Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to help individuals with obesity achieve significant and sustained weight loss. It involves altering the digestive system to restrict food intake or modify the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, resulting in weight loss and improvement in obesity-related health conditions.
Here are some key aspects of bariatric surgery:
- Eligibility and Evaluation: Bariatric surgery is typically recommended for individuals with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher) or those with a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. Candidates for bariatric surgery undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including medical history assessment, physical examinations, and psychological evaluations, to determine their suitability for the procedure.
- Types of Bariatric Surgery: There are several types of bariatric surgery procedures, including:
- Gastric bypass: In this procedure, the surgeon creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach and connects it directly to the small intestine, bypassing a portion of the stomach and intestine. This reduces the amount of food that can be eaten and decreases nutrient absorption.
- Sleeve gastrectomy: This procedure involves removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving a narrow sleeve-shaped stomach. The reduced stomach size limits food intake and promotes earlier feelings of fullness.
- Adjustable gastric banding: A band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch. The band can be adjusted to control the size of the opening between the pouch and the rest of the stomach, restricting food intake.
- Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch: This complex procedure involves removing a portion of the stomach, rerouting the small intestine, and modifying the flow of digestive juices. It restricts food intake and reduces nutrient absorption.
- Weight Loss and Health Benefits: Bariatric surgery helps individuals achieve significant and sustained weight loss, which can improve or resolve obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint problems. It can also lead to improved quality of life, increased mobility, and enhanced psychological well-being.
- Pre- and Post-Surgical Care: Bariatric surgery requires thorough pre-surgical preparation, including dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes weight loss before the procedure. After surgery, individuals undergo post-operative care, including a gradual transition to a modified diet, regular follow-up visits, monitoring of nutritional status, and ongoing support from a multidisciplinary team that may include dietitians, psychologists, and support groups.
- Risks and Considerations: Like any surgery, bariatric surgery carries risks, including bleeding, infection, blood clots, and reactions to anesthesia. There are also potential complications specific to each surgical procedure. Candidates for bariatric surgery should have a comprehensive understanding of the potential risks and benefits and engage in a thorough discussion with their healthcare team.