What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a specialized field of surgery focused on treating individuals with severe obesity. This intervention becomes a crucial resource when diet and regular exercise alone do not suffice to achieve substantial weight loss.
The primary methods in bariatric surgery involve procedures designed to reduce the size of the patient’s stomach. This approach facilitates weight loss in two ways:
- Increased Fullness: A smaller stomach enables patients to feel full more quickly, as it requires less food to create a sense of satiety.
- Limited Nutrient Absorption: The reduction in stomach size also limits the amount of food the body can absorb during meals.
Interestingly, not all stomach reduction procedures are permanent; some options can be reversed. For example, the mini gastric bypass can prevent food from accessing a specific area of the stomach without removing any portion, achieving results similar to more invasive procedures like sleeve gastrectomy.
Benefits for Longevity and Quality of Life
Bariatric surgery not only aims to help patients lose a significant amount of excess weight—up to 70-80%—but also focuses on helping them maintain this healthier weight long-term. This improvement helps reduce the risks associated with excess weight, such as joint problems and respiratory issues. It is well understood in the medical field that obesity significantly increases the likelihood of developing other health conditions, making effective and sustainable weight-loss solutions all the more essential.
Who Can Undergo Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is generally recommended for cases of third-degree obesity, where the BMI exceeds 40. However, it may also be an option for individuals with second-degree obesity if other health issues could benefit from the intervention.
Age is typically not a strict factor, with bariatric surgery generally considered for patients between 18 and 65. Regardless of age or weight, the decision to proceed with bariatric surgery rests with qualified professionals who, often in collaboration with a nutritionist, carefully evaluate the patient’s needs before and after surgery.
Want to Learn More About Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery?
Schedule an informational appointment with Dr. Marco Anselmino, Specialist in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery.
