Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to help people who are severely overweight or obese lose weight. Bariatric surgery is recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35-39.9 with obesity-related health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or heart disease.

The most common types of bariatric surgery include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. All of these procedures work by restricting the amount of food that the patient can eat, and in some cases, also by reducing the absorption of calories.

Gastric bypass involves dividing the stomach into two parts, creating a small pouch at the top and connecting it to the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine. This reduces the amount of food that the patient can eat and also reduces the absorption of calories.

Sleeve gastrectomy involves removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving behind a small, banana-shaped stomach. This restricts the amount of food that the patient can eat and also reduces the production of the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates hunger.

Adjustable gastric banding involves placing an inflatable band around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch. The band can be adjusted over time to control the size of the pouch and the amount of food that the patient can eat.

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch involves removing a large portion of the stomach and rerouting the small intestine to reduce the absorption of calories.

Bariatric surgery is not a magic solution for weight loss and requires significant lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise to be effective. However, studies have shown that bariatric surgery can significantly improve obesity-related health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. Patients who undergo bariatric surgery can also experience improvements in their mental health, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.

As with any surgical procedure, bariatric surgery carries some risks such as bleeding, infection, and blood clots. Patients may also experience complications such as dumping syndrome, where food moves too quickly through the stomach and small intestine, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Long-term follow-up care is important to monitor for complications and ensure that the patient is maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle.

In conclusion, bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure that can help severely overweight and obese individuals lose weight and improve their overall health. However, it should be viewed as a tool to aid weight loss and requires significant lifestyle changes to be effective. Patients considering bariatric surgery should consult with a qualified healthcare professional like Dr. Dr. Manish Kumar Chhabra to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure and to determine if it is the right option for them.