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What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a medical procedure designed to help people lose weight. It involves several different surgical techniques that aim to reduce the size of the stomach, change how food is absorbed by the body or both. The goal of bariatric surgery is to help people who are severely overweight (i.e., obese) achieve a healthier weight and reduce their risk of developing serious health problems that are associated with obesity.

Who is a Bariatric Surgery Specialist?

A bariatric surgery specialist is a doctor who has received specialised training in performing bariatric surgery procedures. These doctors, also known as bariatric surgeons, have completed additional training beyond medical school and residency to develop the skills needed to perform these complex operations safely and effectively.

When Should You Consult a Bariatric Surgery Specialist?

If you are struggling with obesity and have been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, you may want to consider consulting a bariatric surgery specialist. These doctors can evaluate your health and help you determine if bariatric surgery is a good option for you. They can also guide other weight loss strategies that may be effective for your individual needs.

What Medical Conditions Do Bariatric Surgery Specialists Treat?

Bariatric surgery specialists primarily treat obesity, which is associated with several health problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea and heart disease. By helping patients achieve a healthier weight through surgery, bariatric surgery specialists can often improve or resolve these conditions.

Some of these conditions include:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension
- Sleep apnoea
- Cardiovascular disease
- Arthritis
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Depression and anxiety

In addition to treating obesity-related health problems, bariatric surgeons also provide counselling and support to help patients maintain their weight loss over the long term.

What Are the Different Types of Procedures Conducted by Bariatric Surgery Specialists?

Several different types of bariatric surgery procedures can be performed by bariatric surgery specialists.

Some of the most common procedures include:

• Gastric bypass: This procedure involves dividing the stomach into two sections and rerouting the small intestine to connect to both sections. This reduces the amount of food that can be eaten at one time and changes how nutrients are absorbed by the body.
• Sleeve gastrectomy: This procedure involves removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving a sleeve-shaped tube that is much smaller than the original stomach. This reduces the amount of food that can be eaten at one time.
• Adjustable gastric banding: This procedure involves placing a band around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch that can only hold a small amount of food. The band can be tightened or loosened as needed to adjust the amount of food that can be eaten.

How Can I Consult a Bariatric Surgery Specialist?

If you are interested in consulting a bariatric surgery specialist, you can start by talking to your doctor. They can provide a referral to a bariatric surgeon in your area. You can also search for bariatric surgery specialists online and read reviews from other patients who have had similar procedures.

Consulting with a bariatric surgery specialist typically involves the following steps:

1. Referral – You should consult your doctor who will assess your situation and provide a referral to a bariatric surgery specialist if necessary.
2. Initial consultation – You will meet with your bariatric surgery specialist for an initial consultation where they will assess your condition, medical history and any other relevant factors.
3. Preoperative evaluation – Once your specialist confirms that you are a suitable candidate for surgery, you will undergo several tests to determine your eligibility for surgery. These tests may include blood work, imaging studies and psychological evaluations.
4. Surgery – If you pass all preoperative tests, you will be scheduled for surgery.
5. Postoperative care – After your surgery, you will receive postoperative care from your specialist and their team.

This care will include follow-up appointments, dietary support, exercise recommendations and other support services.

The Role of Bariatric Surgery Specialists in Healthcare

Bariatric surgery doctors play an important role in helping people achieve healthier weights and reduce their risk of developing serious health problems associated with obesity. These doctors provide guidance and support throughout the entire weight loss process, from evaluating patients' health to performing surgical procedures to providing counselling and follow-up care.

By working closely with other healthcare providers including physicians and dietitians, bariatric surgery specialists can help patients lose weight successfully and help them maintain the same for a longer period of time. If you are struggling with obesity, consulting a bariatric surgery specialist may be the first step toward achieving a healthier, happier life.

If you want to know more about bariatric surgery, consult the best bariatric doctors in India through Apollo 24|7 app or website. Book your appointment today!