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Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Surgery or obesity surgery includes a variety of procedures undergone by obese patients. These procedures are major gastrointestinal procedures that alter the capacity and anatomy of the digestive system, primarily the stomach.

Lately, there has been an incredible outburst in the number of bariatric surgeries performed in the US. According to a research, the bariatric procedures conducted in the US in 2005 were 10 times more than the ones performed in 1994. Long term studies have depicted signs of significant weight loss, lowering of diabetic symptoms, and improvement in cardiovascular risk factors.

Types of Bariatric Surgery

Following procedures are the most widely practiced types of weight-loss surgery

Gastric Bypass Procedures

The primary aim to perform this surgery is to divide the stomach into an upper pouch and a much larger lower remaining pouch. The weight loss surgeon staples the smaller, upper part of the stomach, separating it from the rest of the stomach and rearranges the small intestine to all allow both the sections of the stomach connected. The net result is a reduction in the food intake.

Lap-Band Surgery

According to a research, the Lap-Band Surgery, also known as adjustable gastric band, is considered as the safest procedure with a minimum mortality rate. This operation is performed laparoscopically, in which a surgeon places a silicon rubber on the top of the stomach, to create a very small primary stomach pouch. Due to the significant reduction in the primary stomach pouch, a patient feels full too quickly. The food flows normally through the rest of the stomach and digestive track, however, more slowly than in normal conditions.

Gastric Sleeve Procedure

Gastric Sleeve is a permanent / irreversible procedure in which a significant portion of the stomach is reduced, following a major curve. The open edges are then attached together for the stomach to appear in a shape of a tube or a banana. This procedure is also called as Sleeve Gastrectomy and is conducted laparoscopically. This procedure is recommended for highly obese patients who require rapid weight loss.

Other types of bariatric procedures include Intragastric Balloon and Gastric Plication.

A long-term commitment is required towards the success of such procedures for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Immediately after undergoing a bariatric surgery, a patient is normally recommended a liquid-diet. After some recovery, the patient can intake blended or pureed free sugar-diet for at least two weeks. Diet restrictions can vary depending upon the procedure. However, initially, patients might feel weak to perform daily activities. Typically, the recovery time in such surgeries is four to six weeks.

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