What Is Obesity Surgery? Who Is It Suitable For?

Obesity surgery (bariatric surgery) refers to surgical procedures performed to help individuals with severe obesity lose weight and reduce obesity-related health conditions. These procedures either restrict the stomach’s capacity or alter the digestive tract to limit calorie absorption.

Common Types of Bariatric Surgery:

• Sleeve gastrectomy: Removal of a large portion of the stomach to create a tube-like shape
• Gastric bypass: Combines restriction of stomach size and reduced nutrient absorption
• Intragastric balloon: A temporary balloon inserted endoscopically to limit stomach volume
• Mini gastric bypass and duodenal switch: Less common but effective in select cases

Who Is Eligible?

Obesity surgery is recommended for individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 40
• BMI ≥ 35 with associated comorbidities (such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea)
• Failure to achieve adequate weight loss with diet, exercise, or medications
• Medically and psychologically fit for surgery

Postoperative Management

A multidisciplinary follow-up is essential. Patients must adapt to a new lifestyle with nutritional counseling, psychological support, and regular monitoring by their surgical team.

When performed on appropriate candidates by experienced teams, bariatric surgery significantly improves both weight-related outcomes and overall quality of life.