Obesity Surgery
Bariatric surgery refers to a group of surgical procedures designed to help people with severe obesity lose weight and improve obesity-related health conditions. It is recommended when diet, exercise and medical treatments have failed to achieve sufficient weight loss. Beyond weight reduction, bariatric surgery can significantly improve overall health and quality of life.
What is bariatric surgery? Bariatric surgery involves making changes to the digestive system to: • Reduce the amount of food the stomach can hold • Limit calorie and nutrient absorption • Regulate hormones related to hunger and satiety
These changes help achieve long-term and sustainable weight loss.
Who is a candidate for bariatric
surgery?
Bariatric surgery may be an option for people who:
- Have a body mass
index (BMI) ≥ 40
- Have a BMI ≥ 35
with obesity-related conditions such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Obstructive sleep
apnea
- Have not succeeded
with non-surgical weight loss methods
- Are willing to commit
to long-term lifestyle and dietary changes
Types of bariatric surgery
Several bariatric procedures are available, and the most appropriate option
is determined based on the patient’s condition:
- Sleeve gastrectomy: Removal of a large
portion of the stomach to reduce its size and decrease hunger hormones
- Gastric bypass: Creation of a small
stomach pouch with rerouting of the intestines to reduce absorption
- Mini gastric bypass: A simplified version
of gastric bypass with effective weight-loss outcomes
- Intragastric balloon: A non-surgical,
temporary option for selected patients
Benefits of bariatric surgery
In addition to weight loss, bariatric surgery may lead to:
- Significant
improvement or remission of type 2 diabetes
- Better blood pressure
and cholesterol control
- Reduced risk of
cardiovascular disease
- Improved breathing
and sleep quality
- Reduced joint and back
pain
- Enhanced mobility and
quality of life
How is bariatric surgery
preparation done?
Before surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation,
including:
- Complete laboratory
testing
- Cardiac evaluation
and electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Imaging studies as
required
- Upper
gastrointestinal endoscopy
- Assessment by a
bariatric surgeon and a dietitian
- Psychological
evaluation
- Detailed education
about the procedure and required lifestyle changes before and after
surgery
How is the surgery performed?
Most bariatric procedures are performed laparoscopically (minimally
invasive surgery) using small incisions. This approach helps:
- Reduce postoperative
pain
- Shorten hospital stay
- Speed up recovery
- Lower complication
rates
What happens after bariatric
surgery?
After surgery, patients must:
- Follow a staged
dietary plan (liquids, soft foods, then regular foods)
- Take prescribed
vitamin and mineral supplements
- Attend regular
follow-up visits
- Maintain physical
activity
- Adopt lifelong
healthy eating habits
Possible risks and complications
As with any surgery, bariatric procedures carry potential risks, although
complications are uncommon when performed in specialized centers. These may
include:
- Bleeding or infection
- Leakage from the
surgical site
- Nutritional
deficiencies without proper follow-up
- Need for long-term
lifestyle adjustments
Long-term outlook
Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective long-term treatments for
obesity. Most patients experience substantial weight loss within the first
year, along with significant improvement in obesity-related conditions.
Long-term success depends on patient adherence to medical advice and
lifestyle changes.