Bariatric Surgery

Posted On: 04-21-2015

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery involves the creation of a small pouch through banding or stapling. The pouch is then connected to the intestine, allowing food to bypass the lower stomach. This reduces the amount of food that the stomach can contain, which results in reduced calorie intake.

Also Known As:

Weight loss surgery
Weight reduction surgery
Gastric bypass
Lap-Band

Conditions Treated with Bariatric Surgery:

Bariatric surgery is performed to help patients who are obese achieve weight loss.

Bariatric Surgery by OrangeCountySurgeons

Non-Surgical or Other Surgical Alternatives to Bariatric Surgery:

Prior to bariatric surgery, the non-surgical approach of strict diet and exercise may be attempted for patients.

Anesthesia with Bariatric Surgery:

Bariatric surgery is performed with general anesthesia, which means that the patient is asleep and completely unaware during the procedure.

Potential Complications from Bariatric Surgery:

The risks and complications involved with bariatric surgery include bleeding, infection and a negative reaction to the anesthesia that is used. Some patients may also experience respiratory complications or a leaking stomach following the surgery.

Prognosis after Bariatric Surgery:

Some patients have trouble staying with the restrictive diet and exercise regimen following their bariatric surgery, and then gain the weight back. However, many patients lose about 10 pounds per month and reach a consistent weight around two years following the surgery.

Recovery from Bariatric Surgery:

The recovery period following bariatric surgery depends on the method utilized. For example, the Lap-Band procedure can be performed in an outpatient surgery center and allows the patient to go home the same day as the procedure. Gastric sleeve patients usually need one night of observation, and gastric bypass procedures are performed in a hospital where the patient may stay for a few days and then be able to return to physical activity after six weeks. However, the adherence to dietary changes must continue in order for the surgery to be successful.