Risk vs Benefit for Bariatric Surgery

Dr Pilcher provides an overview of risks for bariatric surgery, placing those risks in context against the risks of the Obesity Disease and against the risks of other common operations. He also speaks to risk management and risk reduction, so patients can take back control of their health.

[@Tal88888]

I had my RYGB in October ’23 and benefited hugely from you matter of fact, beautifully present and reassuring videos. I share the links to relevant topics on the bariatric Facebook groups I’m a member of as there’s so many people with the best intentions that are sharing incorrect information. You’ve helped so many people who aren’t, could never hope to be one of your patients and I’d like to thank you for that. You’ve really changed so many lives for the better.

[@DoctorJP]

Thanks so much for watching, and I'm glad these are useful!

[@aliciacosasdelavida679]

I HAVE WATCHED ALL OF YOUR VIDEOS.. I HAD MY BYPASS 13 DAYS AGO... I HAVE LEARN SO MUCH IN THIS CHANNEL... THANKS ... THANKS

[@DoctorJP]

Thanks for watching, and congrats on continuing to learn/engage!

[@maryjaveed150]

You are the best doctor I have ever seen in my life, always spending your valuable time to educate not only your patients but everyone. We appreciate your help and pray that God will give you a long and healthy life. Ameen.

[@DoctorJP]

The best KZbin comment I've gotten this year! Thank you.

[@nonacee5065]

I wouldn't want to be the one of 3 in a thousand patients that dies, but as you say being obese runs higher risks. I'm 70 and I'll leave instructions and important paperwork for the family in case things go awry. As a carer to a husband with dementia, they're not going to thank me if i don't wake up. 😅 I've done everything i could including your liver shrinkage diet to minimise risk. My surgeon had no pre-op instructions so i followed yours.

[@DoctorJP]

Although the risks are low, I agree it's smart to get your affairs in order before a big step like bariatric surgery.

[@dahnoied6893]

I had sleeve about 1 1/2 years ago now and after watching many of your videos. I will always be glad I opted for the sleeve and not the bypass even though I didn't lose much weight but that's not counting the weight I didn't gain when I was on a steep upward climb right before surgery. Now though, I plan to pursue some of the newer drugs (which are really effective) to try to get down a bit more. I don't need to be a "normal" weight, I just want to be a bit more comfortable and healthy for my retirement years.

[@DoctorJP]

So glad you're doing well!

[@innit2winit.]

Thank you Dr. Pilcher for this video. I'm more concerned about the long-term effects on the body of the surgery after 20-30+ years. I'm wondering if having an altered digestive system will make me weaker and malnourished during senior years. Any thoughts on that?

[@nonacee5065]

I'm 70 and will have the bypass on Thursday in 3 days time. My doctor said it would reduce the comorbidities that being morbidly obese brings. I'm looking forward to it and it should carry me through into my 80's. I'll make sure to take enough protein and vitamins into the future.

[@DoctorJP]

You have a valid question, but I'm happy to let you know that folks typically live longer and healthier with their bariatric operations.

[@brownsugarcoffee1]

My surgery is tomorrow 07/16/2024 nervous and excited at the same time😩

[@fannyehunt7743]

My prayers are with you. I would say don't be nervous, but it's expected. Come back and give us an update in a couple of months. Take care of yourself.

[@DoctorJP]

Hope all that went well, and best of luck with the rest of your journey!

[@talananiyiyaya8912]

I'm interested in life expectancy between those who are a normal weight from bariatric surgery VS those who are a normal weight from traditional diet and exercise VS those who were never overweight.

[@DoctorJP]

You're asking a smart question. The best study I know of, estimated that bariatric surgery adds about 12 years of life for a 40 year old man with a BMI of 40. So far, there has not been a comparison that includes long term normal weight from traditional diet/exercise because the success rate (weight control at 5 years) is

[@peachmelba9333]

78 and Y-E-P- sure I'M 1/2 The size i once was- but i traded for being forever Gastrointestinally Handicapped- was it worth it? After 6 years- i often feel there might be worse things than Dying Fat- now have an gastronomy tube through my stomach wall and tra lah Lah etcetera. And if i attempt to seek consulting anyone- in my backward town " YOU DID IT TO YOURSELF" Well technically i was Sound Asleep.😢😢😢

[@innit2winit.]

@@peachmelba9333 What happened to you? You have a tube in your stomach and a tra la lah? What's that? 😨

[@DoctorJP]

Very sorry to hear about your difficult experience. I would still suggest (if possible) for you to engage with an experienced bariatric surgeon "in the big city," to see if there is anything that can be done.