to metabolize food slows down, and less fat is burned as a result. In fact, people tend to gradually gain weight as they get older. However, as people grow older, their muscle tissue tends to decrease as fat tissue increases, which leads to a slower metabolism.
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Lack of sleep
- Smoking
- Growing up without learning healthy eating habits
Obesity and surgery
Sometimes weight loss surgery may be considered if you meet certain guidelines:
- You've tried to lose weight through diet, exercise, and other methods for at least one year but couldn't keep the weight off
- Your BMI is greater than or equal to 30
- Excess weight is causing serious health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- You are not pregnant
Weight loss surgery can help you lose weight quickly and keep it off for good.
A person should go ahead with bariatric surgery only if other treatments have failed. Before having surgery, a person should talk with a doctor about the types of weight loss surgeries available and find out which type may be best for him or her based on age, overall health, and what his or her goals are.
What are there advantages or disadvantages of the different types of weight loss surgery?
There are several types of bariatric procedures. These include:
- Gastric banding involves placing an inflatable band around the upper part of your stomach to reduce its size and allow food and liquids to move more slowly through the digestive tract
- Gastric bypass involves creating a small pouch below your stomach and rerouting food from the upper part of your stomach directly to this new pouch
- Sleeve gastrectomy, in which a large portion of your stomach is removed to reduce its size. By reducing the size of your stomach, you'll need to eat less food to feel full.
- Gastric balloon, in which a deflated balloon is inserted into your stomach through your mouth and removed six months later when it's no longer needed
In addition, you should know that not all types of weight loss surgery are endoscopic. For example, gastric banding surgery involves making a small cut in your abdomen to insert a band around the top part of your stomach.
If you're thinking about weight loss surgery, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks associated with each type. Your doctor can explain how each procedure works and whether it's appropriate for your lifestyle and long-term goals.
How successful is weight loss surgery?
Research shows that bariatric surgery can lead to significant weight loss and better health outcomes in people who are obese. In fact, studies have shown that these procedures may help some patients lose as much as 60 percent of their excess body weight within a year of surgery.
In addition, research has found that surgery may lower the risk of conditions related to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Keep in mind that weight loss before surgery may affect your success after surgery. For instance, if you're able to lose at least 30 percent of your body weight before surgery, you have a better chance of losing enough weight afterward to improve your health.
What is the difference between a gastric band, sleeve, and bypass?
Gastric bands are inflatable devices that are placed around your stomach to create a smaller pouch. Draining the excess fluid from this pouch can make it easier for you to feel full.
Sleeves (sleeve gastrectomies) remove most of your stomach. This leaves a tube-shaped stomach that's much smaller than it was before the surgery. Because the sleeve is not reversible, this procedure also limits how much you can eat in one sitting and reduces your capacity to digest food.
Bypass surgeries change parts of your intestinal tract so that less food is absorbed by your body.
The benefits, risks, and side effects of each procedure vary depending on your specific needs and which procedures best meet those needs. Your surgeon should be able to explain the pros and cons associated with each type of weight loss surgery.
How much does bariatric surgery cost in Colombia?
Colombia has become one of the most popular locations for people seeking weight loss surgery because it's so affordable. There are multiple options for bariatric surgeons who can do a gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, gastric balloon, laparoscopic gastric banding surgery. The cost of bariatric surgery in Colombia is: gastric sleeve: 20,000,000 - 25,000,000 pesos. Endoscopic balloon: 10,000,000 - 14,000,000 pesos and Bypass: 23,000,000 - 27,000,000 pesos.
Do not assume that because it's less expensive, Colombian doctors and surgeons are not as qualified or skilled as their American and Canadian counterparts. By choosing a high-quality hospital and surgeon, you can save thousands of dollars, have the surgery done in a clean environment, and receive care from people who are just as qualified.
If you're considering bariatric surgery, Colombia is one of the best places to go. Colombia has a high-quality medical system, experienced doctors and surgeons, and affordable care. It's no wonder why so many people are choosing to have weight loss surgery in Colombia.
What to ask your bariatric surgeon before bariatric surgery?
Consider asking the following questions if you're thinking about bariatric surgery. They'll help you get a better understanding of how weight loss surgery works, what to expect during your recovery and how much this type of procedure might benefit you.
- What are my options for weight loss without surgery?
- If I go through with bariatric surgery, what are the risks and side effects?
- What is life like after bariatric surgery?
- What can I expect during my recovery process?
- How often will I need to return for follow-up visits in the months after surgery?
- Am I a candidate for weight loss surgery?
- What tests do I need before surgery?
- How much weight must I lose before surgery?
- What happens during the procedure?
- How long will I be in the hospital?
- After being discharged, how soon can I begin or resume my normal activities?
- How many calories am I allowed to eat each day after surgery?
- How often am I required to follow up with my bariatric team post-op?
- How soon can I return to work after surgery?
- What happens during bariatric surgery?
There are several different types of weight loss surgery, but the general idea is that each involves some type of manipulation of the stomach or intestines to reduce intake and/or increase output.
How long does bariatric surgery take?
Many different factors influence the total time it takes to perform bariatric surgery. The actual surgery time can be as short as 30 minutes for a weight loss procedure, such as gastric sleeve surgery. Gastric bypass procedures require about an hour and typically take longer since they involve making several smaller cuts.
