09/06/2024
By Craig L. Floch, MD, Associate Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery, Nuvance Health
Are you struggling with obesity and thinking about bariatric surgery? Understanding whether you’re a good candidate for this life-changing, weight loss procedure is paramount for success. Learn what factors make a strong candidate and if bariatric surgery is right for you. Learn more about Nuvance Health’s Comprehensive Weight Management Program.
What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a medical procedure designed to help you if you are suffering with obesity. By modifying your digestive system, bariatric surgery aids in weight management and enhances your overall health and wellbeing. Bariatric surgery is generally considered if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health complications.
There are various techniques used in bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass, gastric sleeve and gastric banding. Each method operates differently but shares the common goal of enabling significant weight loss. Lasting weight loss can be achieved after surgery with a healthy lifestyle.
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How bariatric surgery promotes weight loss and other health benefits
By changing the way your digestive system works, bariatric surgery helps you lose weight by reducing your stomach’s capacity, which leads to a quicker sense of fullness and a decrease in calorie intake.
Aside from weight management, bariatric surgery offers many health benefits. It can help manage or even resolve many obesity-related conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and can help to alleviate joint pain. Bariatric surgery can also improve quality of life by enhancing your mobility, boosting your energy levels and increasing your self-confidence.
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Who should get bariatric surgery?
If you’ve been battling with obesity and have tried countless weight loss strategies without lasting success, you might wonder if surgery is the right choice for you. The purpose of bariatric surgery is to help you achieve weight loss to improve your overall health and promote longevity.
Typically, candidates for bariatric surgery should meet the following three criteria:
- Body mass index (BMI): If you have a BMI of 40 or higher or a BMI between 35 and 39.9 with an obesity-related health condition. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, obesity is broken down into three classes: Class 1 obesity, having a BMI between 30.0 and 34.9; class 2 obesity, having a BMI between 35.0 and 34.9 and class 3 obesity, also called (severe obesity) having a BMI of 40.0 or greater.
- Unsuccessful previous weight loss efforts: If you tried to lose weight multiple times through diet, exercise and other methods but have not been successful in the long term.
- Weight-related health conditions: If you suffer from weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and heart disease.
If you qualify for bariatric surgery, it’s crucial to understand that surgery is just the start of your weight management journey. Long-term success depends on committing to lifestyle changes, including adopting a healthier diet and engaging in regular physical activity.
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Types of bariatric surgery
There are several types of bariatric surgery procedures, each designed to help you achieve significant weight loss and improve your overall health. Bariatric surgeons perform minimally invasive procedures whenever possible. In some cases, minimally invasive techniques include laparoscopic and robotic surgery which enable weight-loss surgeons to carry out procedures using tiny incisions.
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The three most common types of bariatric surgery are:
Gastric bypass surgery, which involves creating a small pouch at the top of your stomach and connecting it directly to your small intestine. Gastric bypass surgery limits food consumption and reduces nutrient absorption, leading to weight loss.
Gastric sleeve surgery, or sleeve gastrectomy which involves removing a portion of your stomach to create a smaller pouch. This helps you feel full sooner and reduces the production of hunger hormones, resulting in weight loss. The sleeve gastrectomy continues to be the most performed procedure with 280,000 surgeries being performed in the United States in 2022, according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
Gastric duodenal switch or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch which is like gastric sleeve surgery in that it involves removing a portion of your stomach to create a smaller pouch. However, the surgery also involves re-routing your intestinal tract to your stomach. Your gastroenterologist may recommend a duodenal switch if you have a BMI range over 45.
Each type of bariatric surgery has its own benefits and risks. Most patients undergoing gastric sleeve surgery leave the hospital the same day. The length of your hospital stay depends in part on your medical history and recovery time.
Learn more about weight loss surgery and what to expect.
After your surgery, regular office visits with your doctor are necessary for you to continue making progress toward your weight management goals. Your doctor may suggest you visit other specialists, such as a dietitian or mental health professional.
Learn more about weight loss follow-up care and support groups at Nuvance Health.
Choosing the surgery that is right for you requires an evaluation by a qualified bariatric surgeon who can provide personalized recommendations based on your health needs and weight management goals. Book now with a bariatric surgeon
Preparing for bariatric surgery
Determining whether gastric bypass surgery, or weight loss surgery in general, is right for you takes time. Your doctor should offer a personalized approach to surgery that includes getting to know you as an individual and understanding your health goals. This process can take up to a year or longer depending on your individual needs.
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Deciding to get bariatric surgery involves a lot of thought and that’s why most surgeons work with a team of several specialists who can meet all your health needs.
Before your surgery you should be familiar with the team of medical and surgical weight management specialists who are helping you to establish a healthy lifestyle. These healthy lifestyle habits enable you to get more out of your bariatric surgery and prepare you for the road to recovery.
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The bottom line: Bariatric surgery can be a life-changing decision if you are struggling with obesity and weight-related health issues. Having the option of surgery can offer you the key to sustainable weight management, improvements in obesity-related health conditions and a better quality of life. Your success begins with your willingness to work with a team of specialists who are dedicated to helping you reach your goals. Before you decide if bariatric surgery is right for you, understand that your success also depends on your time and commitment throughout the entire process.
Learn more about Nuvance Health’s comprehensive weight management program.