Obesity is a significant health concern worldwide. It is a chronic condition that leads to various other health complications such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea.

Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, has emerged as a practical and effective treatment for obesity. Not only it helps in reducing weight, but it also improves other health conditions associated with obesity.

Hypertension and Obesity

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common health issue occurring in people with obesity. It happens because the fat tissues release certain hormones that narrow the arteries and cause elevated pressure in the bloodstream.

A study indicated that obesity increases the risk of hypertension by 3.5 times as compared to people with normal weight.

How Bariatric Surgery Resolves Hypertension?

Weight loss is a critical factor in improving hypertension in people with obesity. Bariatric surgery restricts the food intake capacity of the stomach, leading to reduced calorie intake and gradual weight loss.

The surgery also triggers hormonal changes in the body that reduce appetite and increase metabolism.

As the weight starts to reduce, the amount of fat tissue in the body also decreases. Consequently, the hormones, which used to narrow the arteries, also decrease, leading to decreased pressure in the blood vessels.

A study showed that bariatric surgery resolves hypertension in nearly 70% of patients with obesity who underwent the surgery.

Types of Bariatric Surgery

There are several types of bariatric surgery available, including:.

Gastric bypass
Gastric sleeve
Gastric banding
Duodenal switch

The choice of surgery depends on various factors such as medical history, age, and body mass index (BMI). The surgeon thoroughly evaluates the patient before suggesting any surgery option.

Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery is a popular weight loss surgery that involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting the small intestine to the small stomach pouch.

The procedure reduces the food intake capacity of the stomach and changes the absorption of nutrients in the intestine. It helps in reducing weight by limiting the calorie intake and inducing hormonal changes.

A study showed that gastric bypass surgery not only helps in resolving hypertension but also improves other health conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, and heart disease.

Gastric Sleeve

Gastric sleeve surgery is a restrictive weight loss surgery that involves removing almost 75% of the stomach. The surgery reduces the food intake capacity of the stomach and induces hormonal changes that reduce appetite and increase metabolism.

It helps in achieving significant weight loss and resolving hypertension.

A study suggested that gastric sleeve surgery is an effective weight loss option for people with a BMI of 30 or higher. It helps in reducing hypertension and other health issues associated with obesity.

Gastric Banding

Gastric banding surgery is a restrictive weight loss surgery that involves placing an inflatable band around the top part of the stomach.

The band creates a small stomach pouch, reducing the food intake capacity of the stomach and inducing hormonal changes that reduce appetite. It helps in achieving gradual weight loss and resolving hypertension.

A study indicated that gastric banding surgery is a safe and effective weight loss option for people with a BMI of 30 or higher. The procedure helps in reducing hypertension and other health issues associated with obesity.

Duodenal Switch

Duodenal switch surgery is a combination of restrictive and malabsorptive procedures. The surgery involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting the small intestine to limit the calorie and nutrient absorption.

It leads to significant weight loss and improves hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, and heart disease.

A study suggested that duodenal switch surgery is an effective weight loss option for people with a BMI of 40 or higher. It helps in achieving long-lasting weight loss and improving overall health conditions.

Who is a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a practical treatment option for people who are obese and have other health issues associated with it, such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea.

It is also suitable for people who have tried different weight loss methods but failed to achieve significant weight loss. The surgeon evaluates the patient’s medical history, age, and BMI before suggesting any treatment option.

Risks and Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is a significant medical procedure that involves some risks and benefits. The surgery may lead to complications such as infection, bleeding, blood clots, and bowel obstruction. However, the benefits of the surgery outweigh the risks.

The weight loss surgery improves the overall health condition, reduces the risk of other health issues, and improves the quality of life.

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery has emerged as an effective treatment option for obesity and other health complications such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea. The surgery helps in reducing weight and improving overall health conditions.

It is important to consult a qualified surgeon and thoroughly evaluate the medical history before undergoing any surgery.