10 Best Obesity And Other Lifestyle Disease Modifications doctors in Chennai - Updated 2024

Consult with a dietician or a medical professional like a bariatric surgeon before starting any weight loss medications or supplements. Focus on a balanced diet, portion control, regular exercise, hydration, sleep, and stress management for sustainable weight loss. 

Bariatric surgery can have both positive effects on health and potential side effects. The specific side effects can vary depending on the type of bariatric surgery performed, but here are some common ones:

Surgical risks: It includes infection, bleeding, blood clots, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.

Nutritional deficiencies:It impacts nutrient absorption and lead to deficiencies of iron, vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D. These deficiencies may require lifelong supplementation and close monitoring.

Dumping syndrome: Can occur after gastric bypass surgery, where food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine. You may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and rapid heart rate after meals.

Gallstones: Rapid weight loss after bariatric surgery can increase the risk of developing gallstones. 

Changes in bowel habits: Some individuals may experience changes in bowel movements like diarrhea or constipation, after bariatric surgery.

Hair loss: Temporary hair loss or thinning may occur due to nutritional deficiencies or rapid weight loss. This is usually temporary and can be managed with proper nutrition.

Psychological and emotional changes: Bariatric surgery can have a significant impact on body image, self-esteem, and emotional well-being. Some may experience depression, anxiety, or body image issues post-surgery.

Liposuction or literally ‘sucking out fat’ is a suboptimal therapy for OBESE patients who desire weight loss. Liposuction can be considered as a treatment option for body sculpting, or slightly overweight patients who need to shape their abdomen in a particular manner. However, if one is obese, liposuction will cause a disproportionate loss of fat over the tummy, and leave space for fat re-accumulation in the future.

There are many weight loss options for a proportionate weight loss, eg. diet, exercise, or medications.

The healthier or ‘more natural’ way to lose weight in obese patients (with a BMI of more than 30 kg/m2) is bariatric or metabolic surgery, wherein the stomach is re-sized or bypassed using keyhole surgery. This surgery causes proportionate loss of fat all over the body up to 80% of the excess body weight, over a period of 1-1.5 years. This surgery is a safe and effective option if done by a certified surgeon at a high-volume center.