What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery, also known as stomach reduction surgery or obesity surgery, is currently the most effective option in the treatment of severe obesity. There are some procedures that get this name, being the most widely used in the world the Bypass Gastric Or Gastroplasty with Roux-en-Y (formerly called Fobi-Capella gastroplasty) and Sleeve or Vertical Gastrectomy. In general, these procedures reduce the size of the stomach by limiting the amount of food the patient can ingest. These surgeries also reduce the absorption of food and interfere with hormonal mechanisms reducing hunger and favoring satiety. These procedures are considered Metabolic Surgeries because they alter the metabolism of the body, being an effective strategy in healing some forms of Diabetes.

Patients undergoing bariatric surgery usually lose 35% to 45% of their initial weight in an average period of 2 years. These results, however, are extremely dependent on the patient’s commitment to treatment, adherence to the surgical team’s guidelines, and frequency of postoperative appointments with the team.

Currently, all bariatric and metabolic surgeries are performed laparoscopically, a less traumatic technique that doesn’t require the opening of the abdomen and allows a more comfortable postoperative period, reducing risks and length of hospital stay.