Bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) includes a variety of procedures performed on people who have obesity. 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).
There are two basic types of bariatric surgery
Restrictive surgeries: Restrictive surgeries work by physically restricting the size of the stomach and slowing down digestion.
Eg. Sleeve gastrectomy. This procedure generates weight loss solely through gastric restriction (reduced stomach volume). The stomach is restricted by stapling and dividing it vertically and removing more than 85% of it. The stomach that remains is a narrow tube or sleeve, which connects to the intestines. This restricts the amount of food that stomach can hold, as well as removes the portion of the stomach that generates Ghrelin, the hormone that causes hunger. The procedure permanently reduces the size of the stomach and is performed laparoscopically.
Malabsorptive surgeries: Malabsorptive/restrictive surgeries are more invasive surgeries that, in addition to restricting the size of the stomach, physically remove parts of the digestive tract, interfering with the absorption of calories.
Type II Diabetes
Hypertension
Heart Disease
Joint Problems
Menstrual Problems
Gall Stones
Increased Cholesterol Levels
Measuring Obesity
Obesity is determined as per BMI (Body Mass Index)
BMI Classification
18-25 Normal
25-30 Overweight
30-35 : Class I Obesity
35-40 : Class II Obesity
> 40 : Class III Obesity
Gastric Sleeve
Mini Gastric Bypass
Gastric Bypass
Duodenal Switch
Gastric-Band
Gastric Balloon
There are pediatric weight loss surgery centers that specialize in surgical weight loss for those under 18 years old. We do not offer weight loss surgery to patients under 18 years old. Patients as old as 74 have had successful weight loss surgery.
Most patients have some pain after surgery. However, the pain is usually just a little bit more than laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. Most patients just need to take oral pain medications for a few days after surgery. The majority of our patients felt that pain was not a major issue during their recovery.
The basic rules are simple and easy to follow:
Positive attitude.
Good nutrition.
Exercise.
Follow-up care.