Are you looking for more information on how to get started with your Bariatric Surgery journey? Bariatric surgery is also commonly referred to as weight loss surgery and it’s a medical procedure that helps people with severe obesity come one step closer to better health and a more fulfilling lifestyle. This type of surgery is usually considered when other weight-loss methods haven’t been successful.

At Malladi Bariatrics and Advanced Surgery, Dr. Malladi is a board-certified bariatric and general surgeon focusing on minimally-invasive procedures leading to outstanding outcomes. She did a fellowship at Northwestern University and Standford University. Her expertise combines procedures like the LYNX System and other weight loss surgeries to support people in an overall healthier lifestyle.

In this article, we’ll discuss your journey toward bariatric surgery, some of the risks involved, life after surgery, and more!

The Concept of Bariatric Surgery

Everyone has their own weight loss journey, and sometimes people require medical intervention to help them on theirs. Bariatric surgery is one type of medical intervention that helps people get rid of weight that can cause severe health complications.

It’s important to note that bariatric surgery isn’t a quick-fix solution or a cosmetic procedure. It’s a stepping stone that can ignite the spark to healthier lifestyle decisions. Bariatric surgery restricts food intake and the absorption of calories in the body. This is done by surgically reducing the size of the stomach.

The surgery causes you to feel more full after eating a meal. It also causes you to experience less hunger. The combination of these things leads to reduced calories, which will lead to weight loss.

There are a couple of different types of bariatric surgery available for people, each with its unique function.

Gastric bypass: Gastric bypass involved creating a small pouch in the stomach and then rerouting the small intestine into it. This goal is to limit the amount of food in the stomach, leading to reduced calorie absorption.

Sleeve gastrectomy: With this procedure, a significant portion of the stomach is removed, which then leaves a small portion of the stomach still there. Because the stomach is now smaller, the amount of calories you consume will also be less.

Gastric band: This involves a silicone band placed around the stomach’s upper part. It also creates a smaller pound that helps regulate food intake.

The Journey Towards Bariatric Surgery

Figuring out if you want to go through with bariatric surgery is a life-changing decision you must consider carefully. A couple of steps are involved in the process, including some considerations to keep in mind.

Evaluation

While bariatric surgery is helpful for many people, not everyone can just decide to go and get it. You must go through an evaluation process with a specialized medical team beforehand. Some of the factors that your medical team will consider are:

• Your body mass index (BMI)
• Medical history
• If you have any obesity-related health conditions
• Previous attempts at weight loss

Throughout the process, you’ll have to undergo medical tests to make sure you’re physically and emotionally ready for the surgery. You’ll also have to receive counseling on dietary changes and exercise routines to prepare you for the post-surgical phase.

Surgery

When it comes time for the day of your surgery, it’s normal to experience anxiousness. At Malladi Bariatrics and Advanced Surgery, Dr. Malladi will use her calm and professional demeanor to ensure you know exactly what to expect before, during, and after your surgery.

Recovery

Bariatric surgery is minimally-invasive, and patients usually only have to spend around 1-2 nights in the hospital, but this also varies on individual factors. Some patients are able to start work between 4-7 days after the procedure, while others might need up to 3 weeks of recovery before they get back to normal.

One of the most important things to keep in mind after surgery is adapting to the new lifestyle modifications. That means you’ll have to follow a nutritious diet, get plenty of exercise, and visit your medical team periodically to ensure your long-term weight loss journey is a successful one.

Potential Risks and Complications of Bariatric Surgery

Every type of surgery comes with risks and complications that you need to be mindful of, and bariatric surgery is no exception to that.

Short-Term Risks

Short-term risks are ones that typically occur during or briefly following the surgery. Here are some of the risks involved:

Infection: All types of surgeries pose a risk of infection, and in some cases, they can delay recovery.

Bleeding: There is also a chance that bleeding can occur during surgery. In severe cases, it might require blood transfusions.

Blood clots: There is a risk of blood clots forming in the legs. In rare cases, these can travel up to the lungs.

Long-Term Risks

Long-term risks of bariatric surgery can happen months or years following the surgery. Some of them include:

Nutritional deficiencies: Because bariatric surgery can hinder your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, it can cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies, leading to health issues.

Gallstones: When your body experiences rapid weight loss, there’s a higher chance of developing gallstones.

Ulcers: Sometimes people develop stomach or small intestine ulcers months after surgery.

Life After Bariatric Surgery

Life after bariatric surgery is a long-term journey that must be maintained by a healthy lifestyle, clean eating habits, and ongoing physical activity. Starting up a diet and exercise plan at the same time is a daunting process for many, but over time, it becomes second nature and easier to follow. Bariatric surgery often leads to long-lasting benefits for obesity-related conditions, and many patients experience:

• More energy
• Better mobility
• Increased overall well-being

The Psychological Impact of Bariatric Surgery

In addition to some of the physical changes we mentioned earlier, bariatric surgery also positively changes emotional and mental well-being. Many patients experience a wide range of emotions as they learn to adapt to their new bodies. Some might feel anxious and uncertain, while others might feel joyful and hopeful.

Mental health support is important following bariatric surgery. There are many different forms of mental health support available, including:

• Group therapy
• Support groups
• 1:1 counseling

The Importance of Physical Activity in the Bariatric Surgery Journey

Before you even consider bariatric surgery, getting started with an exercise routine is helpful. Exercise will only benefit your short and long-term health and contribute to a successful weight loss journey following your surgery.

Benefits to exercise before surgery include:

• Stronger muscles
• Reduction in excess body weight
• Improved psychological well-being

Benefits to exercise after surgery include:

• Maintaining lean body mass
• Supporting long-term weight loss
• Overall well-being

Dr. Malladi’s Unique Approach to Bariatric Surgery

Dr. Malladi is an esteemed bariatric surgeon serving Plano, Dallas, and the DFW area. As a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons, her expertise and dedication to excellence are apparent. Dr. Malladi’s compassionate approach fosters trust and confidence among her patients, leading to numerous success stories of significant weight loss, improved health, and overall well-being.

With surgical precision and compassionate guidance, Dr. Malladi continues to make a positive impact in the lives of her patients, offering them brighter and healthier futures after bariatric surgery.

Start Your Bariatric Surgery Journey Today

If you’re considering bariatric surgery for better health and a more fulfilling lifestyle, Dr. Malladi’s unique approach to patient care sets her apart from the rest. She empowers her patients to look forward to a healthier future and a successful weight-loss journey.

If you’re ready to take the next step towards a healthier future, contact Malladi Bariatrics and Advanced Surgery to discuss which bariatric procedure is right for you and your weight loss goals.

FAQ

Q: How does bariatric surgery contribute to weight loss?

A: Bariatric surgery contributes to weight loss by restricting food intake and calorie absorption through surgical modifications to the stomach.

Q: What are the potential risks of bariatric surgery?

A: Some of the risks involved with bariatric surgery include blood clots, infection, bleeding, ulcers, and nutritional deficiencies.

Q: What is the recovery time after bariatric surgery?

A: Patients typically spend 1-2 nights in the hospital and can resume normal activities in up to 3 weeks.