Obesity surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, includes various procedures performed on people who have obesity. These surgeries make changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight by limiting how much you can eat or reducing the absorption of nutrients, or both.

Candidates for obesity surgery typically include individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher (extreme obesity) or those with a BMI of 35 to 39.9 (obesity) who also have a serious weight-related health problem such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or severe sleep apnea.

The most common types include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric band, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Each type has its advantages, risks, and how it affects the body.

Weight loss varies depending on the type of surgery and your lifestyle changes. On average, patients lose 60-70% of their excess weight after gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, although individual results can vary.

As with any major surgery, obesity surgery comes with risks. These can include infection, blood clots, bleeding, and complications from anesthesia. Long-term risks might include malnutrition, gallstones, and the need for a revision surgery.

After obesity surgery, your body’s ability to absorb nutrients is reduced, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies. You will need to take vitamin and mineral supplements for the rest of your life and follow specific dietary guidelines.

Post-surgery, you’ll need to make significant lifestyle changes, including eating smaller portions, choosing healthy foods, avoiding high-calorie liquids, and exercising regularly. Adherence to these changes is crucial for long-term success.

Recovery time varies by the type of surgery and the individual. Most people can return to work in 2 to 4 weeks, but full recovery and the transition to a new lifestyle can take several months. Regular follow-ups with the healthcare team are essential.