Today, obesity and other metabolic disorders are of great concern all over the world due to the increasing number of cases. Many people have to opt for surgical options for better health and long-term benefits. The two commonly discussed procedures in such cases are — Metabolic surgery and Bariatric surgery.
Both are generally mentioned together, but they serve different purposes and yield distinct results. Knowing the differences helps patients make informed decisions when consulting the best metabolic surgeon in Ahmedabad.
Key Differences Between Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
What Is Meant By Metabolic Surgery?
The primary objective of metabolic surgery is to treat metabolic disorders like insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. However, weight loss is considered as a secondary advantage, but the main goal is to make metabolic health better. Sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass procedures are also utilised in metabolic surgery, but the aim is to improve hormonal imbalance, regulate blood sugar levels and overall metabolic well-being.
What Is Meant By Bariatric Surgery?
On the flip side, bariatric surgery is solely made for weight loss, and it is generally suggested to people suffering from obesity or finding it difficult to lose weight via routine exercises and diet. Some of the standard procedures in bariatric surgery include sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding and gastric bypass. These procedures tend to restrict the amount of food the stomach can hold or modify the absorption of nutrients, resulting in gradual weight loss.
How Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery Target Different Patients?
Metabolic surgery can be recommended to individuals having a lower BMI (Body Mass Index) if they have type 2 diabetes which is uncontrolled or acute metabolic disorders that don’t respond to lifestyle changes and medications. On the other hand, bariatric surgery is generally suggested to people having a BMI above a specific threshold, which is 35 or higher, or to those with severe complications related to obesity.
Health Outcomes & Benefits
Benefits of metabolic surgery are beyond weight loss as it helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular ailments, controls blood sugar levels and lowers the dependency on diabetes medications. In some cases, patients experience remission of diabetes within a few months after undergoing metabolic surgery. Patients who undergo bariatric surgery achieve remarkable weight loss, which in turn helps to reduce the risk of sleep apnea, joint issues and heart diseases.
In Conclusion
Now, it must be cleared that metabolic and bariatric surgeries do share specific procedures, but their objectives and results differ from each other significantly. Bariatric surgery majorly focuses on weight loss, and metabolic surgery primarily aims to improve metabolic health and handle conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
Make sure to consult the best metabolic surgeon in Ahmedabad, Dr. Atul Shah, to understand the best approach on the basis of your health goals and requirements!
