Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery refers to a group of surgical procedures designed to help individuals with severe obesity lose weight and improve related health conditions. These procedures modify the digestive system to restrict food intake or reduce nutrient absorption.

Who is a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

You may qualify if you have:
✔ BMI ≥ 40 (severe obesity)
✔ BMI ≥ 35 with obesity-related conditions (diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea)
✔ Failed to lose weight through diet, exercise, or medication
✔ Commitment to lifelong lifestyle changes

Types of Bariatric Surgery

1. Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)

How it works:
- Creates a small stomach pouch (limits food intake)
- Reroutes the small intestine (reduces calorie absorption)
Weight loss: 60-80% of excess weight
Benefits:
✔ Rapid weight loss
✔ Improves type 2 diabetes quickly

2. Sleeve Gastrectomy

How it works:
- Removes ~80% of the stomach (reduces hunger hormones)
- Leaves a banana-shaped sleeve
Weight loss: 50-70% of excess weight
Benefits:
✔ No intestinal rerouting
✔ Lower risk of malnutrition

3. Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap-Band)

How it works:
- Places an inflatable band around the stomach
- Creates a small pouch to limit food intake
Weight loss: 40-50% of excess weight
Benefits:
✔ Reversible
✔ Least invasive

4. Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)

How it works:
- Removes part of the stomach
- Reroutes intestines to limit absorption
Weight loss: 70-80% of excess weight
Benefits:
✔ Most effective for long-term weight loss
✔ Best for super obesity (BMI >50)

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

✅ Significant weight loss (50-80% of excess weight)
✅ Improvement/resolution of obesity-related conditions:

Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Sleep apnea
Joint pain
✅ Increased life expectancy
✅ Enhanced quality of life

Recovery & Lifestyle Changes

Post-Surgery Recovery

Hospital stay: 1-3 days
Return to work: 2-4 weeks
Full recovery: 6-8 weeks

Diet After Surgery

Phase 1 (1-2 weeks): Clear liquids
Phase 2 (2-4 weeks): Pureed foods
Phase 3 (4+ weeks): Soft, then regular foods

Long-Term Requirements

✔ Lifelong vitamin supplements (B12, iron, calcium)
✔ Regular exercise (30+ mins/day)
✔ Follow-up visits (yearly check-ups)

Risks & Considerations

⚠ Short-term risks:

Infection
Blood clots
Leaks in the digestive system
⚠ Long-term risks:
Nutrient deficiencies
Dumping syndrome (nausea after eating sugar/fat)

Success Rates

80% of patients maintain >50% excess weight loss at 5 years
Diabetes remission in 75-90% of cases

Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?

💡 Consult a bariatric surgeon to discuss:

Your BMI & health conditions
Which procedure fits your goals
Long-term lifestyle commitments

5 Results

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