Our Summary
This research paper looks into whether bariatric surgery, a common treatment for severe obesity, affects the flow of saliva in patients. The researchers examined 845 articles found in various databases, but only eight were relevant to their study. Of these, five did not show any noticeable change in saliva flow, two showed an increase, and one showed a decrease. From these results, they concluded that there doesn’t seem to be a significant change in saliva flow for up to two years after the surgery.
FAQs
- What is the main focus of the research paper on bariatric surgery and saliva flow?
- How many articles were reviewed in the research and how many were deemed relevant to the study?
- What were the findings of the research regarding changes in saliva flow after bariatric surgery?
Doctor’s Tip
A doctor might tell a patient considering obesity surgery to be aware that there may be potential changes in saliva flow following the procedure, but that these changes are typically not significant and should not be a major concern in the long term. It’s important for patients to stay hydrated and maintain good oral hygiene to mitigate any potential issues.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended for obesity surgery are those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. These patients have usually tried other weight loss methods such as diet and exercise without success, and obesity surgery is seen as a necessary intervention to help them achieve significant and sustained weight loss. It is important for patients considering obesity surgery to undergo a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to determine if they are suitable candidates for the procedure.
Timeline
Before obesity surgery:
- Patient undergoes evaluation and consultation with a medical team to determine if surgery is the best option for their weight loss goals.
- Patient may be required to undergo pre-operative tests and screenings to assess their overall health and readiness for surgery.
- Patient may be required to make lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications and increased physical activity, in preparation for surgery.
After obesity surgery:
- Patient undergoes the surgical procedure, which may include gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or gastric banding.
- Patient is closely monitored in the hospital for any post-operative complications and to ensure proper healing.
- Patient follows a strict post-operative diet and exercise regimen to facilitate weight loss and prevent complications.
- Patient attends regular follow-up appointments with their medical team to monitor progress, address any concerns, and make necessary adjustments to their treatment plan.
- Patient experiences significant weight loss over time, leading to improvements in overall health and quality of life.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- What are the potential risks and benefits of obesity surgery for my specific situation?
- How will my diet and eating habits need to change after the surgery?
- What type of bariatric surgery is recommended for me and why?
- What is the success rate of this type of surgery in terms of weight loss and improvement in health conditions?
- How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
- Will I need to take any additional supplements or medications after the surgery?
- Are there any long-term complications or side effects I should be aware of?
- How often will I need to follow up with my surgeon after the surgery?
- Will I need to make any lifestyle changes in addition to diet and exercise to maintain weight loss?
- Are there any support groups or resources available to help me adjust to life after obesity surgery?
Reference
Authors: Farias TMCP, Vasconcelos BCDE, SoutoMaior JR, Lemos CAA, de Moraes SLD, Pellizzer EP. Journal: Obes Surg. 2019 May;29(5):1675-1680. doi: 10.1007/s11695-019-03784-w. PMID: 30835020