Bariatric surgery is a type of weight-loss surgery performed on individuals who are severely obese and have not been able to lose weight through other methods such as diet and exercise. The surgery aims to reduce the size of the stomach or restrict the amount of food the stomach can hold, thus limiting the amount of food a person can eat and facilitating weight loss.
There are several types of bariatric surgery, including:
- Gastric Bypass Surgery: This surgery involves creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach and bypassing a portion of the small intestine. This restricts the amount of food the stomach can hold and reduces the absorption of nutrients.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: In this procedure, a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller sleeve-shaped stomach. This reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold and decreases the production of appetite-regulating hormones.
- Gastric Banding (Lap-Band): This surgery involves placing an inflatable band around the upper part of the stomach, creating a smaller stomach pouch. The band can be adjusted to control the amount of food that can pass through the stomach.
Bariatric surgery is typically considered for individuals with 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 or hypertension. It’s important to note that bariatric surgery is not a quick fix and requires significant lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications and regular exercise, to achieve and maintain weight loss.
While bariatric surgery can lead to significant weight loss and improvement in obesity-related health conditions, it also carries risks and potential complications, including infection, blood clots, and nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, it’s essential for individuals considering bariatric surgery to discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider and undergo a comprehensive evaluation to determine if they are suitable candidates for the procedure.
