What is Bariatric Surgery?
To answer simply, bariatric surgery is a type of surgical procedure that is designed to reduce obesity and other overweight health issues by restricting how much food the stomach can hold.
There are several different types of "bariatric" surgery and most are performed laproscopically so they're minimally invasive for the patient. The different types of bariatric surgery include (but not limited to):
- Gastric bypass surgery
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- Adjustable gastric band
- BPD/DS gastric bypass
Each of the procedures above offer a different method by which they restrict the amount of food (and nutrients) the body can absorb. The direct impact is either a reduced appetite or malabsorption, a condition where your intestines aren't able to absorb as many nutrients, so they're simply passed through the bowels instead.
Ultimately, the goal of bariatric surgery is to help those who are extremely overweight - often times obese - to lose weight and avoid the various health problems that come along with being overweight.
Coupled with a healthier lifestyle, including exercise and health-conscious food and meals, bariatric surgery is a meaningful way to lose weight and keep it off for life.
Due to the changes that come along with bariatric surgery, many patients endure a range of side effects, including changes in hormones. Often, post-surgery patients work with a physician, or weight loss specialist, to make sure they keep their diet and weight on track.
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