Obesity in today’s modern era has almost
become an epidemic owing to sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits
among old and young. Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat
collects in the body to an extent that it affects the normal functioning of the
body. Obesity is a complex and chronic disease with many causes and not simply
a result of overeating.
A person who is morbidly obese is a
candidate for weight loss surgery. Morbidity means where obesity is the reason
for disease or ailment in the body. Or
when weight hampers in the day to day activities of the person, one is a good
candidate for weight loss or bariatric surgery.
Medically speaking doctors have
recommended certain criteria to determine candidacy for weight loss surgery. One
criterion is being 50 to 100 percent more than the ideal body weight or
being 100 pounds more than the ideal body weight. Another important criterion
is the measure of one's Body Mass Index (BMI). Surgery is indicated when other
methods have failed to control obesity. There are various techniques of weight
loss surgeries, though all of them work in two ways- restriction and mal
absorption. The weight loss surgeries have proven to be the most
effective ways to lose excess weight permanently.
With advancement in technology and sophisticated
equipments available, weight loss surgery has become very safe and very less
down time. One is up and working within a week after the procedure. The procedure
can also be performed laparoscopically or through laparoscope and thus cut and
scars is something you do not have to really worry about.
There are also various weight loss
surgery options and what suits you the most depends on your age, weight and
preference. One can discuss the pros and cons of each procedure with the
surgeon and can chose the procedure best suited.
Common Weight Loss procedures are:
Laparoscopic
Gastric Banding - Laparoscopic adjustable gastric
band or " lap band " involves placing an inflatable
silicone device or band around the top portion of the stomach, which reduces
the capacity of the stomach, resulting in lesser food intake and thus
promoting weight loss.
LaparoscopicSleeve Gastrectomy – The procedure works
by limiting the amount of food stomach can accept. The surgery eliminates a
major percentage of the stomach to leave a small portion of the stomach which
is tube shaped or is like a sleeve.
LaparoscopicGastric Bypass – This surgery works by making the
stomach smaller and the digestive system shorter. A gastric bypass divides the
stomach into a small upper pouch and a larger remnant pouch and then arranges
the small intestine to allow both pouches to stay connected to it accordingly.
Intra
Gastric Ballooning – Intra Gastric
ballooning is a simple, non invasive procedure to treat obesity. The procedure
involves placing a balloon inside the stomach to reduce hunger and food
intake.
India has become a favourite destination
for people seeking Weight Loss Surgery owing to highly trained surgeons and low
cost of procedure. Its costs a fraction in India as compared to what it would
cost in countries like USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand etc. People from
countries Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Uganda and middle east countries like UAE,
Kuwait, Oman understand the advantages India offers and are thus come to India for
Weight Loss Procedures. The advantages being excellent infrastructure with
cutting – edge technology at the hospitals in India. Besides the treatment
being available at an affordable cost, the surgeries are being performed by skilled
surgeons who are known for their expertise in the field.



