What Type of Doctor Performs Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery, which is a last-ditch procedure to help obese people shed weight, is performed by a bariatric surgeon in a local hospital. Bariatric surgeons determine if their patients qualify for weight loss surgery, and if they do, the doctors perform any one of the types of procedures available.

Identification

• Bariatric surgery is performed when there is no other way for a person to lose weight. There are different types of bariatric surgery, and three of the most common are gastric bypass surgery, lap-band surgery and the gastric sleeve procedure.

Types

• In gastric bypass surgery, a surgeon reduces the amount of food an individual can ingest by separating one part of the stomach from the other. Lap-band surgery uses a silicone rubber band to block off a part of the stomach so that the remainder is smaller. Both of these procedures are a type of restrictive surgery.

Other Types

• Gastric bypass surgery involves using a laparoscopic tool that is introduced through small incisions in the body so that it is possible to view an individual's insides on a screen. Other types of bariatric surgeries are vertical banded gastroplasty and biliopancreatic diversion.

Before Surgery

• Bariatric surgeons counsel their patients before the procedure to discuss treatments, expectations and any other concerns a patient may have.

After Surgery

• After surgery, bariatric surgeons help their patients adapt to their new weight. They recommend diet adjustments and advise their patients when they are ready to begin exercising.