Obesity surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, encompasses surgical procedures aimed at treating severe obesity. These procedures provide an effective approach to combat obesity by promoting weight loss and reducing associated health complications. Obesity surgery is typically recommended when diet and lifestyle changes have been unsuccessful or when obesity leads to serious health issues.

Types of Obesity Surgery

1. Sleeve Gastrectomy: In this procedure, a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a small tube-shaped stomach. This reduces the stomach volume, leading to decreased food intake and increased satiety.
2. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: This procedure involves creating a small tube-shaped stomach and directly connecting a portion of the small intestine to this small stomach pouch. It reduces both stomach volume and nutrient absorption.
3. Adjustable Gastric Band (Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding): In this procedure, a band is placed around the stomach to reduce its size, helping the person eat less. This band can be adjusted or even removed as needed.
4. Biliopancreatic Diversion: This procedure involves reducing the size of the stomach and bypassing a portion of the small intestine, thereby reducing the absorption of food.

Procedure

Obesity surgery is typically performed using laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgical methods. This involves making small incisions and using a camera and surgical instruments. Generally, the procedure includes the following steps:

• Anesthesia: The patient is put under general anesthesia.
• Surgical Procedure: Using laparoscopic instruments, the necessary surgical procedure is performed (e.g., stomach reduction, intestinal bypass).
• Reconstruction and Closure: Reconstruction, if necessary, is performed and incisions are closed.
• Recovery: The patient is usually observed in the hospital for a few days post-procedure to begin the recovery process.

Advantages

• Sustained Weight Loss: Obesity surgery often leads to significant and sustained weight loss.
• Health Benefits: Improves many health conditions associated with obesity, especially type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, among others.
• Improved Quality of Life: Increased physical activity and daily life activities generally improve patients’ quality of life.

Risks and Complications

• Complications: Like any surgical procedure, complications such as infection, bleeding, and organ damage can occur.
• Inadequate Weight Loss: Some patients may not achieve sufficient weight loss post-procedure.
• Nutritional Issues: Food intolerance, malabsorption (problems with nutrient absorption), and other nutritional issues may arise.
• Post-surgical Complications: Wound healing problems, band slippage, stomach rupture, and other complications may occur after surgery.

Suitable Candidates

• Severe Obesity: Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health issues.
• Unresponsive to Other Treatments: Those who have not succeeded in losing weight through diet, exercise, and medication.

Obesity surgery can be an effective option for managing excessive weight and associated health problems. However, it may not be suitable for every patient and should be carefully evaluated considering long-term outcomes.