Title
Obesity, Bariatric Surgery and You
Abstract
Bariatric surgery is a group of surgeries that are meant to achieve weight loss. These
surgeries can further broken down by how they cause weight loss: “restrictive,”
“malabsorptive,” and both “restrictive” and “malabsorptive.” The two most common
types of bariatric surgeries preformed in the US are the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
(RYGB) and Laproscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB). The benefits of Bariatric
surgery include major weight loss, reduction or resolution of obesity related disease, and
decreased mortality related to obesity. Risks to bariatric surgery include a small risk of
death, re-operation, infection, weight regain, and specific risks depending on the type of
procedure or surgical method. Indications for bariatric surgery include a BMI > 40, or
BMI > 35 with other co-morbidities, failed several previous attempts at non-surgical
weight loss. Contraindications to bariatric surgery include: mental health issues, binge
eating disorders, current substance abuse, and an inability to make life like habit changes.
Treatment of individuals less than 18 or greater than 65 is controversial.
Description
The information provided in this handout does not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Minnesota Medical School physicians and faculty. These materials are provided for informational purposes only and are in no way intended to take the place of the advice and recommendations of your personal health care provider. You use the information provided in these handouts at your own risk.
Suggested Citation
Anderson, Eric P.
(2008).
Obesity, Bariatric Surgery and You.
Retrieved from the University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy,
https://hdl.handle.net/11299/45393.
