Surgery
Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric (weight loss) surgery changes the stomach or digestive system to help people with severe obesity lose weight and improve health.
Quick answer
Bariatric Surgery: what it is, why it's done and what happens
Bariatric surgery includes procedures such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy that reduce the size of the stomach and, in some cases, change how food is absorbed, leading to significant weight loss.
- Why it is done: It is used for severe obesity, usually when it is causing or threatening serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes, and when supervised diet, activity and other measures have not achieved enough weight loss.
- What happens: Under general anaesthetic, usually by keyhole surgery, the surgeon reshapes the stomach (and sometimes reroutes the bowel).
What it is
Bariatric surgery includes procedures such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy that reduce the size of the stomach and, in some cases, change how food is absorbed, leading to significant weight loss.
Why it is done
It is used for severe obesity, usually when it is causing or threatening serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes, and when supervised diet, activity and other measures have not achieved enough weight loss.
What happens
Under general anaesthetic, usually by keyhole surgery, the surgeon reshapes the stomach (and sometimes reroutes the bowel). The operation takes a few hours, with a hospital stay of a day or a few days.
Recovery
Diet progresses gradually from liquids to solids over weeks. Long-term follow-up, vitamin supplements and lifestyle changes are essential. Significant weight loss usually occurs over the first one to two years.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Risks include leaks, bleeding, infection, blood clots, and long-term nutritional deficiencies needing lifelong supplements. It is a major, life-changing step requiring commitment to permanent dietary change.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Bariatric Surgery: frequently asked questions
Is weight loss surgery a quick fix?
No. It is a powerful tool but requires lifelong changes to eating, regular follow-up and vitamin supplements. Weight can be regained without sustained lifestyle change.
Can bariatric surgery improve diabetes?
Yes, many people with type 2 diabetes see major improvement or remission after surgery, sometimes soon after, which is one reason it is offered when obesity threatens serious health problems.
Related
Other surgery
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- Relevant Royal College / professional body
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