This Is The Reason Bariatric Procedures Can Lose Weight Quickly

Illustration of obese patients (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Overcoming the problem of obesity is not just a matter of diet or exercise. In certain cases, medical procedures such as bariatrics are an effective choice to help lose weight significantly and sustainably.

According to dr. Guadalupe Maria Melisa, Sp.BP-RE, a plastic surgeon and reconstruction specialist from LightHouse Advance, a bariatric procedure can be a solution for patients with obesity that is difficult to handle only through lifestyle changes.

Bariatrics are not an aesthetic procedure, but a medical action intended for certain individuals with certain obesity. Ordinary people often call this action a "cut hull" operation.

"The main criteria for this bariatric procedure refer to the body mass index or BMI (Body Mass Index)," explained dr. Guadalupe at the grand opening LightHouse Advance press conference at MOI, Jakarta, recently.

Generally, patients with BMI above 35 can already be considered undergoing bariatrics, especially if accompanied by comorbid conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea.

Interestingly, patients with BMI in the range of 30 35 can also be considered if they have serious metabolic diseases, in this case referred to as metabolic bariatric surgery. However, all decisions must go through consultations and assessments from surgeons, especially those who are experienced in digestive procedures.

The post-bariatric weight loss that occurs is not only due to a reduction in gastric volume. There are two main mechanisms that work simultaneously.

Doctor Guadalupe said this action could provide a sense of fullness because the patient's stomach capacity was reduced.

"Bariatric procedures such as gastric sleeves significantly reduce the size of the stomach. As a result, the amount of food that can be consumed is less, but it still gives you a sense of fullness," he added.

Then there are also hormonal effects. After the procedure, hormones that regulate hunger such as ghrelin are also affected, so patients feel less hungry than before.

"Especially in procedures such as gastric bypass, hormonal changes also occur which make metabolic processes more active and weight loss faster," he explained.

In its implementation, this bariatric also has several main methods that are generally chosen based on the conditions of each patient:

Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy)

The stomach part is lifted until only about 20'25% of the initial capacity remains. This limits the volume of eating while suppressing hunger hormones.

Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass)

The slab is made into a small bag that is directly connected to the intestines. Food passes most of the stomach and intestines, so that the absorption of calories is less.

Gastric Balloon

Special balloons are placed in the stomach to fill the room and lower the appetite. This procedure is temporary and non-surgery.

Despite providing effective benefits in weight loss in a short time, the bariatric procedure is not a "cut", but rather part of a comprehensive handling of obesity.

"Patients still have to live a healthy lifestyle, including adjusting their diet and physical activity. Bariatrics help, but not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle," he concluded.

By choosing the right method and comprehensive medical support, bariatrics can be an important step in restoring quality of life, especially for those who are experiencing difficulty losing weight conventionally and are already facing the risk of serious illness due to obesity.