Bariatrics

What Is Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery includes procedures that may reduce the size of the stomach, limit how much food a person can eat or change how the body absorbs calories. In addition to supporting weight loss, bariatric surgery may help lower the risk of certain health conditions associated with excess weight, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and heart disease.

What Are the Types of Bariatric Surgery?

Your surgeon will discuss which option may be most appropriate based on your health history and weight-loss needs. Common bariatric surgery procedures include:

• Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery: Sleeve gastrectomy surgery involves removing a portion of the stomach to create a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. With a smaller stomach, patients typically feel full sooner and eat smaller portions.
• Gastric Bypass Surgery: Gastric bypass surgery, also called Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, creates a small pouch from the stomach and connects it directly to the small intestine. This reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold and changes how the body absorbs calories.
• Bariatric Revision Surgery: Some patients who previously had weight loss surgery may require additional procedures. Bariatric revision surgery may be performed if weight loss goals were not achieved, complications occurred or the original procedure is no longer effective.

How Do You Qualify for Bariatric Surgery?

Eligibility for bariatric surgery is determined through a medical evaluation and review of your health history. In general, common bariatric surgery requirements may include:

• A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
• A BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea or heart disease
• A BMI of 30 or higher with type 2 diabetes that is difficult to control

Your physician will also evaluate factors such as previous weight-loss efforts, overall health and readiness to commit to long-term lifestyle changes.

How To Prepare for Bariatric Surgery?

Preparing for surgical weight loss typically involves several steps to ensure patients are ready both physically and mentally for the procedure. Because surgery is only one part of long-term weight management, patients are encouraged to commit to healthy habits that support lasting results. Preparation may include:

• Medical evaluations: Your care team may perform physical exams, review your medical history and order lab tests to assess your overall health.
• Nutrition counseling: Patients often meet with a dietitian to learn about dietary changes required before and after surgery.
• Lifestyle adjustments: Patients may be asked to stop smoking, begin a structured exercise routine and adopt healthier eating habits prior to surgery.
• Psychological readiness: Some patients may undergo an evaluation to help determine readiness for the lifestyle changes needed after surgery.

What Is the Recovery Time for Bariatric Surgery?

Recovery experiences vary depending on the type of procedure performed and a patient’s overall health. Many bariatric procedures are performed using minimally invasive techniques, which may allow for shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times compared with traditional surgery.

Patients typically begin with a carefully guided diet progression, starting with liquids and gradually introducing soft and solid foods. Regular follow-up appointments with the healthcare team help monitor healing, nutrition and weight-loss progress. Most patients can return to normal daily activities within a few weeks, although full recovery and lifestyle adjustments continue over time.

Weight Loss Treatment Options with Memphis Surgery Associates

If you are exploring treatment options for weight management, the bariatric team at Memphis Surgery Associates can help guide your care. Connect with a physician to learn more about available procedures and whether bariatric surgery may be right for you.

Weight loss surgery is recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 35, regardless of presence, absence, or severity of co-morbidities. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding with the Lap Band® is also FDA-approved for weight loss surgery in people with a BMI of 30 to 35 who have at least one obesity-related condition. Weight loss surgery is considered safe, but like many types of surgery, it does have risks. Consult with your physician about the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery. These testimonials reflect results achieved by these patients. As each case must be independently evaluated and managed, actual weight loss will vary.