What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery refers to a group of surgical procedures that help people lose weight by making changes to the digestive system. The most common types include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding. These procedures restrict food intake and, in some cases, alter nutrient absorption to achieve significant, sustained weight loss. It is recommended when lifestyle changes alone have failed and obesity is causing life-threatening health complications.
Types of Bariatric Surgery
Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)
Creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the small intestine, reducing food intake and calorie absorption.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Removes about 80% of the stomach, leaving a narrow sleeve-shaped tube that limits food intake.
Adjustable Gastric Band
An inflatable band placed around the upper stomach to create a small pouch and slow food passage.
Biliopancreatic Diversion
A more complex procedure combining sleeve gastrectomy with intestinal bypass for significant malabsorption.
Types of Bariatric Surgery Treatments
Pre-operative Diet
A specific low-calorie diet 2–4 weeks before surgery to shrink the liver and reduce surgical risk.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Minimally invasive keyhole approach used for most bariatric procedures, reducing recovery time.
Nutritional Supplementation
Lifelong vitamins and minerals (iron, B12, calcium, vitamin D) essential post-surgery.
Behavioural Therapy
Psychological support and dietary counselling to ensure long-term lifestyle change.
Possible Causes
- Genetic Factors: Family history of obesity significantly increases risk of severe weight problems.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Conditions like hypothyroidism or insulin resistance promote fat accumulation.
- Lifestyle & Diet: High-calorie diets combined with sedentary habits drive severe obesity.
- Psychological Factors: Emotional eating, depression, and stress contribute to excess weight gain.
Conditions Treated
Common Procedures
Why is Bariatric Surgery needed?
- Treat severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40, or ≥ 35 with serious health conditions)
- Resolve or significantly improve type 2 diabetes
- Reduce risk of heart disease, stroke, and sleep apnoea
- Alleviate joint pain and improve mobility
- Improve mental health, self-esteem, and quality of life when diet/exercise alone has failed
When should you see a specialist?
- BMI of 40 or above
- BMI of 35-39.9 with obesity-related conditions such as diabetes or hypertension
- Previous weight-loss methods (diet, exercise, medication) have been unsuccessful long-term
- Patient is psychologically prepared and committed to lifestyle changes post-surgery
Precautions & Aftercare
- Complete a thorough psychological and medical evaluation before surgery
- Stop smoking at least 6 weeks prior to surgery
- Follow prescribed pre-operative diet to reduce liver size
- Avoid NSAIDs and blood-thinning medications as directed
- Commit to lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation post-surgery
- Attend regular follow-up appointments for at least 2 years after surgery
Why Choose medmaxcare for Bariatric Surgery?
medmaxcare provides bariatric surgery at JCI-accredited hospitals in India at 60–70% lower cost than the UK. Our dedicated UK care coordinators manage your entire journey from pre-operative assessment to post-operative nutritional support and follow-up care, ensuring safe and lasting results.
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