What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a procedure designed to make the stomach smaller so the patient feels satisfied with less food. It is intended for people who are 100 pounds or more overweight (with a Body Mass Index of 40 or greater) and who have not had success with other weight loss therapies such as diet, exercise, medications, etc. A person with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or greater and one or more co-morbid condition also may qualify for bariatric surgery.
ariatric or Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) is major surgery. It’s a “last resort” that provides morbidly obese individuals with a realistic second chance for a better, healthier, and longer life. WLS can improve a patient’s overall quality of life by increasing self-esteem and mobility. There are two common procedures used for weight loss surgery: restrictive procedures – to reduce food intake; and/or malabsorptive procedures – to alter digestion. Weight Loss Surgery comes with no guarantees. Every body reacts differently, and the surgery is neither a quick fix nor an easy way to lose weight. It is a tool, albeit a very powerful tool with proven effectiveness. A WLS patient will only succeed if they make and keep a lifelong commitment, and conscientiously make recommended dietary, exercise, and lifestyle changes. To help patients achieve their goals and deal with the changes that surgery and weight loss can bring, most bariatric surgeons offer follow-up care that includes support groups, co
