Nikita Amin
Bariatric Dietician & Content Writer
Bariatric Surgery in Patients Older than 65 Years
Bariatric Surgery -
Bariatric surgery (or weight loss surgery) is a medical term that describes various surgeries used to treat obesity. Long-term weight loss with standard therapy (Rouen Wai bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch) is primarily due to levels of gut hormones responsible for feelings of hunger and satiety. is achieved by changing the resulting in a new hormonal weight set point. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for achieving weight loss and reducing the complications of obesity.
Bariatric surgery has proven to be the most effective bariatric treatment option for permanent weight loss. In addition to this weight loss, the treatment offers significant health benefits including reduced cardiovascular risk factors, remission of type 2 diabetes, reduced fatty liver disease, and reduced incidence and severity of depressive syndrome.
If your BMI is greater than 35 and you have comorbidities, i.e., heart disease, diabetes, other health conditions such as sleep apnea, you may be eligible for weight loss or bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery is the only way to lose weight if your BMI is greater than 40
Is bariatric surgery safe for older adults?
The safety of bariatric surgery in patients over the age of 65 depends on several factors, including the patient’s general health, comorbidities, and the specific type of surgery being considered.
Age is not the only contraindication to bariatric surgery, but older patients may be at higher risk of complications than younger people. This is because older people often suffer from more severe illnesses and have lower physiological reserves. However, bariatric surgery may be a viable option in elderly patients with good performance status and no significant comorbidities.
Bariatric surgery is safe and effective in older adults, with similar weight loss and improvements in comorbidities compared with younger patients. However, older patients may have slightly higher surgical risks, such as anaesthetic complications, infections, and blood clots. This evaluation typically includes an assessment of the patient’s general health, cardiovascular status, pulmonary function, and nutritional status. It is important to identify and treat medical conditions that may increase the risks associated with surgery.
Additionally, the choice of bariatric surgery may also be influenced by the patient’s age and comorbidities. In older patients, less invasive procedures such as laparoscopic surgery are generally preferred to minimize surgical trauma and facilitate recovery.
There are several factors to consider when evaluating whether older people should undergo bariatric surgery.
General Health Conditions:
A thorough assessment of the patient’s general health is essential. This includes assessment of cardiovascular function, pulmonary function, nutritional status, and the presence of other chronic diseases.
Comorbidities:
The presence of comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease should be carefully evaluated and managed before surgery. These conditions may increase the risks associated with bariatric surgery.
Function status:
Assessing a patient’s functional status is important to ascertain whether the patient can tolerate the physical demands associated with the surgery and subsequent lifestyle changes necessary for successful weight loss.
Psychosocial Evaluation:
A patient’s psychological and social health status should be assessed to determine readiness for the emotional and lifestyle changes that accompany bariatric surgery.
Life expectancy:
Consideration of the patient’s life expectancy is important to ensure that the potential benefits of weight loss and improved health are realized.
Ultimately, the decision to undergo bariatric surgery in patients aged 65 years and older should be made on an individual basis, considering the patient’s overall health status, goals and potential risks. Comprehensive assessment by a multidisciplinary team including surgeons, anaesthesiologists and other specialists is essential to ensure patient safety and optimize outcomes.
Aastha Bariatrics is a leading center for metabolic and bariatric surgery. At Aastha Bariatrics, we provide specialized patient care and care for patients throughout the bariatric surgery process. At Aastha Bariatrics, we never compromise on quality and the attitude of our doctors because every patient’s life is precious to us. Manish Motwani is one of India’s top bariatric surgeons with a total of 26 years of experience. No postoperative complaints have been reported by patients in the last 15 years. We have the best team of obesity and weight loss experts.
