Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a surgical procedure designed to help people who are severely overweight or obese lose weight by altering their digestive system. The surgery aims to reduce the size of the stomach and/or bypass a portion of the small intestine to limit the amount of food a person can eat and absorb.
There are several types of bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. The specific type of surgery recommended depends on a person's individual health status, weight loss goals, and other factors.
Bariatric surgery is typically recommended for people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with one or more obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. It is generally considered a last resort after other weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise, have been unsuccessful.
The treatment for bariatric surgery involves pre-operative preparation, surgery, and post-operative care. Before the surgery, patients will undergo medical evaluation, counseling, and preparation to ensure that they are mentally and physically ready for the procedure.
The surgery itself typically involves either laparoscopic or open surgery, and may take several hours to complete. After the surgery, patients will need to stay in the hospital for a few days to recover and be monitored for complications.
In the post-operative period, patients will need to follow a specific diet and exercise plan to facilitate weight loss and promote healing. They will also need to attend regular follow-up appointments with their bariatric surgeon and other healthcare providers to monitor their progress and address any issues that may arise.
Bariatric surgery can be highly effective for weight loss, but it does carry some risks, such as infection, bleeding, and blood clots. It is important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery with their healthcare provider to determine whether it is the right treatment option for them.
