Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a medical procedure performed on individuals who are severely overweight or obese, typically when other weight loss methods have failed to produce significant results. The primary goal of bariatric surgery is to reduce the size of the stomach and/or alter the digestive process, leading to weight loss and improvement or resolution of obesity-related health conditions.

There are several types of bariatric surgery procedures, each with its own mechanisms of action and effects on weight loss. Some common types include:

• Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass): This procedure involves creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine, bypassing a portion of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. This reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold and limits the absorption of calories and nutrients.
• Sleeve Gastrectomy: In this procedure, a portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller sleeve-shaped stomach. This reduces the stomach's capacity, leading to earlier feelings of fullness and reduced food intake.
• Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap-Band): A band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch, restricting the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. The band can be adjusted to control the size of the opening between the pouch and the rest of the stomach.
• Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS): This procedure combines aspects of gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. It involves removing a portion of the stomach and rerouting the small intestine to limit both food intake and nutrient absorption.

Candidates for bariatric surgery typically 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. The decision to undergo bariatric surgery is made after a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team, including a surgeon, dietitian, psychologist, and other healthcare professionals.

Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix for obesity, but rather a tool to assist with weight loss and improve overall health. Patients are required to make significant lifestyle changes, including adopting a healthier diet and incorporating regular exercise, to achieve and maintain successful weight loss after surgery.