20 July 2020 Author : Natacha Botelho Vieira Bariatric (obesity) and metabolic surgery should be reserved for severe cases of obesity or for situations in which life-threatening complications are present. Candidates for bariatric and metabolic surgery are people who: Have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 kg/m 2 ; Have a BMI equal to or greater than 35 kg/m 2 associated with diseases related to obesity, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, among others; Have a BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m 2 and less than 35 kg/m 2 associated with difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes, diagnosed more than 2 years ago and less than 10 years ago. Bariatric and metabolic surgery results in an important improvement in quality and life expectancy in 98% of patients. Among the benefits associated with bariatric and metabolic surgery, weight loss is the most immediate. On average, about 70% of excess weight is expected to be lost. But this first benefit of weight loss is not necessarily the greatest. Bariatric and metabolic surgery improves or cures associated diseases, provides excellent glycemic control and reduces cardiovascular risk factors, decreasing long-term health costs: Type 2 diabetes: cures between 70% to 90% of cases; Metabolic diseases: cure in more than 80% of cases; Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease: Cure of hypertension in more than 60% of cases and improvement in more than 75%; Cure of dyslipidemia and hypercholesterolemia in 70% of cases; Widespread improvement of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, with a risk reduction of more than 80%. Obstructive sleep apnea: cures in more than 80% of cases; Hypoventilation: improvement in 75% -80% of cases; Polycystic ovary syndrome: Resolution of hirsutism in 80% of cases; Resolution of menstrual disorders in 40% of cases. Venous stasis diseases (for example, varicose veins of the lower limbs): resolution of 95% of cases; Asthma: reduction in the number and severity of attacks in more than 80% of cases; Urinary incontinence: resolution of more than 40% of cases; Degenerative joint disease: resolution of more than 40% of cases; Depression: resolution of more than 50% of cases; Headache (headache): resolution of more than 60% of cases; Neoplasm of the breast, colon and rectum, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, and pancreas: reduced incidence in about 60% of cases. Naturally, the decrease in body weight associated with the improvement or cure of many health problems related to obesity contributes to increase self-esteem and improve socialization. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
