Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?
Obesity significantly increases the risk of serious health conditions such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease and stroke
- Arthritis
- Sleep apnea
- Certain cancers
- Early death
Traditional weight loss methods like dieting and exercise often fail to produce lasting results for individuals with severe obesity. Bariatric surgery offers a medically proven solution for sustainable weight loss and improved health outcomes
Types of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severe obesity. Unlike diet and exercise alone, which often fail to maintain long-term weight loss, gastric bypass offers
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Procedure Overview:
- A thin, vertical sleeve of the stomach is created using a stapling device, reducing the stomach to the size of a banana.
- The remaining portion of the stomach is removed.
- Food passes through the digestive tract normally, allowing full absorption of nutrients.
Benefits:
- Total body weight loss: 25%
- Weight loss occurs at a much slower rate than gastric bypass within the first year, with continued weight loss and maintenance in subsequent years.
- Improvement in:
- Type 2 diabetes (45%)
- High blood pressure (56%)
- Sleep apnea (54%)
- High cholesterol (77%)
Risks:
- Gastric leakage
- Ulcers
- Dyspepsia
- Esophageal dysmotility
- Irreversible procedure due to stomach removal
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Procedure Overview:
- A small stomach pouch is created and connected directly to the middle of the small intestine.
- This bypasses the rest of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenum), reducing calorie absorption and altering hunger signals.
Benefits:
- Total body weight loss: 25-35%
- A significant amount of weight loss happens within the first year, followed by slower weight loss and maintenance in the later years.
- Improvement in:
- Type 2 diabetes (68%)
- High blood pressure (66%)
- Sleep apnea (76%)
- High cholesterol (93%)
- Long-term weight loss maintained in studies up to 14 years
Risks:
- Dumping syndrome (rapid emptying of stomach contents)
- Intestinal irritation and ulcers
- Nutritional deficiencies (iron, calcium, vitamin B12)
- Metabolic bone disease
Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?
Bariatric surgery is intended for individuals with severe obesity who have not found success with traditional weight loss methods. It’s important to consult with the Center for Weight Loss & Surgery physicians to determine the best surgical option based on your health profile and goals.