Most obese patients have tried dieting and exercising, but due to physiological obstacles and the body’s limitations, they cannot lose weight as expected. Obesity surgery is a treatment approach that helps limit the amount of calories the body receives from food, along with adjusting the patient’s appetite hormone levels. It can reduce excess weight by 60-80% within 1-2 years. Additionally, it has positive effects on treating chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, as well as symptoms like snoring, sleep apnea, and joint pain caused by excess weight.
When is it considered obesity?
Obesity, or Morbid Obesity, or ABCD (Adiposity-Based Chronic Disease) is a chronic condition caused by excessive fat accumulation in the body that negatively affects health. It is assessed by the Body Mass Index (BMI), which normally ranges between 20-25. A BMI over 30 is classified as obesity. The main cause is excessive energy intake from food without using the energy beneficially, such as lack of exercise. Some cases may have genetic risks or result from endocrine system disorders, side effects of medications, or psychiatric conditions.
How seriously does obesity affect health?
Obesity increases the risk of developing NCDs or non-communicable chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, and stroke. It also causes sleep apnea and osteoarthritis, leading to increased health problems and shorter lifespan. For those with mild obesity, treatment can be done through lifestyle modification or medication under the care of an endocrinologist, which can help reduce excess weight by about 10%. However, in cases of severe obesity, surgery will be considered by the doctor.
Surgical approach to obesity treatment
Obesity surgery is not cosmetic surgery, nor is it fat removal or liposuction. It focuses on addressing the root cause to help control the patient’s eating behavior, reduce stomach size, and alter the food passage after eating. This results in changes in appetite hormone levels, allowing the patient to eat less. With reduced energy intake, combined with behavioral changes and exercise to burn excess fat, sustainable weight loss can be achieved.
Currently, effective obesity treatment can be performed laparoscopically, reducing postoperative complications. Patients only need to stay in the hospital for a few days before returning to normal life and starting exercise within 1-2 weeks.
Improved quality of life after surgery
Patients will have a better quality of life after surgery. However, treatment outcomes depend not only on the surgeon and multidisciplinary medical care but also on the patient’s adherence. Most patients can reduce excess weight by 60-80% within 1-2 years, and chronic diseases often improve to the point where medication can almost be stopped. Some patients may experience deficiencies in certain nutrients such as vitamins and minerals and may need supplements if indicated.
Over time, the body can gradually adapt to eating more food 2-3 years after surgery, which may cause weight regain. Therefore, it is necessary to control eating behavior and maintain regular exercise to prevent returning to obesity.
