Bariatric Surgery

“Bariatrics is the field of medicine that specializes in treating obesity. Bariatric surgery is the term for operations to help promote weight loss. Bariatric surgical procedures are only considered for people with severe obesity and not for individuals with a mild weight problem.”

There are many detrimental health effects of obesity with an increased risk of developing: heart disease, diabetes, gall bladder disease, asthma, obstructive sleep apnoea, chronic musculoskeletal problems, polycystic ovary syndrome, impaired fertility as well as some forms of cancer.

Who is eligible for surgery?

Bariatric surgery is considered for those people who:

• Are aged over 16 years of age
• Have a BMI greater than 35 or greater than 30 and have two co-morbidities (eg hypertension and diabetes)
• Have tried all other methods of losing weight (diets, exercise, medication)
• Are fit enough to undergo an anaesthetic and surgery

How does the surgery work?

Obesity surgery works in two ways, through restriction and malabsorption. The different types of procedures either restrict how much food you can eat at one time, and/or reduce the amount of food that is absorbed by the body.

What types of surgery are available?

• Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding
• Laparoscopic R-en-Y Gastric Bypass
• Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy