Weight Loss/Metabolic Surgery
Weight loss (bariatric) and metabolic surgeries are procedures that alter the digestive system to help patients with severe obesity lose weight and improve metabolism-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. These surgeries work by restricting how much food the stomach can hold, limiting nutrient absorption, or a combination of both. At Blume Health, our multidisciplinary team offers comprehensive care and support before, during, and after metabolic surgery.
Causes
- Severe obesity (typically defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35-39.9 with obesity-related health conditions)
- Type 2 diabetes that is difficult to control with lifestyle changes and medication
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
- Heart disease or high blood pressure related to obesity
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- Failure to achieve sustainable weight loss with diet and exercise programs
- Genetic factors contributing to obesity
- Hormonal imbalances affecting metabolism
- Certain medications that contribute to weight gain
Signs and Symptoms
- Obesity (BMI of 30 or higher)
- Excess weight around the abdomen
- Difficulty with physical activities due to weight
- Weight-related joint pain
- Shortness of breath with minimal exertion
- Elevated blood sugar levels or type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Sleep apnea or other sleep disturbances
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- Polycystic ovary syndrome in women
- Depression or anxiety related to weight issues
- Reduced quality of life due to obesity-related limitations
Diagnosis
Comprehensive Medical Evaluation
A thorough assessment of medical history, weight history, eating habits, physical activity, and psychological factors to determine if metabolic surgery is appropriate.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculation
A measurement that uses height and weight to estimate body fat and determine eligibility for surgery (typically BMI ≥40, or ≥35 with obesity-related conditions).
Laboratory Tests
Blood tests to evaluate overall health, nutrient levels, and check for obesity-related conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, or liver disease.
Psychological Evaluation
Assessment of mental health status, eating behaviors, and readiness for lifestyle changes required after surgery.
Sleep Study
To diagnose sleep apnea, which is common in people with obesity and can affect surgical risk.
Gastrointestinal Evaluation
May include endoscopy to check for conditions like GERD or H. pylori infection that could impact surgical options.
Cardiovascular Assessment
Tests to evaluate heart health, which may include ECG, echocardiogram, or stress testing.
Treatment Options
Pre-Surgery Preparation
A supervised weight management program, nutrition counseling, psychological support, and education about the surgery and required lifestyle changes.
Surgical Procedures
Various surgical options including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. The most appropriate procedure depends on individual factors and goals.
Post-Surgery Care
Close monitoring, nutritional counseling, supplementation, gradual diet progression, regular exercise program, and psychological support.
Long-Term Management
Ongoing medical monitoring, nutritional follow-up, support groups, and management of any complications or nutritional deficiencies.
Home Remedies
Important Note
While these supportive measures can help optimize outcomes after weight loss surgery, they are not alternatives to proper medical care. Always follow your healthcare team's specific instructions.
Follow the Post-Surgical Diet Plan
Adhering strictly to the diet progression plan provided by your healthcare team is crucial for successful recovery and weight loss.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water between meals (not during meals) to prevent dehydration, but follow guidelines on timing and amount.
Take Prescribed Supplements
After metabolic surgery, your body may not absorb nutrients as effectively, making vitamin and mineral supplements essential for preventing deficiencies.
Monitor Portion Sizes
Use small plates and utensils, eat slowly, and stop eating when you feel full to prevent overstretching your stomach pouch.
Regular Physical Activity
Gradually increase physical activity as recommended by your healthcare team to support weight loss and improve overall health.
Preventive Care
- Regular follow-up appointments with your surgical team and primary care provider
- Lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation as directed by your healthcare team
- Regular blood tests to monitor for nutritional deficiencies
- Maintain a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet
- Avoid grazing or constant snacking
- Engage in regular physical activity
- Join support groups to help maintain motivation and healthy habits
- Monitor for and promptly report symptoms of potential complications
- Practice stress management techniques
- Avoid alcohol, especially in the first year after surgery and limit consumption thereafter
Surgical Options
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
A procedure that creates a small pouch from the stomach and connects it directly to the small intestine, bypassing most of the stomach and the first section of the small intestine. This reduces the amount of food you can eat and the calories your body absorbs. It also causes beneficial hormonal changes that help control blood sugar.
Learn More About This ProcedureSleeve Gastrectomy
A procedure that removes approximately 80% of the stomach, leaving a tube-shaped stomach about the size of a banana. This limits the amount of food you can eat and helps reduce hunger by removing the portion of stomach that produces the hunger-stimulating hormone ghrelin.
Learn More About This ProcedureAdjustable Gastric Banding
A procedure where an inflatable band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a small pouch above the band with a narrow opening to the rest of the stomach. The band can be tightened or loosened over time to change the size of the opening.
Learn More About This ProcedureBiliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)
A more complex procedure that combines a sleeve gastrectomy with an intestinal bypass. This significantly reduces the stomach size and reroutes food to bypass most of the small intestine, limiting both food intake and absorption of calories and nutrients.
Learn More About This ProcedureMinimally Invasive Approaches
Most weight loss surgeries today are performed laparoscopically (using small incisions, a camera, and specialized instruments) or robotically, resulting in less pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and fewer complications compared to traditional open surgery.
Learn More About This ProcedureSchedule a Consultation
If you're experiencing symptoms of weight loss/metabolic surgery, our expert team is here to help you find the right treatment approach for your specific needs.