Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery (also known as bariatrics or bariatric surgery) is used in the treatment of obesity. Weight loss surgery should not be viewed as a quick fix for obesity, but instead, is an option for individuals who have repeatedly tried to lose weight through non-surgical approaches like diet and exercise, without success.

Weight loss surgical procedures can be divided into three categories: restrictive, malabsorptive and a combination of the two. Restrictive surgeries (e.g., lap band surgery) limit how much food can fit into the stomach, while malabsorptive surgeries (e.g., gastric bypass surgery) limit how many calories can be absorbed by the body.

5 Things You Need to Know

  1. It’s now common knowledge that millions of Americans are obese - however, few people are aware of just how significant the problem is. The latest statistics show that 1 out of every 3 Americans is obese. As many as 1 in 50 Americans is morbidly obese (over 100 pounds overweight). These figures have quadrupled in the last 20 years.
  2. Twice as many Americans are obese as Europeans. There are 10 times as many obese Americans as there are obese Koreans or Japanese.
  3. Although diet and exercise should always be the first option when it comes to losing weight, often these measures are ineffective or insufficient. For many people, surgery is the best option.
  4. Generally, bariatric surgery results in significantly more weight loss than dieting. Multiple studies have shown that weight loss surgery results in a decrease in mortality among patients.
  5. Complications resulting from weight loss surgery are common. They are most frequent in the months following surgery, rather than in the initial hospital stay.

3 Questions You Need to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Am I a good candidate for weight loss surgery? If so, which procedure would you recommend?
  2. What are the risks involved with weight loss surgery?
  3. How will a surgical procedure affect my day-to-day life?

Also Known As: Bariatrics, gastrointestinal surgery

Your health is too important to take lightly. The information on this website is intended to start you down the path to living well, but it’s only just the beginning.

Each of us is unique, and we all deserve the individual attention that only a health care professional can provide. So do what’s in your best interest - take the next step and find doctors or surgeons in your area today.