What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a type of surgery performed to help individuals lose weight by making changes to obesity people's digestive systems. It is typically considered for people who are severely obese and have not been able to lose weight through diet and exercise. Common types of bariatric surgery include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding. These procedures work by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold, reducing nutrient absorption, or both.

Procedure Types

There are different types of procedures for example:

Weight loss is achieved by reducing the size of the stomach with a gastric band or through the removal of a portion of the stomach (sleeve gastrectomy or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch) or by resecting and re-routing the small intestine to a small stomach pouch (gastric bypass surgery).

Bariatric surgery is nothing more than the common term used collectively for many types of weight-loss surgeries. These procedures alter your digestive system to assist in weight loss.

They limit the amount of food you can eat or reduce your ability to absorb nutrition and, in some cases, both. When diet and exercise regimens have failed and the person has a serious health condition as a result of their weight, these types of operations are performed.

The most common type is gastric bypass, which most doctors favor since it has fewer complications than other weight-loss procedures.

These surgeries generally have significant risks and side effects and the patient has to make permanent changes to their diet and also schedule a fixed exercise regimen so that they can ensure the long-lasting success of bariatric surgeries.

Myths and Facts

Bariatric surgery has been performed successfully since 1966.

Myths	Facts
Bariatric surgery is extremely dangerous	While all surgeries carry risks, advances in bariatric surgery have greatly reduced these risks, making it as safe as routine gallbladder surgery.
It's about diet and exercise	Only 10-15% of people can lose weight with diet & exercise. If you stop the dietary and exercise regime all the lost weight can come back.
Most people will regain weight	Long-term studies show that patients maintain significant weight loss years after surgery compared to those who lose weight without surgery.
Surgery can affect the way the body absorbs vitamins and minerals	Some bariatric surgeries can affect nutrient absorption, but this is managed with supplements and regular medical follow-up.
You can't have children after weight loss surgery	Weight loss surgery can actually increase fertility; pregnancy is advised to be delayed only for the first two years post-surgery.
Bariatric surgery leads to alcoholism	There's no clear link between bariatric surgery and increased alcohol use; patients are advised to consume alcohol cautiously post-surgery.
Bariatric surgery increases suicide	Psychological conditions need to be assessed before surgery; weight loss can improve mental health when properly managed.
Bariatric surgery leaves a big scar	Most procedures are now done laparoscopically, resulting in minimal scarring and faster recovery.
Bariatric surgery is an easy way out	Bariatric surgery requires patients to maintain healthy lifestyle choices for long-term success.
Insurance doesn't cover weight-loss surgery	Many insurance companies do cover bariatric surgery, but coverage varies, and specific requirements must be met.

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Frequently Asked Questions