So, what is it, how does it work, and what types of changes in your lifestyle will you have to make if you and your physician agree that this is an option for you?

There are two types of Bariatric surgical procedures that can be performed:

1. Adjustable Gastric Bands:  This is a procedure that places an inflatable band right at the point of where your esophagus ends and your stomach begins.  This band can be inflated or deflated to allow food to pass through to the stomach.  In order to inflate or deflate this band, a port is placed just underneath the skin.  It can be removed if and when you and your physician agree that it should be removed.  Only your physician/surgeon can make these adjustments.

2. Gastric Bypass:  The stomach is completely cut off from receiving food.  All food that you eat, bypasses the stomach through the reattachment of the intestines to a small pouch formed at the end of you esophagus.  The amount of food eaten is greatly decreased because of the size of the pouch that is created.

If you are considering Bariatric Surgery, you and your physician will discuss both the risks and benefits of this surgery.  If you are not willing to make lifelong dietary and behavioral changes, bariatric surgery should not even be considered. 

This type of surgery will also require long term follow-up with your physician.  (S)He will monitor your nutritional status and prescribe long term vitamin and mineral therapy as by passing the stomach decreases essential nutrient absorption.

For more information about Bariatric Surgery, please click on the following links and talk with your physician.

• American Society for Bariatric Surgery

• American Society of Bariatric Physicians

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention BMI Web Calculator