Facts About Obesity Surgery

Obesity surgery, or bariatric surgery, is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia in order to help the patient lose weight. Obesity surgery is usually performed only in cases of morbid obesity, where the condition is life threatening.

Types

• There are several different types of obesity surgery available. Some, such as gastric bypass, reroute the digestive system. Another popular procedure is Lap-Band, which involves placing a flexible silicone band around the top portion of the stomach, causing the patient to feel fuller after eating less food.

Eligibility

• To be eligible for bariatric surgery, a person must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI between 35 and 40 with co-morbidities present. Co-morbidities are other serious medical conditions related to the obesity, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Cost

• Obesity surgery may or may not be covered by insurance. The cost for most procedures ranges from approximately $17,000 to $35,000.

Results and Maintenance

• Most patients lose between 25 and 75 percent of their excess body weight. Some patients may need additional surgeries, and the Lap-Band requires regular "fill" procedures to inject saline solution into the band.

Complications

• Some common side effects of weight loss surgery include "dumping," which includes nausea, vomiting, and cramping; poor absorption of food; and vitamin deficiencies. Some side effects can be reduced by eliminating sugar or fat from the diet.