Bariatric surgery

Gastric bypass and other types of weight-loss surgery — also called bariatric or metabolic surgery — involve making changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight. Bariatric surgery is done when diet and exercise haven't worked or when you have serious health problems because of your weight. Some weight-loss procedures limit how much you can eat. Others work by reducing the body's ability to absorb fat and calories. Some procedures do both.

Bariatric surgery is done to help you lose extra weight and reduce your risk of possibly life-threatening weight-related health problems, including: Certain cancers, including breast, endometrial and prostate cancer. Heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure. High cholesterol levels. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Sleep apnea. Type 2 diabetes. Bariatric surgery is often done only after you've tried to lose weight by improving your diet and exercise habits.

As with any major procedure, bariatric surgery poses potential health risks, both in the short term and the long term. Bariatric surgery risks can include: Excessive bleeding. Infection. Reactions to anesthesia. Blood clots. Lung or breathing problems. Leaks in your gastrointestinal system. Rarely, death. Longer term risks and complications of weight-loss surgery vary depending on the type of surgery. They can include: Bowel obstruction. Dumping syndrome, a condition that leads to diarrhea, flushing, lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting. Gallstones. Hernias. Low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia. Malnutrition. Ulcers. Vomiting. Acid reflux. The need for a second surgery or procedure, called a revision. Rarely, death.

If you qualify for bariatric surgery, your health care team gives you instructions on how to prepare for your specific type of surgery. You may need to have lab tests and exams before surgery. You may have limits on eating and drinking and which medicines you can take. You may be required to start a physical activity program and to stop any tobacco use. You also may need to prepare by planning for your recovery after surgery. For instance, arrange for help at home if you think you'll need it.

Bariatric surgery is done in the hospital using general anesthesia. This means you're unconscious during the procedure. The specifics of your surgery depend on your individual situation, the type of weight-loss surgery you have, and the hospital's or doctor's practices. Some weight-loss surgeries are done with traditional large incisions in your abdomen. This is known as open surgery. Today, most types of bariatric surgery are performed laparoscopically. A laparoscope is a small, tube-shaped instrument with a camera attached. The laparoscope is inserted through small cuts in the belly. The tiny camera on the tip of the laparoscope allows the surgeon to see and operate inside the abdomen without making the traditional large cuts. Laparoscopic surgery can make recovery faster and shorter, but it's not the best option for everyone. Surgery usually takes several hours. After surgery, you awaken in a recovery room, where medical staff watches you for any complications. Depending on your procedure, you may need to stay a few days in the hospital.