Dr. Christian Tvetenstrand, MD
Dr. Eric Veilleux, MD
Dr. Ratnakishore Pallapothu, MB BS
Dr. Anishur Rahman, MD
Dr. Igal Breitman, MD
LGBTQ+ affirming
LGBTQ+ affirming
Bariatric surgery, also called metabolic or weight loss surgery, refers to several procedures to help a person lose weight. The three main types include gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and adjustable gastric band. Bariatric surgery is typically minimally invasive. It is also a common procedure, with surgeons performing around 279,967 bariatric surgeries in 2022. The most common type was gastric sleeve surgery, which accounted for around 160,609 procedures. If a person is considering bariatric surgery, they can contact a doctor to determine whether they would be a suitable candidate.
What happens during bariatric surgery?
What happens during bariatric surgery can depend on the type of procedure. The main aim of surgery is to reduce how much food the stomach can hold and help a person feel fuller sooner when eating. Bariatric surgery usually involves making small cuts in the abdomen to insert tools and a laparoscope. During a gastric sleeve procedure, the surgeon will remove most of the stomach. A gastric bypass involves stapling the stomach, then dividing and relocating the small intestine. With adjustable gastric band, the surgeon attaches an inflatable band inside the stomach to create a small pouch.
How long is bariatric surgery?
How long bariatric surgery takes can depend on the procedure. A gastric sleeve takes around 1 to 3 hours, while a gastric bypass takes around 2 hours. A gastric band can take 3 to 4 hours. After the procedure, a person may need to stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days.
What is the safest form of weight loss surgery?
A 2018 study found that gastric sleeve was the safest type of weight loss surgery. Major complications 30 days after the procedure occurred in 2.6% of cases. This compares with 2.9% for adjustable gastric band and 5% for gastric bypass. It is important to note that some types of weight loss surgery may be more suited to some people than others. A person's doctor can provide more accurate information about which procedure they feel would be the safest and most effective option for them.