What is bariatric surgery?
What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery refers to all surgical procedures that involve changing the digestive system in order to lose weight. Some procedures involve reducing the size of the stomach, also known as restrictive surgeries. Other procedures additionally lead to reduced absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, also known as malabsorptive procedures.
Bariatric surgery affects hormonal regulation too. Gut hormones like ghrelin, PPY and GLP-1 are altered. This leads to reduced appetite and increased satiety.
Not everybody will be eligible for bariatric surgery.
Generally speaking, bariatric surgery may be an option if:
- your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 40 or higher
- your BMI is between 35 and 39.99 and you have one or multiple weight related problems, such as hypertension, sleep apnea or type II diabetes.
Bariatric surgery is a tool to promote weight loss. Lifestyle changes are necessary in order to create sustainable weight loss in the long term. Remember: bariatric surgery doesn’t work unless you do. Also, you may have to commit to an extensive follow up program including medical, nutritional and psychological appointments through the course of time.
Bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery refers to all surgical procedures that involve changing the digestive system in order to lose weight. Some procedures involve reducing the size of the stomach, also known as restrictive surgeries. Other procedures additionally lead to reduced absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, also known as malabsorptive procedures.
Bariatric surgery affects hormonal regulation too. Gut hormones like ghrelin, PPY and GLP-1 are altered. This leads to reduced appetite and increased satiety.
Not everybody will be eligible for bariatric surgery.
Generally speaking, bariatric surgery may be an option if:
- your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 40 or higher
- your BMI is between 35 and 39.99 and you have one or multiple weight related problems, such as hypertension, sleep apnea or type II diabetes.
Bariatric surgery is a tool to promote weight loss. Lifestyle changes are necessary in order to create sustainable weight loss in the long term. Remember: bariatric surgery doesn’t work unless you do. Also, you may have to commit to an extensive follow up program including medical, nutritional and psychological appointments through the course of time.
Types of bariatric surgery procedures
Bariatric surgery procedures can be divided in 3 groups:
- Restrictive procedures like gastric banding (LAGB) and vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). Restrictive procedures imply a functional or anatomical decrease of the capacity of the stomach which in turn leads to a restricted food intake.
- Malabsorptive procedures like the biliopancreatic diversion and the duodenal switch. Malabsorptive procedures imply changing the anatomy and functionality of the small intestine leading to a reduced absorption of nutrients.
- Mixed procedures like the roux-en-y gastric bypass where both the capacity of the stomach is reduced and a part of the small bowel is bypassed.