Learning About Weight-Loss (Bariatric) Surgery

What is weight-loss surgery?

Bariatric surgery is surgery to help people lose weight and improve health problems related to weight. It may also be called metabolic surgery. This type of surgery is used for people who have obesity. Weight-loss surgery may be an option for people who have not been able to lose weight or improve weight-related health problems with diet, exercise, and medicines.

There are different types of bariatric surgery. They make the stomach smaller. Some types of surgery also change the connection between your stomach and intestines.

After surgery, you'll need to make new, lifelong changes in how you eat and drink. You'll have the support of your health care team to make these changes. These changes will help you reach your goals and stay at a weight that is healthy for you.

How is weight-loss surgery done?

Bariatric surgery is usually done through several small cuts (incisions) in the belly. This is called laparoscopic surgery. The doctor puts a lighted tube, or scope, and other surgical tools through the incisions. The doctor is able to see your organs with the scope. Sometimes bariatric surgery is done through a large incision in the belly. This is called open surgery.

There are different types of bariatric surgery.

Gastric bypass

This surgery changes the connection between the stomach and the intestines. It's also called Roux-en-Y (say "roo-en-why") surgery.

The doctor separates a section of your stomach from the rest of your stomach. This makes a small pouch. The new pouch will hold the food you eat. The doctor connects the stomach pouch to the middle part of the small intestine.

Gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy)

The doctor removes more than half of your stomach. This leaves a thin sleeve, or tube, that is about the size of a banana. Because part of your stomach has been removed, this can't be reversed.

Gastric banding

The doctor wraps a band around the upper part of the stomach. This creates a small pouch. The small size of the pouch means that you will get full after you eat just a small amount of food. The doctor can inflate or deflate the band to adjust the size. This lets the doctor adjust how quickly food passes from the new pouch into the stomach. It does not change the connection between the stomach and the intestines.

What can you expect after the surgery?

You may stay in the hospital for one or more days after the surgery. How long you stay depends on the type of surgery you had.

Most people need 2 to 4 weeks before they are ready to get back to their usual routine.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions about what to eat after the surgery. You'll start with only small amounts of liquids and soft foods. Over time, you'll be able to eat more solid foods. Your doctor may advise you to work with a dietitian. The dietitian can help you get plenty of water each day and eat a variety of healthy foods. Even with a healthy diet, you may need to take vitamin and mineral supplements for the rest of your life.

After surgery, you will not be able to eat very much at one time. You will get full quickly. Try not to eat too much at one time or eat foods that are high in fat or sugar. If you do, you may vomit, get stomach pain, or have diarrhea.

Weight loss

You probably will lose weight very quickly in the first few months after surgery. As time goes on, your weight loss will slow down. You will have regular doctor visits to check how you are doing.

Emotions

It is common to have many emotions after this surgery. You may feel happy or excited as you begin to lose weight. But having to make a lot of changes in your diet, activity, and lifestyle can also be frustrating and hard. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns or questions or need help finding support.

Think of bariatric surgery as a tool to help you lose weight. It isn't an instant fix. You will still need to eat healthy foods and get regular exercise. You may face some challenges and setbacks, but your weight-loss team can help you learn ways to manage them so you can reach and maintain a weight that's healthy for you.