Bariatrics, which was coined back in the 1960s, essentially refers to the treatment of obesity (morbid obesity). The aim of bariatric treatment is to permanently reduce the patient's weight and thus prevent secondary diseases.
Below you will find further information on the field of bariatrics and selected specialists in bariatrics.
Bariatrics deals with the prevention and treatment of morbid obesity(adiposity).
In many cases, conventional measures for permanent weight reduction are no longer effective for severely obese people. In such cases, the only remaining option is bariatric surgery.
Bariatric surgeons have various surgical procedures at their disposal. They aim to reduce the size of the stomach or bypass it. This helps to limit the feeling of hunger, but also the amount of food consumed. As a result, the body metabolizes significantly fewer calories.
Typically, bariatrics encompasses a number of medical specialties that work together to help patients lose weight. These include, for example
Theaim of bariatric surgery is to reduce the negative effects on the metabolism and the body. The aim is to permanently reduce the patient's weight.
This is intended to reduce the risk of secondary diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. Joint wear and tear can also be slowed down by reducing weight.
The effectiveness of bariatric surgery has been proven in numerous studies. However, a clear life-prolonging effect of the operation has not yet been proven beyond doubt. There are also studies that show that men are around five times more likely to die within the first 30 days after surgery than women. It is also possible that the long-term mortality rate for men could remain higher.
Bariatric surgery primarily involves reducing the size of the stomach. Various surgical methods are used to reduce the volume of the stomach:
The latter two bypass the stomach almost completely and transport the food directly to the small intestine.
Examples of forms of bariatric surgery © rumruay | AdobeStock
As a rule, these surgical procedures are performed using the keyhole technique, i.e. minimally invasive. In specialized centers, the procedures are also often performed with robotic assistance. The DaVinci surgical system is then used, for example, which can perform the surgical steps more precisely than a surgeon.
The current guideline on bariatric surgery states the following conditions. They must be fulfilled for bariatric surgery:
Another prerequisite for bariatric surgery is that conservative weight loss measures have not been successful.
Surgery will not take place if, for example, before the operation is planned you
After treatment or resolution of these diseases or conditions, you may be reassessed for suitability for bariatric surgery.
After stomach reduction surgery, lifelong follow-up care and success monitoring is required. This is important in order to achieve sustainable weight reduction.
Aftercare in bariatric surgery includes
Regular laboratory tests check the need for nutritional supplements and vitamins. This helps to prevent possible deficiency symptoms as a result of stomach reduction.
Such laboratory checks should be carried out after six and twelve months. Thereafter, they are carried out on an annual basis, depending on the chosen operation and possible accompanying illnesses.
In order to ensure the success of the treatment, it is also advisable to take part in self-help groups and to be examined for mental illnesses.
Treated women should not become pregnant in the two years following bariatric surgery.
As a result of bariatric surgery, the massive weight loss can lead to the formation of so-called skin aprons and skin flaps. They do not disappear on their own. In these cases, you can receive plastic surgery advice and body shape reconstruction treatment.
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