Weight loss surgery

What is weight loss surgery

Weight loss surgery describes a number of different procedures or operations that can be used to help people who are severely overweight and have developed health issues because of that. These might include difficulty with movement, joint pains, diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood fats, difficulty with breathing, asthma, heartburn or reflux or depression and low self-esteem. Also called “bariatric” surgery the procedures result in a good weight loss and improved symptoms from associated illnesses. Also, there is a much greater chance that weight will be kept off.

What are the different types of procedures?

Temporary ones, such as placement of a balloon in the stomach or a plastic sleeve in the first part of the bowel. These are suitable for patients who have earlier weight problems and who want to try to make major changes to their eating patterns and lifestyle.
Permanent operations and include the gastric band, sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. These procedures have long-term benefits and result in greater weight loss and good weight loss maintenance. These are primarily for those with a body mass index greater than 35 kg/m2 and significant weight-related health problems.