Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a surgical procedure performed on people with severe obesity to help them lose weight and improve their health. The main goal of bariatric surgery is to reduce the amount of food a person can eat and/or the amount of nutrients the body can absorb from food.
There are several types of bariatric surgery, but all involve manipulating the gastrointestinal tract to achieve weight loss. The most common procedures include adjustable gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric bypass. Each of these procedures has its own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right procedure depends on an individual assessment of each patient.
Bariatric surgery is generally reserved for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 to 39.9 with obesity-related health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea. Bariatric surgery can help improve or even cure some of these conditions.
However, bariatric surgery also carries risks and is not a quick or easy solution for weight loss. It is important for individuals considering bariatric surgery to understand the potential risks and benefits and to work closely with our experienced medical team before, during, and after the procedure to maximize results and reduce risks.
