What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a surgical procedure designed to help individuals achieve significant and sustainable weight loss by altering the digestive system’s anatomy and physiology. While bariatric surgery is not a quick fix or a one-size-fits-all solution, it can be an effective treatment option for individuals struggling with severe obesity and related health complications.

In this article, we’ll explore what bariatric surgery entails, the different types of procedures available, candidacy criteria, potential benefits, and risks, and what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

Understanding Bariatric Surgery:

Bariatric surgery encompasses a range of surgical procedures aimed at reducing the size of the stomach, limiting food intake, and/or altering the absorption of nutrients in the digestive tract to promote weight loss.

These procedures can be classified into three main categories:

• Restrictive procedures: These procedures reduce the size of the stomach, limiting the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. Examples include gastric sleeve surgery and adjustable gastric banding (lap band surgery).
• Malabsorptive procedures: These procedures alter the digestive tract’s anatomy to reduce the absorption of calories and nutrients from food. Examples include Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch.
• Combination procedures: These procedures combine elements of both restrictive and malabsorptive techniques to achieve weight loss. Examples include sleeve gastrectomy with duodenal switch and gastric bypass with duodenal switch.

Candidate Criteria:

Bariatric surgery is typically recommended for individuals with severe obesity (BMI of 40 or higher) or obesity-related health conditions (BMI of 35 or higher) who have not achieved significant weight loss through diet, exercise, or medication. Candidates for bariatric surgery undergo a comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team, including a bariatric surgeon, dietitian, psychologist, and other healthcare professionals, to assess their physical and psychological readiness for surgery.


Potential Benefits:

Bariatric surgery offers numerous potential benefits beyond weight loss, including:


• Significant and sustained weight loss: Bariatric surgery can help individuals achieve and maintain substantial weight loss, leading to improvements in overall health and quality of life.
• Resolution of obesity-related health conditions: Bariatric surgery has been shown to improve or resolve obesity-related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and joint pain.
• Enhanced metabolic health: Bariatric surgery can lead to improvements in metabolic parameters such as insulin sensitivity, blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, and inflammation markers.
• Improved mental health and well-being: Many individuals experience improvements in mood, self-esteem, body image, and psychological well-being following bariatric surgery.

Potential Risks and Complications:

While bariatric surgery is generally considered safe, it carries certain risks and potential complications, including:

• Surgical risks: Risks associated with any surgical procedure, such as bleeding, infection, blood clots, anesthesia complications, and adverse reactions to medications.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Changes in the digestive tract’s anatomy can impair nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and vitamin D.
• Dumping syndrome: Rapid emptying of the stomach contents into the small intestine can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and weakness after eating certain foods.
• Gallstones: Rapid weight loss can increase the risk of developing gallstones, which may require treatment or removal of the gallbladder.
• Long-term complications: Potential long-term complications of bariatric surgery include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hernias, bowel obstruction, and maladaptive eating behaviours.

Preparing for Surgery:

Before undergoing bariatric surgery, candidates typically undergo a thorough preoperative evaluation, including medical tests, imaging studies, dietary counselling, and psychological assessments. They may be required to follow a preoperative diet and lifestyle modifications to prepare for surgery and optimize outcomes.


Recovery and Postoperative Care:

After bariatric surgery, individuals require ongoing medical monitoring, dietary counselling, and lifestyle support to ensure a safe and successful recovery. They may need to follow a specific postoperative diet progression, incorporate regular physical activity, take prescribed medications (such as vitamins and supplements), and attend follow-up appointments with their bariatric team.


Bariatric surgery is a proven treatment option for individuals struggling with severe obesity and related health complications. While it offers significant benefits in terms of weight loss, metabolic improvements, and disease resolution, it also carries risks and requires careful consideration and comprehensive support. By understanding the different types of procedures available, candidacy criteria, potential benefits, and risks, and what to expect before, during, and after surgery, individuals can make informed decisions about whether bariatric surgery is the right choice for them in their weight loss journey.

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