Gastric band surgery has been a game-changer for many individuals battling severe obesity, with some claiming significant health improvements. However, experts urge caution, particularly among older populations, as the procedure’s benefits may not be as universal as they appear.
One such success story is 56-year-old Lexii Marquardt from Melbourne. After years of struggling with obesity, Marquardt’s weight reached nearly 200kg, which led her to retire from competitive tennis. “If I didn’t take action, I was facing a future with serious health complications,” she recalls.
In her pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, Marquardt underwent gastric band surgery multiple times between 2004 and 2014. Despite some initial complications, including an infection following her first surgery and ongoing issues like reflux after a gastric bypass in 2016, Marquardt has been able to manage her weight. Currently, she maintains a weight of around 100kg with the help of a bypass procedure, medication, and regular physical activity.
According to Professor Wendy Brown from Monash University, gastric bypass surgery can help some individuals control obesity-related conditions, including type 2 diabetes. However, Brown cautions that the procedure may not be as effective for older patients. “As people age, certain obesity-related diseases can become irreversible, making bariatric surgery less advantageous without thorough evaluation of the associated risks,” she says.
While gastric band surgeries can offer significant health benefits, they come with risks. Some of the immediate dangers include bleeding, infection, blood clots, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and potential damage to surrounding organs. Additionally, complications can arise from leakage in the bowel connections.
Brown points out that medications like Ozempic, a treatment for diabetes and weight loss, may be a safer alternative for some individuals. As obesity is a chronic condition, continuous treatment is crucial to preventing weight regain, she adds.
In a recent study led by Professor Brown, more than 122,500 Australians who underwent bariatric surgery from 2012 to 2021 were examined. The study found that 13.6% of participants were already receiving diabetes treatment before surgery. Among those who followed up after one year, 71.6% were able to stop taking diabetes medication. This success rate dropped to 61% after five years. The researchers also noted that the complication rate three months post-surgery was low, with just 3.6% of patients experiencing issues. These rates were comparable to those seen in other keyhole surgeries, such as gallbladder removal.
Professor Brown further elaborated on four common types of bariatric surgery:
One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (Mini Bypass): This procedure creates a small stomach tube, which is connected to a loop of the small intestine. This reduces food absorption and induces earlier feelings of fullness, along with hormone changes that aid in weight loss.
Gastric Bypass: Similar to the mini bypass but involves dividing the small intestine further. It requires the rerouting of bile and pancreatic juices to a lower section of the digestive system. This form of surgery can be reversed.
Sleeve Gastrectomy: This irreversible procedure removes 80-90% of the stomach, leaving only a small “skinny tube.”
Adjustable Gastric Band: A ring is placed around the stomach where it meets the esophagus, creating a small pouch that fills quickly. The band is adjustable and can be removed if necessary.
In conclusion, while gastric band surgeries can be life-changing for some, especially in terms of weight management and the prevention of diabetes, they may not be the best option for everyone. Factors such as age, overall health, and the potential for complications must all be carefully considered before opting for such a procedure.
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