Bariatric Surgery

Weight loss (bariatric) surgery, such as gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or banding, helps individuals with severe obesity (typically BMI 

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) lose weight by restricting food intake or reducing nutrient absorption. These procedures frequently resolve obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes and hypertension. 

Common Types of Weight Loss Surgery

• Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve): Removes a large portion of the stomach, leaving a banana-shaped sleeve that restricts food intake.
• Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y): Creates a small stomach pouch and connects it directly to the small intestine, bypassing part of the stomach and small intestine to reduce both intake and calorie absorption.
• Adjustable Gastric Band: A ring with an inflatable band is placed around the top of the stomach to limit food intake.
• Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch: A complex procedure combining, a smaller stomach pouch with a substantial reduction in nutrient absorption. 

Eligibility Criteria

• BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35-39.9 with serious obesity-related comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, sleep apnea).
• Some guidelines suggest a BMI of 27.5-32.5+ for the Asian Indian population with comorbidities.
• Recommended when other weight-loss methods like diet, exercise, or medication have failed. 

Benefits and Results

• Significant Weight Loss: Patients often experience significant and sustained weight loss.
• Health Improvement: High rates of improvement or reversal of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
• Enhanced Metabolism: Many procedures alter hormone levels to decrease hunger and increase fullness. 

Risks and Considerations

• Requires lifelong dietary changes and nutritional supplements to prevent deficiencies.
• Risks can include bleeding, infection, blood clots, or long-term issues like dumping syndrome or hernia.
• Requires comprehensive pre-operative evaluation and long-term follow-up care. 

Procedure Techniques
Most surgeries are performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy (small incisions, camera) or robotics, which offer quicker recovery times