Dr Gursimran Singh

Bariatric surgery is a type of weight loss surgery that involves modifying the digestive system to help a person lose weight. This surgery is usually recommended for people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with one or more obesity-related health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.

There are different types of bariatric surgery, but the most common ones include:

Gastric bypass: This surgery involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting the small intestine to connect to it. This limits the amount of food you can eat and reduces the absorption of calories.

Sleeve gastrectomy: This surgery involves removing a large portion of the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch. This limits the amount of food you can eat and reduces the production of hunger hormones.

Adjustable gastric banding: This surgery involves placing a band around the upper part of the stomach to create a small stomach pouch. This limits the amount of food you can eat and can be adjusted as needed.

Bariatric surgery can help people lose a significant amount of weight and improve their overall health. However, it is not a quick fix and requires a lifelong commitment to a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet. It also carries risks and potential complications, such as bleeding, infection, and bowel obstruction. Therefore, it should only be considered after careful evaluation and consultation with a healthcare provider.