Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a group of surgical procedures designed to help individuals with severe obesity lose weight. These surgeries work primarily by altering the digestive system to limit food intake, reduce nutrient absorption, or both.
Weight loss surgery is performed by surgeons with specialty training in Bariatric Surgery. Following a five-year general surgery residency, bariatric surgeons pursue an additional year of Fellowship training in advanced bariatric procedures.
There are several types of weight loss surgeries, but the most common procedures are a Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Duodenal Switch, and Single Anastamosis Duodenal Switch (SADI-S/SIPS).
Older lap band procedures are not recommended by the FDA. They tend to have poor long-term outcomes with high complication rates including slippage, erosion into the stomach, port infection and much more.
Weight loss surgery works in two ways.
- All bariatric procedures create a smaller pouch to store food for digestion. This limits the amount of food you consume and alters the hunger related hormones.
- Some of the surgeries also limit the nutrient intake from that limited supply of food, increasing the potential weight loss.
However, it's important to note that weight loss surgery is not a quick fix or an easy solution. It requires lifelong changes in diet, exercise, and lifestyle to be successful and maintain weight loss in the long term.
There is not one best surgery. Every patient’s situation is different. Each procedure has its ideal candidate. So it’s important to talk with a full-spectrum Fellowship trained bariatric surgeon to ensure you’re getting the surgery best suited to your specific conditions.