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Bariatric surgery, also called gastroplasty, is a stomach reduction surgery that is indicated for weight reduction in cases of morbid obesity associated with complications, such as diabetes and hypertension, for example.
There are different methods for doing this surgery and it can be performed on people over 18 years of age, who are unable to lose weight with other treatments. After surgery, it is necessary to follow a strict diet and practice physical activity regularly, in order to favor weight loss and the proper functioning of the body.
Price of bariatric surgery
The price of bariatric surgery can be between 20,000 to 40,000 reais, and the amount varies according to the type of surgery, the location selected and the surgeon.
This surgery can also be performed by SUS, but it is a long and complicated process, as only more severe cases of morbid obesity associated with health complications are usually approved. In addition, it is also necessary to prove that other treatments for weight loss, with medical and nutritionist monitoring, did not work.
When to have bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery can be performed in cases of morbid obesity, when the BMI is greater than 40 kg / m2 or when the BMI is greater than 35 kg / m2 and diseases such as diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases are present , uncontrolled severe asthma, osteoarthrosis, herniated discs, gastroesophageal reflux with surgical indication, calculous cholecystopathy, recurrent acute pancreatitis, hepatic steatosis, stress urinary incontinence in women, infertility, erectile dysfunction, polycystic ovary syndrome, varicose veins and hemorrhoidal disease , idiopathic intracranial hypertension, social stigmatization and depression.
However, only patients who have not achieved results with clinical and nutritional treatment for at least two years can undergo surgery.
Put your data on the BMI Calculator and see if you are able to do the surgery:
Types of bariatric surgery
The main types of bariatric surgery are:
1. Gastric band
This is the surgery indicated as the first option, as it is non-invasive, consisting of a brace that is placed around the stomach, to reduce the space and cause a feeling of satiety more quickly. Normally, surgery is faster, has less risk and has a faster recovery.
Since there is no change in the stomach, the gastric band can be removed after the person has managed to lose weight, without causing any permanent change. Thus, people who use this type of surgery should also be followed up by a nutritionist to maintain their diet after removing the band, so that they do not regain weight.
2. Vertical gastrectomy
It is a type of invasive surgery, usually used in people with morbid obesity, in which a part of the stomach is removed, reducing the space available for food. In this technique, the absorption of nutrients is not affected, but the person must follow a diet with the nutritionist, since the stomach may dilate again.
Since it is a surgery in which part of the stomach is removed, there are greater risks, as well as a slower recovery, which can take up to 6 months. However, this type of surgery has a more lasting result, especially in those who have difficulty following a diet.
3. Endoscopic gastroplasty
This is a procedure similar to gastrectomy, but in this surgery the doctor makes small stitches inside the stomach to decrease its size, instead of cutting it. Thus, there is less space for food, leading to the ingestion of a smaller amount of food, which is why it is easier to lose weight. After weight loss, the stitches can be removed and the person returns to have all the stomach space.
This surgery is indicated mainly for those who are unable to lose weight with exercise and diet, but who are able to maintain a balanced diet.
4. Bypass gastric
It is usually used in people with high degrees of obesity who have used other less invasive techniques to no avail. This technique helps to lose weight fast because it reduces the size of the stomach a lot, but it is an irreversible method.
5. Biliopancreatic diversion
In most cases, biliopancreatic diversion is indicated for people who are unable to follow a diet and who have morbid obesity, even after trying other bariatric surgeries. In this type of surgery, the doctor removes part of the stomach and intestine, reducing the absorption of nutrients, even if the person eats normally.
People who have had biliopancreatic diversion usually need to use a nutritional supplement, to ensure that vitamins and minerals important for the functioning of the body are not lacking.
Watch the following video and check out the situations in which bariatric surgery is recommended:
How is the postoperative
The post-operative period of bariatric surgery requires dietary care, based on a liquid diet, which can later be switched to a pasty diet, and can be switched to normal solid food only 30 days after the operation. In addition, it is necessary to take the dietary supplements prescribed by the doctor to avoid problems due to nutrient deficiencies, such as anemia and hair loss, for example.
Learn more about recovery after bariatric surgery.
Women who wish to become pregnant after the operation, must wait about 18 months to begin attempts to conceive, as accelerated weight loss can hinder the growth of the baby.