Bariatric surgery is a surgical procedure that is performed to treat severe obesity in people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 and above or a BMI of 35 to 39.9 with obesity—related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
There are several types of bariatric surgery, each of which has its own mechanism of action:
- Sleeve gastrectomy: The surgeon removes approximately 80% of the stomach, creating a narrow sleeve to reduce the size of the stomach and limit food intake.
- Gastric bypass surgery: The stomach is divided into a small upper sac and a larger lower sac. The food enters the upper sac, bypassing most of the stomach, and passes through a small opening into the lower sac. This restricts food intake and disrupts calorie absorption.
- Gastric Bandaging: The surgeon places an adjustable band around the top of the stomach, creating a small pouch. The strip can be controlled by tightening or loosening it to limit food intake.
Bariatric surgery can bring significant benefits to people with severe obesity:
- Weight loss and improved weight control
- Improve or resolve obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and obstructive sleep apnea.
- Reducing the risk of death from obesity-related diseases
- Improving the quality of life
Like any surgical procedure, bariatric surgery has some risks and complications.:
- Bleeding, infection, blood clots
- Leaks or narrowing at the surgical site
- Heartburn and other gastrointestinal problems
- Persistent malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies
To be considered as a candidate for bariatric surgery, patients must meet the following criteria:
- A BMI of 40 or above or a BMI of 35 to 39.9 with obesity-related comorbidities
- A trial weight loss program that did not produce sustainable results
- Understanding the risks and benefits of surgery and willingness to adhere to lifestyle changes
After bariatric surgery, patients will need to follow lifestyle changes to optimize outcomes and avoid complications:
- A special diet that gradually introduces foods and limits portion size.
- Regular physical exercise
- Psychological support
- Regular medical checkups to track progress and identify any problems.
Bariatric surgery can be an effective method of treating severe obesity and improving the health status of people with concomitant diseases associated with obesity. However, it is important to carefully weigh the risks and benefits to determine if this surgery is a suitable option for each individual.
