Bariatric surgery is a type of weight-loss surgery that aims to help individuals who are obese or severely overweight. The surgery is designed to reduce the size of the stomach, which in turn limits the amount of food that can be consumed and helps individuals lose weight.
There are different types of bariatric surgeries, including:
- Gastric bypass surgery: This involves creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach and rerouting the small intestine to this pouch, which restricts the amount of food that can be consumed and decreases the amount of calories and nutrients absorbed by the body.
- Sleeve gastrectomy: This procedure involves removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving behind a smaller sleeve-shaped stomach, which restricts the amount of food that can be eaten.
- Adjustable gastric banding: This procedure involves placing a band around the top of the stomach, creating a small pouch above the band, which limits the amount of food that can be consumed.
Bariatric surgery is typically recommended for individuals with a 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.
While bariatric surgery can be an effective way to achieve significant weight loss, it is important to note that it is a major surgery and carries risks, including bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Additionally, individuals who undergo bariatric surgery must commit to significant lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, to achieve and maintain weight loss.
