When dealing with obesity and its related health issues, some individuals might consider undergoing weight loss surgery to help them achieve a healthier life. Among the various surgical options available, one of the most popular and effective solutions is bariatric surgery. Before moving into this topic, it is essential to understand what bariatric surgery procedures are, their benefits, and potential risks.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a medical procedure that aims at helping individuals lose a significant amount of weight. This is achieved by making alterations to the digestive system, such as reducing the stomach’s size or rerouting the intestines. These alterations limit the amount of food a person can eat, therefore, enabling them to lose weight and maintain it in the long term.
Types of Bariatric Surgery
There are four types of bariatric surgery procedures, including:
- Gastric Bypass: Also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, this procedure involves creating a small pouch in the upper part of the stomach and bypassing the rest of the stomach and some part of the small intestine. This reduces the amount of food intake and leads to weight loss.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: A sleeve gastrectomy removes approximately 80% of the stomach, leaving a banana-shaped stomach. This procedure restricts the amount of food a person can eat and promotes weight loss.
- Adjustable Gastric Band: This involves placing an adjustable band around the stomach’s upper part, creating a small pouch. The band’s tightness is adjustable, providing a customizable solution to limit food intake and promote weight loss.
- Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS): This is a more complex procedure that combines both restrictive and malabsorptive processes. The stomach’s size is reduced while also bypassing a significant portion of the small intestine. This results in a significant reduction in both food intake and calorie absorption.
Benefits and Risks
The benefits of bariatric surgery procedures go beyond weight loss. They also include improvement in obesity-related health issues such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apneas, and joint pain. However, as with any surgery, there are potential risks, like infections, blood clots, or nutritional deficiencies.
Are You Qualified?
It is essential to understand if you’re a candidate for bariatric surgery before proceeding. The criteria include having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or between 35-40 with weight-related health problems. If you are considering undergoing a bariatric surgery procedure, it is crucial to consult with an experienced professional for bariatric surgery in NYC who can assess if you are eligible.
To Conclude
Bariatric surgery can be a life-changing decision against obesity and related health issues. Discover more about bariatric surgery in the blog post and get yourself on the right path toward a healthier, happier life.
