What Is Bariatric Surgery?
The Oxford language online dictionary cites bariatric surgery definition as “surgical procedures performed on the stomach or intestines to induce weight loss”
The terms weight loss surgery and bariatric surgery are used interchangeably to describe the same group of procedures. These procedures are performed to help obese patients lose weight. Typically, bariatric surgeries reduce the size of the patient's stomach, and most also make changes to the digestive system to promote weight loss. Surgeons most often perform laparoscopic bariatric surgery due to the lower risk profile and shorter recovery time however, if medically necessary open bariatric surgery can be done.
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How Do You Qualify For Bariatric Surgery?
Qualifying for bariatric surgery is not as simple as just being overweight and meeting a few criteria, those are just the basics. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (AMBS) lists the basic qualifications as:
- A BMI (body mass index) of 40+ or a least 100 pounds overweight or;
- A BMI of 35+ and other weight-related conditions. For example, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, etc.
- The patient has been unable to reach a healthy BMI through traditional channels.
In addition to just the basic qualifications, patients must endure an extensive screening process performed by experts to determine eligibility. Among these professionals, there may be a surgeon, other doctors, a nutritionist or dietician, and a psychologist.
Patient weight history, attempts at weight loss, level of exercise, eating habits, stress level, medical history, mental health, etc will all be evaluated and results may disqualify an individual from candidacy for bariatric surgery.
How Quickly Can I Get Bariatric Surgery?
How long you have to wait before having bariatric surgery depends on factors such as your current health, a surgeon, and the health insurance company if applicable.
If you are personally covering the costs of your procedure, you may be able to undergo bariatric surgery in as little as 6 or 7 weeks. Each surgeon will have their particular requirements but for most, there will be pre-surgical tests and a pre-surgery diet, etc that must take place before you will be able to have surgery.
If your medical insurance will be covering a portion of the surgical costs, they have their criteria related to bariatric surgery, which may include what they will pay for and other pre-surgical requirements. Many insurance companies have a six-month mandatory waiting period after receiving the initial approval before the patient can undergo surgery.
What Are The Different Kinds Of Weight Loss Surgeries?
Bariatric surgeries that are most commonly performed include:
- Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG);
- Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y);
- Adjustable gastric lap-band (LAGB);
- Duodenal switch (DS).
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What Are The Different Bariatric Surgery Success Rates?
There are different techniques used and associated success rates of bariatric surgery. Two basic elements contribute to the patient’s bariatric surgery success rate:
- The procedure and the way it helps promote weight loss;
- The level of patient dedication in following and adopting the necessary lifestyle changes that will promote weight loss and keep it off.
So in short, the success rate of bariatric surgery will depend a great deal on patient participation and the procedure chosen to aid the patient in their weight loss efforts.
Average Bariatric Surgery Success Rates Chart
<table class="iksweb"><tbody><tr><th>Bariatric Surgery Procedure</th><th>Average % of Excess Weight* Loss in 1 Year</th></tr><tr><td>Gastric Sleeve</td><td>50-55%</td></tr><tr><td>Gastric Bypass</td><td>60-65%</td></tr><tr><td>Gastric Band</td><td>35%</td></tr><tr><td>Duodenal Switch</td><td>70-80%</td></tr></tbody></table>
*Excess weight is determined through the calculation: current weight - goal weight = excess weight.
It must also be acknowledged that the elimination of a weight-related condition counts toward determining bariatric surgery success rates. For example, an obese patient that takes daily medication to control type 2 diabetes no longer requires as much medication, if any at all, after realizing a significant weight loss after surgery. The loss of weight has eliminated or put the illness into remission.
What Is the Difference Between Bariatric Bypass Surgery and Bariatric Sleeve Surgery?
Bariatric sleeve surgery (gastric sleeve) or also known as VGS or LSG is a procedure that surgically removes approximately 75% of the patient's stomach. Bariatric bypass surgery (gastric bypass) is a two-part surgery where the surgeon performs bariatric sleeve surgery and then includes an additional surgical procedure to reroute the patient’s intestines.
Removing a portion of the patient's stomach restricts the patient from eating too much at one meal. Altering the route of the intestines prevents the body from absorbing all the calories and nutrients from the foods that are ingested. These restrictive and malabsorptive techniques help patients to eat less, feel full longer and lose weight.
Suture Sculpt endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is an excellent alternative to weight loss surgeries like bariatric bypass surgery and bariatric sleeve surgery. All offer significant weight loss potential but ESG is non-surgical and does not come with the same associated risks and complications.
Where Can I Have Bariatric Surgery Near Me?
If you are interested in undergoing weight loss surgery in NY, you may wish to consider the non-invasive endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty procedure that does not involve surgery. With ESG, patients have lost an average of 50% of their excess weight without having to endure a long recovery or a hospital stay.
Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center offers Sutra Sculpt ESG in Queens, NY. Our team of knowledgeable medical professionals is ready to partner with you on your weight loss journey and help you achieve success in reaching your desired goals. Contact us today to learn more about non-surgical but effective alternatives to bariatric weight loss surgery and which procedure may be right for you.
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