Understanding The Bariatric Surgery Procedure

Bariatric surgery refers to weight loss surgery. This kind of surgery is often recommended for cosmetic reasons as well as to deal with obesity related health problems like heart disease or diabetes. The procedures are not restricted to only those who suffer from obesity. They are also an option for those who find it difficult to shed weight through dieting and exercise but need to do so for health reasons.

Bariatric surgery basically takes two forms: procedures which are restrictive and those which affect the way food is digested. A combination of the two procedures is also advised sometimes.

In restrictive bariatric surgery the patient's food intake is reduced by making changes to the anatomy. Restrictive procedures work on the basis of a simple theory: the fuller a person feels the less he is likely to eat. The surgery thus aims to change the capacity of the stomach so that it can hold less food than before. This automatically cuts down the amount that a person can eat at one time. The surgery does not interfere in any way with the way the body absorbs the food. Lapband surgery is an example of restrictive bariatric surgery.

In lapband surgery a silicon ring or band in inserted into the body and wrapped around the stomach. This changes the shape of the stomach and reduces its food holding capacity. As a result the patient eats less and also feels a feeling of fullness much faster. Lapband surgeries are laproscopic in nature and are thus not very invasive. Post operative pain and risk of infection are also greatly reduced. They are therefore preferred by many.

Malabsorptive procedures work on a different principle. They seek to change the way the body absorbs food. Less food absorbed implies fewer calories and therefore weight loss. Operations such as gastric bypass surgery are an example of this kind of surgery. In gastric bypass surgery the small intestine is bypassed in the digestion process, ensuring reduced food absorption.

Both kinds of bariatric surgery come with their related risks. Both involve big changes in eating habits and diet. The patient must ultimately learn new eating habits. Adhering to the dietary restrictions is not always easy and the success or failure of the procedure depends on how far the patient can internalise these changes.

It is therefore important that the patient knows as much as possible about the procedures and how they will affect life before opting for bariatric surgery. The pros and cons together with possible complications and side effects need careful consideration before a decision is arrived at.

The best source of information is ,of course, the surgeon who will perform the operation. Other doctors can also advice taking into account the patient's particular needs. Prospective patients may also wish to talk to others who have undergone the treatment so as to get a first hand account of what it is all about. The internet and the local library too are valuable resources in the search for information.