How bariatric surgery works

Bariatric surgery works by modifying the anatomy of the stomach and digestive system or by causing different physiologic changes in the body that change your energy balance and fat metabolism. Therefore, bariatric procedures have an effect on the amount of food ingested, the feeling of fullness, and the amount of nutrients and minerals being absorbed, leading to successful weight loss.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM SURGERY

REALISTIC WEIGHT LOSS EXPECTATIONS 

Bariatric surgery provides a way to start recovering from morbid obesity but it is paramount that the patient understands the role of the surgery as a “tool” in his life transformation and fully commits to the lifestyle changes required to achieve a healthy weight. The amount of weight you will lose depends on different factors. These factors include, lifestyle, diet, physical activity and your overall commitment to changing old habits. 

All three procedures provide a significant amount of total body weight loss within the first 12-18 months. Depending on which procedure is performed, the total excess weight loss can be between 60%-80%, and in some cases patients will reach their ideal body weight.

Excess weight loss:

60–80%

Within the first: 

12–18 mo.

Some regain is normal at: 

2–5 years

Average weight loss timeline: 

10–30%

within 3 months*

30–40%

within 6 months*

65–75%

within12 - 18 months*

*Keep in mind that this is an average, there are patients who lose less and others who lose more.


Although there is no guarantee, if the patient follows postoperative instructions and change eating and lifestyle habits, he will experience a substantial weight loss. Please note that some weight regain is considered to be normal at 2 to 5 years of surgery. 

 

RISKS OVERVIEW 

As with any major surgery, there are potential health risks associated with bariatric procedures. Apart from the general risks of undergoing any type of surgery, which are in some cases higher than with obesity surgery, there are some specific to this procedures described below. 

  • Adverse reactions to anesthesia 

  • Lung or pulmonary problems, pulmonary embolism 

  • Incisions might become infected 

  • Excessive bleeding 

  • Thromboembolism 

  • Gallstones 

  • Bowel obstruction 

  • Dumping syndrome, causing diarrhea, nausea or vomiting 

  • Inflammation of the gallbladder 

  • Temporary hair loss 

  • Postoperative depression

  • Anastomotic strictures 

  • Hernias 

  • Marginal ulcers 

  • Perforation and leaks 

  • Injury to the stomach, esophagus, or surrounding organs 

  • Spleen injury 

  • Stroke or heart attack

  • Malnutrition 

  • Osteoporosis 

  • Metabolic bone disease 

  • Inflammation of the esophagus 

  • Death (very rare)

As a safety measure, Dr. Campos uses a surgical drain to identify any sign of infection or possible complication after surgery. He has performed more than 4,000 procedures with a very low complication rate of less than 1%.

Obesity Care Group offers you experienced surgeons and suitable certified hospitals for these procedures that will minimize risks and any potential complication that might arise. Read more on how to minimize risks >


 

Learn more about the benefits of bariatric surgery