Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric Surgery – An Overview
Bariatric surgery is a medical procedure designed to help individuals who are severely overweight or obese lose weight and improve their overall health. It works by making changes to the digestive system—either reducing the size of the stomach, bypassing part of the small intestine, or a combination of both. These changes limit how much food a person can eat or how many calories the body absorbs.
Bariatric surgery is not just about weight loss; it also helps in managing and even resolving serious health conditions linked with obesity, such as:
Type 2 Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
Sleep Apnea
Heart Disease
Joint Problems
Fatty Liver Disease
Common Types of Bariatric Surgery
Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y): Creates a small pouch from the stomach and connects it directly to the small intestine.
Sleeve Gastrectomy: Removes a portion of the stomach, leaving a smaller “sleeve-shaped” stomach.
Adjustable Gastric Band: A band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch.
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS): A more complex procedure combining a sleeve gastrectomy with bypassing a large part of the small intestine.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Significant and sustained weight loss
Better control of blood sugar levels
Reduction in blood pressure and cholesterol
Improved mobility and quality of life
Lower risk of obesity-related health complications
Who is a Candidate?
Bariatric surgery may be recommended for individuals who:
Have a BMI of 40 or higher, or
Have a BMI of 35 or higher with serious health issues like diabetes or hypertension
Have tried diet, exercise, and medications without long-term success
Life After Bariatric Surgery
Patients need to commit to lifestyle changes after surgery. This includes:
Following a healthy, balanced diet
Regular exercise
Routine medical follow-ups
Vitamin and mineral supplements if recommended
✨ Bariatric surgery is not a “quick fix” but a powerful tool that, combined with lifestyle changes, can transform health, confidence, and quality of life.