Saturday, September 27, 2014

Bariatric surgery may help you lose weight, but it is no cure for depression

Bariatric surgeryScientists say that bariatric surgery is not a magic stick for combating depression, based on their recent study. The researchers found that not all obese individuals felt better after undergoing the popular weight loss surgery. Valentina Ivezaj and Carlos Grilo of the Yale University School of Medicine in the US, investigated the susceptibility of bariatric patients of experiencing depressive symptoms (especially to know whether there is an increase in the risk of depressive symptoms) after surgery. 


Their study is the first to examine patients with discernible worsening depressive symptoms six and 12 months following gastric bypass surgery. Self-reported questionnaires were completed by 107 patients with extreme obesity before they underwent gastric bypass surgery, and then again six and 12 months after the procedure. Ivezaj and Grilo observed that most people who had undergone this procedure were in much better spirits. However, in some cases negative mood changes started to creep in between six and 12 months after the operation, with 3.7% of patients reporting that they felt discernibly more depressed. 



What is bariatric surgery?


A bariatric surgery is a procedure that promotes weight loss by changing the digestive system’s anatomy, limiting the amount of food that can be eaten and digested. Though bariatric surgeries have become synonymous with weight loss, and people who can afford it consider it an easier alternative to healthy eating and exercising. Dr Ramen Goel, a bariatric surgeon tells us more about the procedure.


It isn’t a shortcut to weight loss


People who believe that it is a short cut for weight loss are generally not the ones who need it. This is for people who have honestly tried to lose weight and tried various gyms, diets, have gone and have lost weight which keeps coming back. It’s suggested for patients who are 25-30kg overweight with a BMI higher than 32.5. People suffering from obesity-related ailments should opt for this surgery.


Who shouldn’t get it?


Patients suffering from an unstable heart condition or angina should avoid it. Also those who’re are psychologically unstable and will not follow the diet and exercise suggested by the doctors should avoid it.


They are not the same as liposuction and tummy tucks


Liposuction and tummy tucks are cosmetic procedures and are done in a person whose weight is near normal and only has stubborn fat areas in particular body parts. Liposuction removes excess fat from thighs, back, etc. while a tummy tuck is done in the lower part of abdomen. The part of the abdomen that is in excess is tucked or removed and the skin is tightened so that you get a flat tummy. Read more… 


Source: PTI


Image Source: Getty Images


You may also like to read:


  • Want to beat depression? Start exercising regularly

  • Surgery for weight loss or bariatric surgery – get your facts right!

  • Educating teens about changing nature of personality prevents depression

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