Weight Loss Surgery Demystified Is Bariatric the Right Choice for You?

For many struggling with obesity, weight loss isn’t just about aesthetics it’s about health, mobility, confidence, and longevity. While diet and exercise are the foundation of any good weight loss protocol, they aren't the answer for everyone. This is where bariatric surgery can help, a medically proven option for individuals with obesity-related health risks, who have not been able to lose weight with diet and exercise or other traditional weight loss methods.

Is bariatric surgery for you? Let’s demystify the process, consider the benefits and risks, and weigh your options. 

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery consists of different types of surgical procedures done on the stomach or intestines that can help you lose weight. These surgeries change your digestive system in a way that will limit the amount you eat, limit the absorption of nutrients, or do both.

The most common types include:

• Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y): considered a restriction operation because it shrinks the size of the stomach and processes food differently.
• Sleeve Gastrectomy: reduces the size of the stomach by taking away part of the stomach thus reducing the size of the stomach.
• Adjustable Gastric Band: This operation involves placing a band around the upper part of the stomach to limit the amount of food intake.
• Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS):This operation is a more difficult operation that has unknown amount of malabsorption.
   

Who is Eligible for Bariatric Surgery?

Not everyone is a candidate for bariatric surgery. Eligibility is generally based on:

• A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or 
• A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or greater with Obesity conditions -such as diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea.  
• An unsuccessful history of attempts to lose weight through diet and/or exercise. 
• Commitment to lifestyle changes and follow up care for the long term.

Your surgeon will also assess your mental health, support system, and readiness to undergo the physical and emotional changes post-surgery.

The Benefits: More Than Just Weight Loss

Choosing bariatric surgery isn’t just about reducing the number on the scale. It can significantly transform your quality of life:

• Improved Health: Many patients see a remission or significant improvement in type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and sleep apnea.
• Longer Life Expectancy: Research has shown that bariatric surgery lowers the risk of dying prematurely from the complications of obesity.
• Mental Health Boost:In many cases weight loss leads to improved self-esteem, less depression and better social functioning.
• Mobility and Energy:Daily activities are easier to do and joint pain is frequently diminished.

The Risks and Realities

While bariatric surgery is considered safe, it is still major surgery and involves certain risks:

• Short-term risks: Infection, bleeding, blood clot, or complications related to anesthesia.
• Long-term risks: Vitamin deficiencies, gastrointestinal problems, or possible revision surgery.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery are non-negotiable. You'll need to follow a strict diet, commit to lifelong nutritional supplements, and maintain regular medical checkups. Emotional readiness is also essential, as adjusting to body image and food relationships can take time.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery varies by procedure but typically involves:

• Hospital Stay: 2–3 days in the hospital for most procedures.
• Diet Progression –Liquids, to pureed food, to gradual advancement to solids over a few weeks.
• Activity Resumption: Light activity the first week and slowly increasing to normal habits.

Ongoing support from your medical team, nutritionists, and possibly counselors or support groups will help you maintain long-term success.

Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?

The answer is based on your health, commitment and goals. If obesity is impacting your health and you have made attempts that have only gone the non-surgical route and failed to find any successful path forward, bariatric surgery might provide a pathway for you to find longer term health.

More importantly, this is not a quick fix; it is something that can pave the way for your success if you've committed to it, have the support surrounding you, as well as taking ownership and responsibility for the journey and follow-through that comes with it.

Your Health Journey Begins Here

If you are ready to explore surgical options for bariatric surgery, it is essential to find specialists that have the experience to deliver all of your personalized needs.

At GEM Hospital, we have helped hundreds of patients through every step of the bariatric process, starting from the initial clinical consult to the much needed post-surgical support. We are proud that we have walked side by side with patients from beginning to end.

Book an appointment today at GEM Hospital, and take a step towards putting yourself first!