JAKARTA - Bariatric procedures can be a medical solution to overcome obesity. However, in practice, this obesity treatment involves a multidisciplinary team that includes specialists, nutritionists, and psychologists.
Each role has an important contribution, ranging from assessing medical conditions, preparing for the action, to long-term support after surgery.
This comprehensive approach is necessary because obesity is not only a weight problem, but is also closely related to metabolic factors, eating behavior, and the patient's psychological condition.
The treatment of obesity is not enough to simply regulate a simple diet, but requires a structured weight management program.
Under certain conditions, bariatric surgery may be considered, especially when the health risks due to obesity are judged to be greater than the risks of the surgical procedure.
"Bariatric surgery is part of the therapy of metabolic diseases, this procedure works by changing the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract so as to help control hunger, calorie absorption as well as hormonal responses related to diabetes and other metabolic disorders,"
"There are several minimum BMI criteria according to the patient's health background that can be helped through bariatric surgery. Among them: patients with diabetes mellitus with a BMI above 27.5; patients with comorbidities with a BMI above 30; and without comorbidities with a BMI above 35."
This was said by Dr. Handy Wing, Sp.B, Subsp.BD(K), FBMS, FICS, FInaCS, namely a Digestive Surgery Specialist who handles Bariatric surgery for LIGHThouse Advanced Clinic patients.
However, it is important to understand that bariatric surgery is not an instant solution. Patients still have to adapt to a new diet because of the reduced stomach capacity.
Nutritional support is an important part of ensuring that nutritional needs are met, including the possibility of supplementation needs.
"Before and after bariatric surgery, the patient's eating pattern changes significantly, especially the post-operative period which is very crucial because the patient must adapt to his new stomach. Our focus is not only ensuring adequate fluid and protein, but also preventing micronutrient deficiencies and accompanying the food stage,"
"We also provide comprehensive education regarding dietary adjustments, because even though the stomach size is smaller, the challenges, temptations, and desires remain. Therefore, bariatric patients need ongoing support so that the results of the operation can be optimal and last long-term," said Veronica S.Gz. Nutritionist and program manager from the LIGHT Group.
In addition to physical aspects, changes that occur after surgery also have an impact on psychological conditions. Dramatic and permanent changes in eating patterns can affect emotions and daily habits.
Based on data from PubMed under the auspices of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, about 15% of bariatric patients experience depression, which is related to hormonal and metabolic changes.
Therefore, screening before the action and psychological accompaniment afterwards are recommended parts.
"If the emotional root is not handled, the patient will face frustration. Therefore, psychological assistance is needed so that patients can adapt to changes faster and can adjust their new lifestyles and mindsets more effectively," said Tara de Thouars, Clinical Psychologist from the clinic.
A similar approach to mentoring is also applied to patients undergoing other procedures such as Ultrasound Fat Removal (ULFRA) liposuction.
This procedure works to remove subcutaneous fat that has accumulated for a long time. However, without a sustainable lifestyle change, there is a risk of fat re-accumulating in the same area.
Through a more comprehensive approach, the mentoring program focuses on education and behavioral changes to help patients maintain the results of the action, achieve weight loss targets, and build healthy living habits in the long term.
"We ensure that every patient receives comprehensive assistance, starting from pre-surgical nutrition to post-surgical nutrition, to help the process of adapting to the new eating pattern optimally. This approach is also complemented by psychological assistance aimed at overcoming anxiety, as well as building a healthier and sustainable mindset and habits," said Anna Wibowo, CMO LIGHT Group.
Overall, a holistic approach to obesity management emphasizes the importance of collaboration among experts and the active involvement of patients in undergoing lifestyle changes.
Continuous assistance is the key to ensuring that the results achieved are not only optimal, but can also be maintained in the long term.
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