Bariatric Surgery Options to Treat Obesity

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Bariatric surgery is a weight-loss surgery that involves modifying the digestive system to achieve weight loss. This type of surgery is an option for people who have tried other weight-loss methods without success and who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

There are different types of bariatric surgery, including:

  1. Gastric bypass: This surgery involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting the small intestine to this pouch. This restricts the amount of food that can be eaten and reduces the absorption of calories.
  2. Sleeve gastrectomy: This surgery involves removing a portion of the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch. This restricts the amount of food that can be eaten and reduces the production of hunger hormones.
  3. Adjustable gastric band: This surgery involves placing a band around the top of the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch. This restricts the amount of food that can be eaten and is adjustable.

Bariatric surgery is a major surgery and requires a significant lifestyle change, including dietary and exercise changes. However, it has been shown to be an effective treatment for obesity and obesity-related health problems.