Weight Loss Surgery

Weight Loss Surgery, also known as Bariatric Surgery, is a type of surgery that is performed on the stomach or intestines to help an individual with extreme obesity lose weight. This is usually considered for patients who have not been able to achieve significant weight loss through diet and exercise.

Types of Weight Loss Surgery

There are several types of weight loss surgeries, including:

• Gastric Bypass Surgery: This procedure involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting the newly created pouch directly to the small intestine. This bypasses a significant portion of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine.

• Sleeve Gastrectomy: In this procedure, part of the stomach is removed, creating a smaller reservoir for food. It's a simpler operation than the gastric bypass or the biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch.

• Adjustable Gastric Band: This involves placing a band around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch to hold food. The band can be adjusted to control the size of the pouch opening.

• Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch: This is a more complex type of surgery that involves removing a large part of the stomach and bypassing a significant portion of the small intestine.

Risks and Benefits

Like any surgery, weight loss surgery carries risks, including infection, bleeding, and blood clots. Long-term risks include nutrient deficiencies, gallstones, and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.

However, the benefits can be significant for those struggling with severe obesity. These include significant weight loss, improvement or resolution of obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea, and improved quality of life.

Eligibility for Weight Loss Surgery

Not everyone is a candidate for weight loss surgery. Typically, candidates are those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with serious weight-related health problems.

Post-Surgery Lifestyle

After weight loss surgery, patients must commit to a lifetime of healthy eating and regular exercise. They may also need to take vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent deficiencies.