Obesity surgeries, also known as bariatric surgeries, are effective procedures for individuals struggling with severe obesity when traditional methods such as diet and exercise have not been successful. These surgeries help in significant weight loss and improve obesity-related health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.
The most common types of bariatric surgeries include:
- Gastric Bypass Surgery: This procedure involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting the small intestine to this pouch, leading to reduced food intake and nutrient absorption.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: In this surgery, a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a sleeve-shaped stomach. This limits the amount of food intake and decreases the hunger hormone ghrelin.
- Adjustable Gastric Banding: A band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch that holds food, making the patient feel full sooner and eat less.
- Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS): This complex procedure involves removing a portion of the stomach and altering the path of the small intestine to limit both food intake and nutrient absorption.
Successful outcomes of bariatric surgeries include sustained weight loss, improvement or resolution of comorbid conditions, enhanced quality of life, and increased life expectancy. These procedures are typically accompanied by lifestyle changes and medical follow-ups to ensure long-term success and health benefits.