WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY

Weight-loss (weight-reduction) surgery, known as bariatric surgery, changes the anatomy of your digestive system to limit the amount of food you can eat and digest. As a result, surgery can provide long-term, consistent weight loss if you're a proper candidate for this procedure.

Note: It is always best to lose weight through a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Weight loss surgery is NOT a cosmetic procedure!

If your excess weight is causing health problems, surgery may be an option. Surgery for weight loss is usually reserved for people who are severely overweight and who have health problems as a result.

Surgery for obesity may be considered if:

- Your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher (extreme obesity).
- Your BMI is 35 to 39.9 (obesity) AND you have a serious weight-related health problem (such as diabetes or high blood pressure).

Types of weight loss surgery available

*Gastric bypass:

This operation redirects food directly into the second part of your small intestine (bypassing most of your stomach and the first part of your small intestine), limiting your ability to absorb calories.

*Vertical banded gastroplasty:

This operation divides the stomach into two parts, limiting space for food, forcing you to eat less.

*Gastric partitioning (laparoscopic banding):

This operation uses an inflatable band to split the stomach into two parts. With the band tightly wrapping the upper part of your stomach, it creates a tiny channel between the two pouches, forcing you to eat less.

*Malabsorption procedures:

Malabsorption procedures, such as biliopancreatic diversion and distal gastric bypass, restrict the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs, causing sustained weight loss.

Which weight loss surgery method is most common?

Of all weight-loss surgeries, gastric bypass is the most common procedure. Most surgeons prefer gastric bypass because it is safe, effective and has fewer complications.

However, all methods pose the risk of malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies.

Where can I get weight loss surgery?

If you think weight-loss surgery may be an option for you, your family doctor will be able to advise you further.

Medic8®Cosmetic Surgery Guide

Page last modified: Dec 2008