What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a surgical procedure on the gut system to assist people suffering from extreme obesity to lose weight.
Surgery has never been the first option when it comes to weight loss. However, it's one of the most effective ways to lose weight.
As a result, it lowers the risk of stroke, diabetes or heart attack in severely overweight individuals.
The Benefits
There is evidence that bariatric surgery not only reduces an individual’s weight but also reduces other risks associated with obesity and diabetes mellitus.
Other benefits may include:
- Sustained weight loss
- Improvement in blood sugar levels
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol
- Relief from sleep apnea and acid reflux
- Less osteoarthritis pain
- Improved mood and self-esteem
Types of Bariatric Surgery
Surgeons can perform bariatric surgery in different ways.
A consultation with the surgeon is a must before making a decision.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
It is one of the surgeries to lose weight. The stomach is cut and stapled into a tube-like structure.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
The surgery creates a small pouch from the stomach and connects it directly to the small intestine.
Gastric Plication
The stomach is made smaller by fold it inwardswithout cutting/stapling. It decreases the risks of leakage.
Suitability for Surgery
An individual may be suitable for surgery if weight is more than 45 kg over their ideal body weight or have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 to 40. The BMI is a good indicator in determining obesity.
Do consult a doctor in detail about your suitability for weight loss surgery.
Dr Pok Eng Hong
MBBS (UM), Ms (UM)
MMC Full Registration No. 39251, NSR No. 129579
Dr Pok is a laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon in Subang Jaya Medical Centre. Graduated from the University of Malaya in 2001, he completed his Masters of Surgery in his alma mater in 2009.
He subsequently trained at the National Cancer Centre of Japan as an advanced therapeutic endoscopist. Soon after, he completed his bariatric and metabolic surgery fellowship in Taiwan.
In 2015, he received the Soudavar Memorial Fellowship in surgical oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York.
