If you have a BMI of 30 or above, you may be a good candidate for weight loss surgery, otherwise known as bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery is often a last resort for obese or extremely overweight individuals who are not able to achieve weight loss with diet and exercise alone. Today’s innovative bariatric surgery procedures allow a surgeon to ‘shrink’ the stomach so that less food can be consumed and absorbed at any given time. Some of today’s most popular bariatric surgery procedures include gastric bypass surgery, gastric banding and lapband surgery.

Bariatric Surgery – What Are the Options?

The American Society for Bariatric Surgery defines two main types of weight loss surgery:  restrictive and malabsorptive. Restrictive procedures are designed to create a feeling of fullness immediately after meals, naturally decreasing food intake or the desire for food. Malabsorptive procedures reduce the amount of food the body can naturally absorb; these types of procedures involve intercepting the natural digestion and absorption process so that the body simply cannot take in more calories.

Lapband surgery or gastric banding – gastric banding, or gastric lap band surgery involves restricting the amount of food that is allowed into the stomach. This procedure involves inserting a tube around the stomach and filling it up with a saline solution; this tightening process shrinks the stomach size, making it difficult to consume a large amount of food at any given time. The lapband is adjustable, which means the bariatric surgeon can tighten and control the tube to achieve the desired weight loss results.

Gastric bypass surgery – this weight loss procedure involves altering the digestive tract so that food cannot be assimilated into the body in a natural way. This is the most popular type of bariatric surgery today, and continues to deliver outstanding results. The procedure involves making small incisions in the abdomen – either with a surgical instrument or a laser – and then creating a small ‘pouch’ from the stomach tissue. The small intestine is then attached to the stomach pouch so that food (calories) is digested and absorbed only in this area. Variations of these bariatric surgery procedures include:

• Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery
• Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
• Robotic gastric bypass surgery
• Roux-en-Y Gastric bypass surgery

Are You a Good Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

Anyone interested in pursuing bariatric surgery or extreme weight loss surgery may also need to undergo a thorough psychological analysis. This ensures that you will be treated for any underlying psychological conditions that may have led to excessive weight gain in the first place. 

What to Expect After Weight Loss Surgery

Each type of weight loss surgery procedure requires various levels post-operative care, and most patients will need nutritional counseling and support after the treatment is over. Behavioral therapy and nutritional counseling play a critical role in maintaining results after weight loss surgery and keeping up with healthy lifestyle habits. Counseling can also help you adjust to your new body and make sure they receive the care and support you need for your new lifestyle. Fitness therapy or consulting with a personal trainer may help with the adaptation process.

In addition to following a strict diet plan, you may be required to maintain a food diary, take nutritional supplements, drink 8-10 glasses of water per day, and remain physically active. Joining a support group can help relieve the stress and pressure associated with the dramatic changes, and the bariatric surgeon and weight loss counselor can refer you to the appropriate support groups in their area.

Bariatric Surgery Costs

Gastric bypass surgery continues to be the most effective long-term solution for weight loss, and some insurance companies do pay for the procedure if they deem it medically necessary for health. According to ObeseHelp.net, over 75% of patients are expected to lose 75 – 80% of their excess body weight after gastric bypass, and many patients are able to reduce their dependency on drugs and medication for health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and arthritis. The cost of bariatric surgery varies widely depending on the location of the treatment center, the type of surgery involved, bariatric surgeon fees, and outpatient treatment needed to maintain results.  The average cost of Lap-Band surgery in the United States is $17,000 - $30,000; the average cost of gastric bypass surgery is $20,000 - $35,000.  (Source: Surgery.org)

Finding a Bariatric Surgeon

Working with a licensed, professional and experienced bariatric surgeon ensures you receive the treatment you need and obtain extra support from other professionals during your recovery process. Find a weight loss doctor in your area using our doctor directory so you can set up a consultation and decide if bariatric surgery is the best choice for you.