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Weight loss

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY?

Candidates for bariatric surgery typically have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, weigh 100 pounds over their ideal weight, or have a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, gallbladder disease, or sleep apnea. To qualify for weight loss surgery, candidates should have attempted to lose weight through other methods without success.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BARIATRIC SURGERY?

Common types of bariatric surgery include: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, Sleeve gastrectomy, Adjustable gastric banding (lap band), Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS). Each procedure works differently to achieve weight loss.

We offer minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic bariatric surgery at Nashville Bariatrics to speed up recovery time and reduce possible complications. Talk with us to see if you qualify for minimally invasive weight loss surgery.

WHAT DOES A BARIATRIC DOCTOR DO?

A bariatric doctor specializes in the treatment of obesity and related health conditions. They may provide medical management, nutritional counseling, and guidance on lifestyle changes and perform bariatric surgery.

WHAT DOES BARIATRICS MEAN?

Bariatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of obesity and its associated health conditions. It encompasses various medical, surgical, dietary, behavioral, and lifestyle interventions aimed at helping individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight, improve overall health, and reduce the risk of obesity-related complications.

Bariatric medicine involves a multidisciplinary approach, often involving healthcare professionals such as bariatricians (doctors specializing in obesity medicine), bariatric surgeons, dietitians, psychologists, and exercise physiologists, working together to provide comprehensive care for individuals struggling with obesity.

IS BARIATRIC SURGERY REVERSIBLE?

While some procedures, such as gastric banding, are reversible, others, like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, are typically not reversible due to permanent alterations to the digestive tract. It’s important to discuss the irreversibility of the procedure with a healthcare provider before surgery.

HOW PAINFUL IS BARIATRIC SURGERY?

Pain levels will vary among individuals according to their pain tolerance. Still, most patients experience some degree of discomfort after bariatric surgery, which they can manage with pain medications prescribed by the healthcare team.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY TIME FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY?

Recovery time varies depending on the type of bariatric surgery performed and individual factors. Generally, patients remain in the hospital for two to three days post-surgery but can return to normal activities within a few weeks to a few months after surgery.

WHAT HAPPENS IN BARIATRIC SURGERY?

Bariatric surgery involves modifying the stomach and/or digestive tract to achieve weight loss. Common procedures remove a portion of the stomach to reduce its size. Others place a band around the top of the stomach. Nashville Bariatrics offers minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery that uses a few small incisions through which a surgeon will insert a small camera and tools to perform the surgery via a live video feed on a high-definition screen.

WHAT ORGAN IS REMOVED IN BARIATRIC SURGERY?

Bariatric surgery typically involves modifying the stomach or digestive tract, but no organs are removed during the procedure.

WHAT IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE BARIATRIC SURGERY?

The most effective bariatric surgery varies depending on individual factors and weight loss goals. Gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are among the most commonly performed procedures known for their effectiveness in achieving significant weight loss.

WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST COMMON TYPES OF BARIATRIC SURGERY?

The three most common types of bariatric surgery are gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric banding (lap band).

HOW DOES BARIATRIC SURGERY HELP WITH WEIGHT LOSS?

Different bariatric surgeries achieve weight loss in a few different ways, including restriction (reducing the size of the stomach), malabsorption (decreasing the absorption of calories and nutrients from food), and hormonal changes that affect appetite and metabolism. Reducing the size of the stomach cuts down on the amount of food you can eat at one time, and some food bypasses processes that absorb calories and nutrients. Hormonal changes can reduce appetite and help you feel full sooner.

WILL I NEED TO MAKE CHANGES TO MY DIET AND LIFESTYLE AFTER BARIATRIC SURGERY?

Yes, losing weight and maintaining weight loss following bariatric surgery requires a lifelong commitment to dietary changes, portion control, regular physical activity, and ongoing medical follow-ups. Patients will also need to follow specific dietary guidelines their healthcare team provides.

Dietary guidelines may include avoiding high-fiber foods, unprocessed meats, fizzy drinks, greasy foods, and spicy foods for a period. Eating smaller meals throughout the day after gastric bypass surgery is also best to prevent stretching.

WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM RESULTS OF BARIATRIC SURGERY?

Many patients experience significant and sustained weight loss following bariatric surgery, along with improvements or resolution of obesity-related health conditions, such as type-2 diabetes. However, long-term success depends on the patient’s ability to stick to necessary dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as ongoing medical care. If you need to lose further weight following a bariatric surgery there are weight loss injections such as Mounjaro and Ozempic that can help you on your weight loss journey.

HOW MUCH WEIGHT IS CONSIDERED BARIATRIC?

Bariatric typically refers to individuals with severe obesity (morbid obesity), defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, weighing 100 pounds over their ideal weight, or having a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions.

HOW EFFECTIVE IS BARIATRIC SURGERY FOR WEIGHT LOSS?

Bariatric surgery is highly effective for achieving significant and sustained weight loss in individuals with severe obesity. Some patients may lose half of their excess body weight in two years. It can also lead to improvements or resolution of obesity-related health conditions.

WHAT IS THE SAFEST FORM OF WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY?

The safety of weight loss surgery depends on individual factors and the specific procedure performed. Laparoscopic procedures, such as gastric banding or sleeve gastrectomy, are generally considered safe and have lower complication rates compared to open surgery.

CAN A BARIATRIC DOCTOR HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT WITHOUT SURGERY?

Yes, a bariatric doctor can help individuals with weight loss through non-surgical methods, such as medical management, lifestyle modifications, nutritional counseling, and behavioral therapy. Bariatric surgeons may also offer non-surgical interventions for weight loss, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences. At Nashville Bariatrics in Nashville, TN, we offer additional weight loss options like weight-loss injections such as Mounjaro.