Muskan Gangwani

Bariatric Dietician & Content Writer

Circadian Rhythm and four pillars of lifestyle how it helps bariatric patients

Circadian rhythm is a 24-hour internal clock that governs the physiological and behavioral processes of living organisms.

It is an important aspect of human health and well-being as it regulates various processes in the body, such as the sleep-wake cycle, hormone production, digestion, and metabolism. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the study of circadian rhythm and its impact on human health.

the importance of aligning our lifestyle with our circadian rhythm for optimal health and well-being. There are four pillars of lifestyle that are essential for maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm which are

Balanced Nutrition
Adequate Exercise
Quality Sleep
Stress Management

Balanced Nutrition
Adequate Exercise
Quality Sleep
Stress Management

What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric Surgery is also known as weight loss surgery. In Bariatric Surgery, the size of the stomach reduces which in turn reduces the hunger hormone Ghrelin and the appetite of the patient is reduced.

You are eligible for Bariatric surgery based on your BMI (Body Mass Index), medical history, and diet history of the patient.

BMI stands for Body Mass Index, which is a measurement that calculates the relationship between a person’s weight and height. It is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (BMI = weight / (height * height).

BMI range

Normal weight <25

Overweight 25-29.9

Obese

Grade 1 obesity:- 30- 34.9

Grade 2 obesity:- 35- 39.9

Grade 3 obesity:-Above 40( morbid obesity)

Anyone who is above 30 BMI can undergo bariatric surgery

Based on BMI, medical history and diet history bariatric surgeon will suggest which surgery will be best suitable for you to achieve your ideal body weight.

Mainly there are three types of surgery performed

Gastric Bypass Surgery-

Gastric bypass is also called Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y- Gastric Bypass is a widely performed procedure. This procedure causes food to bypass most of the gastrointestinal tract that absorbs fats and calories .

The surgery involves the following:

Rearranging the gastrointestinal (GI) tract so that food bypasses a majority of the stomach and small intestine.

Creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach.

Making a second incision at the lower part of the small intestine, which is then connected to the pouch made at the top of the stomach.

Roux-en-Y can be very effective at reversing insulin resistance in people who have diabetes. Insulin resistance is a significant problem for people with PCOS.

It is very reliable and long-lasting weight loss
It is refined and standardised technique
Effective weight loss and improvement of obesity related conditions like conditions like sleep apnea,hypertension, etc.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy-

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is a restrictive procedure. It involves resection of two-thirds of the stomach to provide increased satiety and decreased appetite. The surgeon will make about five small cuts in your belly. He or she will do the surgery using a thin, long, telescope with a tiny camera at the end. Your surgeon will do the procedure using images on a TV screen in the operating room.

Technically simple and shorter surgery time
It is performed as the first step for patients with severe obesity
Effective weight loss and improvement of obesity related conditions like conditions like sleep apnea,hypertension, etc.

Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery-

The surgery is initiated by reducing the size of the stomach so that it requires less food. The stomach is converted into a long slender pouch up to the antral part by stapling.

The second step of the surgery involves the creation of a bypass for food to flow from the new stomach pouch. A loop of the small intestine is chosen depending upon the surgeon and the metabolic condition of the patient. The middle section of intestine is attached to the opening in the stomach pouch creating what is referred to as the “omega loop”. The loop enables food to bypass the lower stomach, duodenum, and a portion of the small intestine. At the end of the procedure, the incisions are closed with sutures.

Less invasive
Increases intestinal production of GLP1 which stimulates insulin release and is more potent for diabetes cure,Potentially reversible
Effective weight loss and improvement of obesity related conditions like conditions like sleep apnea,hypertension

Your surgeon will suggest which surgery is suitable for you according to your bmi, medical history and diet history.

How are Circadian rhythm and the four pillars of lifestyle interconnected for bariatric surgery?

Quality Sleep: Adequate and quality sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm. Our body’s natural sleep-wake cycle is regulated by the release of the hormone melatonin, which is produced by the pineal gland in the brain.

Melatonin production is influenced by the timing of light exposure, and exposure to blue light from electronic devices can disrupt its production, leading to sleep disturbances. Therefore, it is important to limit the use of electronic devices before bedtime and create a conducive sleep environment.

Getting enough quality sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and promoting healing after bariatric surgery.

This recommends developing healthy sleep habits, such as sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding screens before bedtime, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine. Good sleep can also help in reducing inflammation, improving mood, and promoting overall health.

Balanced Nutrition: Our eating patterns can also affect our circadian rhythm. Eating a healthy and balanced diet that is rich in nutrients, such as fiber, protein, and healthy fats, can help regulate the body’s natural clock. It is also important to have regular meal times and avoid eating late at night, as this can disrupt the digestive process and interfere with sleep.

Bariatric surgery involves a reduction in the size of the stomach which leads to a significant decrease in the amount of food that an individual can eat. Following a healthy and balanced diet is crucial after bariatric surgery to ensure that the body receives the necessary nutrients. Its emphasis on whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources, can help patients achieve their nutritional goals while ensuring that they get the nutrients they need.

Adequate Exercise: Physical activity is important for maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm. Exercise can help regulate the body’s natural clock by increasing the release of endorphins, which promote a sense of well-being and can help regulate sleep. However, it is important to avoid intense exercise before bedtime, as this can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.

Regular exercise is important for maintaining weight loss and improving overall health after bariatric surgery. This recommends a combination of strength training, cardio, and yoga for a well-rounded fitness routine. Exercise can also help in improving mood, reducing stress, and promoting better sleep – all of which are important for successful weight loss and recovery after surgery.

Stress Management: Chronic stress can disrupt the body’s natural clock and lead to sleep disturbances. Therefore, it is important to manage stress through techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness. These techniques can help promote relaxation and improve the quality of sleep.

Emotional detox is a term used to describe the process of releasing negative emotions and stress from the body.

This can be especially important for those who have struggled with emotional eating or other unhealthy coping mechanisms related to food.

Emotional detox techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and journaling can help in reducing stress and promote emotional balance after bariatric surgery.

In conclusion, aligning our lifestyle with our circadian rhythm is essential for maintaining optimal health and well-being.

By focusing on the four pillars of lifestyle sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management we can improve our circadian rhythm and promote overall health and well-being.

Overall, following these four pillars of lifestyle can be a great way to support a healthy recovery and successful weight loss after bariatric surgery.

By focusing on nutrition, exercise, sleep, and emotional detox, individuals can promote healing, reduce inflammation, improve mood, and achieve their weight loss goals.

However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or exercise routine, especially after undergoing surgery.

Aastha bariatrics is a centre of excellence for Bariatric and metabolic surgery. Dr Manish motwani is one of the best bariatric and metabolic surgeon in India with experience of 26 years .

At aastha hospital, every single patient is important and their life too.