Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery, also referred to as weight loss surgery, is a medical intervention designed to assist individuals who are severely obese or overweight in losing weight and improving their health. The procedure alters the digestive system to either reduce the amount of food that can be consumed or limit the absorption of calories and nutrients. The primary aim of bariatric surgery is to help patients reach and maintain a healthier weight, as well as to alleviate or resolve obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea, ultimately enhancing the patient's quality of life. This surgery is generally recommended for individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher, or for those with a BMI of 35 or greater who also have at least one obesity-related health issue. It is considered when other weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise, have not been successful.
About Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery refers to a group of surgical procedures that alter the digestive system to aid in weight loss. These surgeries, which include gastric bypass and other techniques, are designed to help individuals with severe obesity lose weight and reduce the risk of life-threatening health conditions, such as:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Sleep apnea
By reducing the stomach’s capacity or rerouting parts of the digestive system, bariatric surgery helps limit the amount of food consumed and/or the number of calories absorbed by the body. It is often considered for individuals who have not achieved significant weight loss through other methods like diet and exercise.
Procedure of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery involves various types of procedures aimed at weight loss, each with its own technique:
Gastric Sleeve Surgery: The surgeon removes a large portion of the stomach, leaving behind a smaller, tube-shaped section, which limits the amount of food that can be eaten.
Gastric Bypass Surgery: A small pouch is created from the stomach, and the small intestine is rerouted to bypass the remaining part of the stomach and duodenum, reducing both food intake and calorie absorption.
Adjustable Gastric Band Surgery: An adjustable band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a smaller pouch, limiting the amount of food consumed and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch: This procedure involves removing a portion of the stomach and rerouting the small intestine, drastically reducing calorie and nutrient absorption.
Bariatric surgery is performed under general anesthesia and may take several hours depending on the procedure. Following the surgery, patients are closely monitored to ensure a safe and smooth recovery. Weight loss after bariatric surgery can lead to significant improvements in obesity-related conditions, enhancing both health and quality of life.