Understanding Bariatric Surgery

In 1991, a National Institutes of Health (NIH) consensus development panel fully endorsed gastric restrictive surgery as appropriate treatment for patients with medically severe obesity. For more information about the surgical treatment of morbid obesity, visit the American Society of Bariatric Surgery website at www.asbs.org.

Bariatric surgery is a process in which the stomach is reduced in size, or restricted, in order to limit the intake of food and help the body lose excess weight. Because bariatric surgery modifies the gastrointestinal tract, permanent changes in eating habits must be followed for successful weight loss. In addition, exercise plays an important role in the overall health and wellness of patients.

As with any surgical procedure complications may occur. These can include: infection, blood clots, pneumonia, bleeding ulcer, development of gallstones, obstruction or nausea can occur when food is not well-chewed.