When attempts at weight loss fail, your doctor may suggest morbid obesity surgery. If you decide this is the right choice, here is some valuable information to help better inform you.

There are several procedures available; however, they produce one of three results to aid weight loss, calorie restriction by decreasing the size of the stomach, malabsorption which is no longer performed, or a combination of the two.  The most common combination procedure is Gastric Bypass.

Doctors recommend Bariatric surgery for patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than or equal to 40 kg/m2. A body mass index of 40 kg/m2 is approximately 100 pounds overweight for a man and 80 pounds overweight for a woman.

Other patients with a BMI greater than or equal to 35 kg/m2 and who experience complications such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea may also be candidates for morbid obesity surgery.

The benefit of morbid obesity surgery is that it leads to weight loss. Weight loss in general is known to improve conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, sleep apnea and Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

There are mainly two types of morbid obesity surgery, restrictive and combination

Restrictive surgeries limit the amount of food a person can consume by reducing the stomach size. Depending on the procedure, a significant portion of the stomach is either stapled, removed or a band is applied to reduce the size and limit food intake. Initially, a person can only tolerate about 1 ounce of food without feelings of discomfort, such as nausea. However, as the stomach stretches, up to 3 ounces may be tolerated without discomfort.  Because of the restricted size of the stomach, fluids must be limited with meals to sips only. You must eat 5 to 6 small meals daily for you to receive your daily requirement of nutrients. Restrictive surgery types include Gastric Banding, the Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) or the Gastric Sleeve.

The combination procedures both restrict the amount of calories consumed by reducing the stomach size and reduce the absorption of calories by connecting a newly created stomach pouch to the small intestine.

The combination procedures include Gastric Bypass and the Biliopancreatic Bypass with a Duodenal Switch

As with any procedure, there are risks with morbid obesity surgery.  The risks include death; infection; blood clots in the legs, dumping syndrome where food passes too quickly to the small intestine causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and sweating; staple line leaking; hernia or weakening at the incision; nutrient deficient complications such as anemia and bone mineral depletion. Complications at the opening between the stomach and small intestine require additional surgery. Your doctor may prescribe mineral supplements and vitamins to prevent deficiencies.

Morbid obesity surgery is an option to help with weight loss.  Keep in mind that you will need to adopt healthy lifestyle habits such as a healthy eating plan and exercise for long term success.  Your doctor can discuss your weight loss options and help you decide if surgery is right for you.