Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, can transform your life by helping you manage obesity. This surgery changes your digestive system to reduce the amount you can eat and how your body absorbs it. It’s usually recommended for people with a BMI over 40 or over 35 if they have health conditions like diabetes. However, surgery is only one part of the journey—you’ll also need to stay committed to your recovery plan to achieve lasting weight loss and a healthier future.

Dangers of obesity

Obesity is a serious health condition that often comes with risks like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. Excess weight strains joints and organs and can disrupt hormones and metabolism. It also makes daily activities, like shopping or socialising, harder and less enjoyable, impacting emotional well-being. For those struggling with obesity where diet and exercise haven’t worked, bariatric surgery can be an effective part of a weight loss treatment plan.

Who might benefit from Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is typically recommended for individuals with a high BMI or obesity-related severe health conditions. Eligibility generally includes:

• Those with a BMI over 40
• Those with a BMI over 35 who also have health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure.

According to guidelines endorsed by major diabetes organisations, bariatric surgery is also recommended for people with type 2 diabetes who:

• Have a BMI of 40 or higher
• Have a BMI between 35–40 and struggle to control blood sugar despite diet and medical treatment.
  
  

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

Here are some of the common benefits associated with Bariatric surgery:

• Dietary Changes

After bariatric surgery, patients feel full with only a small amount of food, which supports lasting weight loss. Initially, some foods like white bread or dense meats might be difficult to eat, but most foods are usually tolerated over time. With a smaller stomach, choosing nutrient-rich foods becomes essential, and meals are often the size of small entrees. Post-surgery, patients follow a gradual meal plan starting with liquids and purees, then slowly adding solid foods, with protein as a key focus.

• Preventing Illness

Bariatric surgery often helps reduce or eliminate health issues linked to obesity, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and joint pain. Many patients experience improvements or complete remission from these conditions as they lose weight, significantly enhancing their overall health.

• Improved Sleep Quality

Obesity can lead to sleep apnea, a condition that disrupts breathing during sleep and requires a CPAP machine. Weight loss from surgery often reduces sleep apnea symptoms, improving sleep quality and overall health.

• Relief from Depression

Depression is common among people with a BMI over 35, often due to poor body image and social stigma. As patients lose weight steadily after surgery, their confidence grows, which can improve mental well-being and quality of life.

• Increased Social Activity

A healthier lifestyle leads to greater social engagement. Patients may feel more confident going out, engaging in physical activities, and even participating in new experiences like travel and events. This improved self-esteem helps them enjoy life more fully.

• Enhanced Fertility

Obesity can affect fertility for both men and women by disrupting hormones and affecting reproductive health. Weight loss can improve hormonal balance and overall fertility, increasing the likelihood of conceiving. Healthy eating habits also play a role in supporting fertility for women.

Life after surgery

Every person’s weight loss journey after surgery will be different, influenced by their starting health and the type of procedure they’ve had. Most surgeries use small, laparoscopic incisions, allowing a faster recovery with only a few days in the hospital and a return to normal activities in 3-5 weeks.

Post-surgery, patients follow a special diet that begins with liquids, then soft foods, and eventually solids. A dietitian will provide a detailed plan and advice on foods to avoid. Emotionally, it’s normal to feel some ups and downs during recovery, and support is available to help you stay positive and on track. Weight loss is often most significant in the first 12-18 months, and long-term success depends on committing to the lifestyle changes recommended by your gastric sleeve surgery Melbourne care team.

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery can lead to major health improvements and lower mortality for patients with severe obesity. Given the high rates of obesity, general practitioners (GPs) are in a key position to identify patients who might benefit from this surgery. Just as with other chronic conditions, GPs are essential in supporting long-term recovery and providing ongoing care after obesity surgery in Melbourne.