Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a procedure performed on individuals who are severely overweight or obese. The goal of bariatric surgery is to help patients achieve significant weight loss, improve overall health, and reduce the risk of obesity-related conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. In this article, we will discuss the types of cirugía bariatrica surgery, how they work, the benefits and risks, and the qualifications for the procedure.

Types of Bariatric Surgery 

There are several types of bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Each type of surgery has its own advantages and disadvantages and the best option will depend on the individual’s specific needs and health conditions.

Gastric Bypass

 Gastric bypass is one of the most common bariatric procedures. It involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting the small intestine to this new pouch. This significantly reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold, resulting in rapid and significant weight loss. Gastric bypass can also have a positive impact on obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

 Sleeve gastrectomy involves removing a portion of the stomach to create a banana-shaped pouch. This new pouch limits the amount of food that can be eaten and slows the digestive process, leading to weight loss. Sleeve gastrectomy is a less invasive procedure than gastric bypass and has a shorter recovery time.

Adjustable Gastric Banding

 Adjustable gastric banding involves placing a band around the upper portion of the stomach to create a small pouch. The band can be adjusted to control the size of the pouch and regulate the amount of food that can be eaten. This procedure is less invasive than gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, but it may not result in as much weight loss.

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch

 Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch is a complex procedure that involves removing a portion of the stomach and rerouting the small intestine. This procedure results in significant weight loss and is often recommended for individuals with a high body mass index (BMI). However, it is also a more invasive procedure with a longer recovery time.

How Bariatric Surgery Works

 Bariatric surgery works by reducing the amount of food the stomach can hold or altering the digestive process. This leads to a feeling of fullness after eating a smaller amount of food and a reduction in calorie absorption. As a result, patients are able to lose weight and maintain their weight loss over time.

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

 The benefits of bariatric surgery are numerous and can include significant weight loss, improved overall health, and reduced risk of obesity-related conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Additionally, bariatric surgery can improve physical function and mobility, increase self-esteem, and enhance quality of life.

Risks of Bariatric Surgery

 As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with bariatric surgery. These risks can include infection, bleeding, blood clots, and complications from anesthesia. There is also a risk of nutrient deficiencies, which can be mitigated through proper diet and supplementation.

Qualifications for Bariatric Surgery

 Not everyone is a candidate for bariatric surgery. To be eligible, individuals must meet certain criteria, including a BMI of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 with obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes or heart disease. Additionally,