The entire hospital stay typically lasts two days to a week. Your exact length of stay will depend on the type of surgery you have and your individual situation.
What is life like post-op of bariatric surgery?
Following bariatric surgery, you may notice changes in your eating habits. Some patients say they eat smaller portions and feel more satisfied after eating less food than before surgery. It's also common to feel tired or experience some pain for a few days to several weeks following surgery.
Your bariatric surgical team may provide you with guidelines about what and how much you can eat. You'll also receive instructions for activities such as taking walks and getting out of bed.
What should I expect post-op of bariatric surgery?
During your recovery process, you'll work with a registered dietitian to create a plan for eating. You may also see a nurse educator to help you get the information you need about adjusting to your new life after surgery.
You should be able to resume most of your normal activities within one or two weeks, though it's best to avoid strenuous activity during this time. Everyday activities, such as showering and getting dressed, shouldn't be difficult during your recovery.
You should also expect to see gradual changes in your weight over time after surgery. For example, you may lose about 26 pounds (11.8 kilograms) during the first six months following surgery. After that initial period, you may still lose weight, but at a slower pace.
How is the recovery from bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery is major abdominal surgery and as such comes with the expected risks of any procedure that involves anesthesia, cutting into your body, and stitching up organs.
Pain, nausea, and vomiting are common after weight loss procedures. It's important to discuss options for pain relief with your doctor.
If it becomes severe or doesn't improve in a few days, contact your doctor immediately. Your body is likely telling you there's something wrong.
How long is the recovery from bariatric surgery?
The length of time it takes you to recover from bariatric surgery depends on the procedure, your overall health, and other factors. Most patients are up and about within 24 hours following bariatric surgery. For example, you can typically return to work after gastric sleeve procedures in just 1-2 weeks.
For bariatric surgeries that involve stapling, such as gastric bypass surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for up to five days and may take an additional two weeks at home before returning to work.
How long will it be before I lose weight after bariatric surgery?
Depending on your physical condition and age, some patients start losing weight immediately following their procedure, while others lose weight gradually over time. The average patient may expect to shed one-half of their body weight within six months following surgery. Over the long term, most patients continue to lose weight until they achieve their desired results.
Will I be able to eat after bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery reduces your stomach size and, as a result, you'll consume fewer calories. You will need to adjust your dietary habits accordingly. However, each weight loss procedure has its own dietary guidelines, which you should discuss with your bariatric surgeon .
What exercises can I do after bariatric surgery?
Your surgeon will provide specific post-operative guidelines that are based on your unique situation. Your doctor may recommend starting with walking or swimming, then gradually increasing workout intensity as your body heals and you recover more fully.
What is the food I can eat after bariatric surgery?
As with all dietary matters, there are specific dietary restrictions for patients who have undergone bariatric surgery.
These aren't necessarily universal, but most bariatric surgery procedures involve the removal of part of the stomach or small intestine. As a result, consuming large portions can lead to nausea and vomiting.
Your individual dietary restrictions will depend on your procedure, including which parts of your digestive tract were removed and whether your remaining organs have been re-arranged.
You can begin slowly adding solid foods after one week. However, they may still upset your stomach. A liquid diet can help reduce nausea and vomiting from gastric sleeve surgery.
How long will my stomach stay small?
As noted, the size of your stomach will vary depending on the type of bariatric surgery you had. In the case of a gastric sleeve, your stomach is reduced to about 15 percent of its original size
Everything inside you has been rearranged. In most cases, the stomach pouch will retain its size for up to your lifetime. However, some patients may have a tendency over time to fill their pouch with too much food and/or tighten the opening between the pouch and the rest of the stomach. If this happens, you may need to have another bariatric surgery procedure.
How many calories can I eat per day after bariatric surgery?
Your calorie requirements following bariatric surgery will vary based on your age, sex, and activity level. Because of this, you'll need to follow your surgeon's dietary guidelines. As a general rule, most people are restricted to 1,200-1,800 calories each day following gastric sleeve surgery.
How to prevent obesity after bariatric surgery?
After bariatric surgery, you may be able to prevent weight gain by making healthy lifestyle choices. If you've had weight loss surgery, it is essential that you follow the dietary guidelines established for you by your doctor -- taking in adequate protein and limiting sugar intake.
It's also essential to exercise regularly. The amount of physical activity required varies depending on your weight and how many pounds you need to lose, but generally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
If you're having difficulty losing weight, keep in mind that surgery is not a quick fix. Your best chance for successful weight loss after surgery is to commit to changing your lifestyle into a healthier, well-rounded diet and regular exercise.
What is life like after bariatric surgery?
Following bariatric surgery, some patients report immediate changes in their eating habits. They may notice that they eat smaller portions and feel more satisfied after eating less food than before surgery.
Some of the benefits you can expect to enjoy include:
- Decreased hunger due to a reduced stomach volume, causing you to feel full sooner
- Reduced risk for malnutrition and malnourishment, since most weight loss surgeries improve your body's ability to absorb nutrients
- An increased metabolism results in the ability to burn fat and calories more efficiently
- The chance for longer life, thanks to lower blood fats and cholesterol levels
- Improved self-esteem and physical energy levels
Where do I find the best bariatric surgeons in Colombia?
At MedicosDoc.com you will find the best bariatric surgeon in the country. You can see his profile, trajectory, successful cases, before and after, and testimonials from their patients.
