Weight loss surgery is known as Bariatric or Metabolic Surgery. Changes are made to the patient’s digestive system to assist in weight loss. Exercise and diet on their own are often insufficient in patients with extreme or morbid obesity. Bariatric Surgery alters the digestive process so food is no longer broken down and absorbed in the normal way.
Typical candidates for Bariatric Surgery are
- Patients with a BMI of 35-39 and significant health problems
- Patients with a BMI of 40 or more
- Lower BMIs are acceptable for procedures such as the Intragastric Balloon