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What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is weight-loss surgery for people who are obese and their attempts at weight loss through exercise and dieting have not succeeded. Weight loss occurs rapidly because surgery reduces your stomach's size. Three bariatric surgery methods are described below: Gastric Bypass Surgery, Gastric Band Surgery, and Gastric Sleeve Surgery.
Are You a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
You may qualify as a candidate for bariatric surgery if you have a body mass index of 40+ (approximately 80-100 pounds overweight), or if your body mass index is 35+ and you have been diagnosed with diabetes or other serious obesity-related conditions such as heart disease or severe sleep apnea. Having obesity-related physical problems that significantly interfere with employment, physical mobility or social function may also make you a possible candidate for surgery.
Even if you meet the above criteria, you must also commit to making lifestyle changes which will ensure the success of your surgery. These include 1) making healthy diet and exercise habits a priority in your life, and 2) a long-term adherence to the guidelines and follow-up recommended by your surgeon. Most patients find participation in a post-operative support group beneficial.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass is the most commonly performed bariatric surgery. The stomach is stapled to form a pouch limiting the amount of food you can eat. This is bypassed to the small intestine, so there is less chance for food calories to be absorbed by the body.
Gastric Band Surgery
Also known as lap band surgery, this bariatric surgery wraps an adjustable band around the upper stomach. Following surgery, the band can be remotely adjusted by the surgeon in response to your weight loss needs.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
This bariatric surgery removes 85% of the stomach so little food can be eaten.
