Bariatric Surgeries
Bariatric surgery is a medical procedure usually performed to help individuals suffering from extreme obesity to lose weight in a meaningful way and improve their overall health. This surgery alters the digestive system to reduce the capacity of the stomach and therefore allow for fewer calories.
There are several different types of bariatric surgery:
1. **Gastric Bypass**: Gastric bypass is an effective bariatric surgery that provides weight loss by shrinking the stomach and changing its connection with the small intestine. This method is preferred in the treatment of overweight problems and obesity-related diseases.
2. **Sleeve Gastrectomy**: Sleeve gastrectomy is a type of bariatric surgery in which a large part of the stomach is removed to create a tube-shaped stomach. It accelerates weight loss and is effective in reducing obesity-related health problems.
3. **Gastric Balloon**: Gastric balloon is a non-surgical weight loss method that reduces the volume of the stomach with an inflatable balloon placed inside the stomach. It is used in weight control and obesity treatment.
4. **Gastric Injection (Gastric Botox)**: Gastric injection is a weight loss method that slows gastric emptying by injecting botulinum toxin (botox) into the stomach muscles. This procedure reduces appetite without reducing stomach volume.
5. **Revisional Bariatric Surgery**: Revisional bariatric surgery is a corrective surgery performed in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery in case of weight regain. It is used in the revision of failed or complicated bariatric surgeries.
6. **Diabetic Metabolic Surgery**: Diabetic metabolic surgery is a surgical procedure performed to control Type 2 diabetes and promote weight loss. It is especially preferred in patients with obesity-related diabetes.
Bariatric surgery can provide significant weight loss and improvement on obesity-related diseases (e.g. diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnoea). However, it requires adherence to lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise and regular medical follow-up. Candidates for bariatric surgery are generally expected to have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above, or a BMI of 35 or above with obesity-related health conditions.