Bariatric and metabolic surgery are surgical interventions performed to treat obesity and correct metabolic health problems. These types of surgeries are generally recommended for obese individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 and above or individuals with obesity-related health problems (diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, etc.) with a BMI of 35 and above.
Gastric sleeve, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a popular weight loss surgery that involves the removal of approximately 80% of the stomach. This procedure transforms the stomach into a tube or sleeve-like structure, significantly reducing its capacity. The smaller stomach limits food intake and helps decrease hunger by reducing the production of the hunger hormone, ghrelin. It's a permanent procedure that encourages substantial weight loss by restricting food intake and altering digestive hormone activity.
Gastric bypass is a highly effective bariatric surgery designed to aid in significant weight loss by altering the digestive system. The procedure not only reduces the size of the stomach to limit food intake but also reroutes the small intestines to decrease calorie absorption. This dual approach helps patients lose weight rapidly and sustain weight loss, while also improving obesity-related health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.
Revisional surgery is a procedure performed when a previous bariatric surgery does not produce the desired results or when certain health problems arise over time. Such surgeries may be required in cases such as failure to achieve weight loss goals, weight regain, or the development of anatomical and physiological problems with the stomach. Revisional surgery can also be performed to address complications such as nutritional deficiencies, gastric ulcers, gastric outlet stenosis that occur after the initial surgery.
Bariatric surgery is a procedure performed to achieve weight loss in overweight or obese individuals. Some common types of these surgeries are:
Metabolic surgery is a surgery performed to treat metabolic diseases (especially type 2 diabetes) as well as obesity. Some bariatric surgery procedures can positively affect metabolism and are therefore associated with metabolic surgery. Gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, in particular, can be effective in the management of metabolic diseases such as diabetes.
As with any surgical procedure, bariatric and metabolic surgery also carries some risks. These include infection, bleeding, anesthesia-related complications, vitamin deficiencies, and post-surgical problems.
The decision to have bariatric and metabolic surgery should be made with a comprehensive evaluation and a multidisciplinary approach. It is recommended that patients work with a nutritionist, psychologist, and surgeon during this process.