What is Bariatric Surgery?  

Obesity is a global health problem, with more than 1.9 billion adults overweight, and 650 million of them are considered to be obese. Obesity is not only a cosmetic issue, but it also puts people at a higher risk for many health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. For many people, losing weight is a difficult task, and traditional weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise, may not be effective. This is where bariatric surgery comes in. Bariatric surgery is a surgical procedure designed to help people who are severely obese lose weight and improve their overall health. In this article, we will discuss what bariatric surgery is, the different types of bariatric surgery, and its benefits and risks.  

Types of Bariatric Surgery  

There are several types of bariatric surgery, and each one works in a different way. The most common types of bariatric surgery include:  

Gastric Bypass Surgery  

Gastric bypass surgery is the most common type of bariatric surgery. It works by creating a small pouch in the stomach and rerouting the small intestine to the pouch. This reduces the amount of food a person can eat and absorb, leading to weight loss.  

Sleeve Gastrectomy  

Sleeve gastrectomy involves removing a portion of the stomach, leaving behind a small sleeve-shaped stomach. This limits the amount of food a person can eat, leading to weight loss.  

Adjustable Gastric Banding  

Adjustable gastric banding involves placing a band around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch. This limits the amount of food a person can eat, leading to weight loss.  

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch  

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch involves removing a large portion of the stomach and rerouting the small intestine to the remaining portion of the stomach. This limits the amount of food a person can eat and absorb, leading to weight loss.  

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery  

Bariatric surgery can have many benefits for people who are severely obese. Some of the benefits of bariatric surgery include:  

• Significant weight loss: People who undergo bariatric surgery can expect to lose a significant amount of weight, which can improve their overall health and quality of life.  
• Improved health: Bariatric surgery can improve or even cure many obesity-related health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.  
• Increased mobility: Losing weight can make it easier for people to move around and engage in physical activity.  
• Improved self-esteem: Losing weight can improve a person's self-esteem and confidence.  

Risks of Bariatric Surgery  

Bariatric surgery is a major surgical procedure, and it does come with risks. Some of the risks of bariatric surgery include:  

• Infection  
• Bleeding  
• Blood clots  
• Leaks in the gastrointestinal tract  
• Nutritional deficiencies  
• Gallstones  
• Dumping syndrome  

Top Bariatric Surgeon In Kansas City, MO  

1. Dr. Michael Feiz, M.D. F.A.C.S., 5455 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1505, Los Angeles, CA 90036   
2. Dr. Sunil Bhoyrul, M.D., Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines, 10666 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, CA 92037   
3. Dr. Jaime Ponce, M.D., F.A.C.S., CHI Memorial Bariatric Center, 979 E. Third St, Suite 306, Chattanooga, TN 37403  
4. Dr. Robert E. Brolin, M.D., F.A.C.S., 6805 Harrison Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45247   
5. Dr. Ninh T. Nguyen, M.D., F.A.C.S., UC Irvine Medical Center, 101 The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868   
6. Dr. John B. Dixon, M.D., Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia   
7. Dr. Vahagn Nikolian, M.D., The Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, 89