Bariatric surgery, also called weight loss surgery, is a procedure that helps people lose weight by changing their stomach and how their digestive system works. It’s usually recommended for people who are very overweight and haven’t been able to lose weight through diet and exercise. While it’s not a quick fix, it can help reduce health risks related to obesity, like heart disease and diabetes.
In this guide, we’ll explain what bariatric surgery is, the different types of surgeries available, and who can get this type of surgery.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery makes the stomach smaller, so you can’t eat as much, or it changes how your body digests food. It is often suggested for people who are severely overweight and have health problems due to their weight.
Types of Bariatric Surgery
There are a few different types of bariatric surgery:
- Gastric Bypass: This surgery makes your stomach much smaller and connects it to the small intestine, so food bypasses most of your stomach and digestive system. This way, you eat less and absorb fewer nutrients.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: About 80% of your stomach is removed, leaving a small, sleeve-shaped stomach. This smaller stomach helps you feel full quicker, and it also reduces hunger hormones.
- Adjustable Gastric Banding: A band is placed around the top part of your stomach to create a small pouch. The band can be tightened or loosened to control how much food the stomach can hold.
- Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS): This surgery removes part of the stomach and bypasses a large section of the small intestine. It reduces both the amount of food you can eat and the nutrients you absorb.
These surgeries help you lose weight by limiting food intake or reducing nutrient absorption. Bariatric surgery is usually only recommended for people who have tried other weight loss methods and have serious health problems due to their weight.
Who Can Get Bariatric Surgery?
Doctors look at several factors to decide if someone qualifies for this surgery:
1. Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a number that helps doctors understand if a person’s weight is in a healthy range for their height.
Bariatric surgery is often considered for people who have:
- A BMI of 40 or higher.
- A BMI between 35 and 39.9, along with serious health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.
2. Health Problems Linked to Weight
If you have health issues caused by being overweight, like heart disease or type 2 diabetes, you may be eligible for bariatric surgery even if your BMI isn’t very high. These conditions can be dangerous, and surgery might help manage or improve them.
3. Difficulty Losing Weight
If you’ve tried dieting and exercising but haven’t been able to lose weight or keep it off, bariatric surgery may be an option. Many people lose weight temporarily but regain it, and surgery can help provide a more long-term solution.
Bariatric surgery can be a helpful option for people who have struggled with weight loss and health problems related to obesity. It changes how the stomach works, helping you eat less and lose weight over time. However, it’s not a quick fix—you’ll need to commit to a healthier lifestyle for the long term. If you think bariatric surgery might be right for you, talk to a doctor here to see if it’s a good option based on your health and weight loss journey.