What is Bariatric Surgery? Types, Benefits, Risks & Recovery Explained

What is Bariatric Surgery? Types, Benefits, Risks & Recovery Explained

Bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery has emerged as a boon for patients who are extremely obese or suffering from obesity related illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, excessive snoring or joint problems. The surgery is performed by laparoscopic or robotic approach and consists of different types of procedures each having its own indications, benefits and mechanism of action.

This article discusses in detail about bariatric or weight loss surgery, its indications, candidates who can undergo bariatric surgery and what to expect after bariatric surgery.

What Is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is one form of weight-loss surgery to assist individuals who are extremely overweight in losing weight by altering the way their stomach and digestive system function.

Bariatric surgery is not cosmetic. It is a medical treatment for extremely obese people and many related diseases related to obesity.

This surgery is for individuals who have attempted everything: diet, exercise, or medication, but could not lose sufficient weight and whose weight is now leading to severe health issues.

Doctors suggest bariatric surgery when obesity poses a more serious risk than a surgery.

For medically qualified individuals, bariatric surgery can improve quality of life, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and increase life expectancy.

Why Is Bariatric Surgery Done?

Bariatric surgery is generally reserved for those who are extremely obese and have not been able to achieve weight loss with any conventional methods, such as diet and exercise.

It is the most effective long-term solution for class III obesity. It resets the body's weight regulation, making lasting lifestyle changes finally work.

Bariatric surgery is suggested when obesity threatens health severely and results in medical conditions such as:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Heart disease
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• Joint problems
• Infertility due to being obese (e.g., PCOS)

Read More: [Bariatric Surgery Myths and Misconceptions Burst](/bariatric-surgeon-in-delhi-india)

Who Should Consider Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is for individuals who have these conditions:

• BMI 37.5 or above (extreme obesity)
• BMI 32.5 or above with medical complications of obesity
• In extraordinary situations, individuals with a BMI of 30–34.9 with extreme medical issues may be considered or who have tried various methods for weight loss but have not achieved desired results.

Before proceeding, candidates should undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation.

This is usually a physical examination, nutritional and psychological tests, and medical history and past attempts at weight loss.

How does Bariatric Surgery Works:

• Restriction of food intake
• Reduced absorption of calories
• Hormonal changes

Commonly Performed Bariatric Surgeries:

If you're considering weight loss surgery, it's essential to understand your options. Below are the most effective bariatric procedures available, each performed with expertise by the best bariatric surgeon in Delhi.

Restrictive Procedures:

1. Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)

In Gastric Bypass surgery the surgeon makes a small pouch at the upper part of the stomach and connects it directly to the middle portion of the small intestine (jejunum), bypassing the remaining stomach and the first part of the intestine.

It requires two surgical connections.

After surgery, food flows through the new or smaller stomach and the first part of the small intestine, limiting both calorie absorption and hunger.

Benefits:

• Sustained weight loss
• Remission or reduction of type 2 diabetes
• Changes in gut hormones that reduce hunger
• Reduced risk of bile reflux

Risks:

• Longer Procedure
• Deficiencies in nutrients
• Dumping syndrome (nausea-like feeling following a meal or beverage consumption)
• Risk of ulcers, particularly with NSAID or tobacco abuse

2. Sleeve Gastrectomy

It is also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy. In this surgery, about 80% of the stomach is taken out, and a smaller tube-like stomach, like a sleeve, is left behind.

Benefits:

• Less food intake because of a smaller stomach
• Less hunger
• Stabilize Metabolism

Risks:

• Irreversible procedure
• Risk of acid reflux or heartburn
• Less effect on metabolism compared to bypass surgery

Read More: [Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery for Weight Loss](/bariatric-surgeon-in-delhi-india)

Malabsorptive Procedures

1. Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB-OAGB)

Mini Gastric Bypass is similar to Roux-en-Y but requires only one connection between the stomach pouch and the intestine instead of two.

It includes the creation of a long and narrow pouch of the stomach and directly attaching it to a loop of the small intestine.

It employs just one surgical connection; hence, it is technically easier.

Benefits:

• Shorter surgery time
• Faster recovery.
• Successful for diabetes remission
• Less complications

Risks:

• High risk of bile reflux
• Malnutrition

2. Duodeno-Jejunal Bypass (DJB)

Duodeno-Jejunal Bypass (DJB) is a malabsorptive and non-restrictive bariatric surgery with more emphasis on repairing gut hormones and metabolism rather than shrinking the stomach.

In this operation, the top section of the small intestine (duodenum) is bypassed, and food simply goes from the stomach into the middle intestine (jejunum)

It is ideal for type 2 diabetics, especially those with lower BMIs, who prefer metabolic benefit without extensive weight loss or restriction of stomach volume.

Benefits:

• Powerful anti-diabetic effect
• Preserves more of the stomach
• Reduce the risk of dumping syndrome

Risks:

• Technically complex
• Needs expert surgical care and lifelong follow-up

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

When diet and exercise haven't worked, bariatric surgery provides a powerful, evidence-backed option for those with severe obesity.

Here are the key benefits:

1. Long-term Weight Loss

Surgery is the only effective treatment that has been proven to work for class III obesity.

It operates through a smaller stomach, so you eat less and feel satisfied quicker.

Some procedures divert the intestine to limit calorie and nutrient absorption.

These changes result in sustained weight loss. Most of the patients lose 50–70% of their extra body weight during the initial 12–18 months after surgery.

2. Reduction in Hunger Hormones and Enhanced Metabolism

Bariatric surgery also happens to reprogram metabolic processes:

• Reduces ghrelin (the hunger hormone)
• Increases appetite
• Improves insulin sensitivity, which allows many patients to reverse type 2 diabetes

These hormonal changes make sure that weight loss is permanent and the weight is not regained.

3. Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Control

Following surgery, most patients:

• Are in remission from diabetes within weeks
• Experience better lipid profiles (cholesterol, triglycerides)
• Are able to discontinue or reduce medication for high blood pressure, diabetes, and PCOS

Such outcomes are particularly prevalent in procedures such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.

4. Lifestyle Enhancement

In addition to alleviating disease burden, bariatric surgery also lengthens life.

Numerous studies indicate over a 40% reduction in all-cause mortality, leading to enhanced quality of life, mobility, and mental health.

5. Metabolic Reset

A human body contains an intrinsic "set point" for weight that increases with chronic obesity.

Bariatric surgery resets this set point, so the body:

• Ceases to fight weight loss
• Suppresses persistent hunger cues
• Becomes more efficient at burning energy

6. Deterrent to Unhealthy Eating

During operations such as gastric bypass, dumping syndrome as a symptom develops in some patients, which happens if food high in sugars or fats is eaten too rapidly.

Though uncomfortable, this acts as a natural consequence, encouraging healthier eating.

Read More: [Which is the Best Bariatric Surgery for Me](/bariatric-surgeon-in-delhi-india)

Risks of Bariatric Surgery

While weighing the pros and cons, it's important to understand both surgical risks and digestive side effects that may occur after the operation.

Surgical Complications

Like all surgeries, bariatric surgery also comes with few risks. The more complex the procedure, the higher the chances for complications.

These may include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Hernias
• Small bowel obstruction
• Anastomotic leaks (leaks at surgical connections)

Experienced surgeons and proper care can help reduce these risks significantly.

Surgery Side Effects

Bariatric surgery changes the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to post-gastrectomy syndromes.

Possible complications include:

1. Dumping Syndrome

It occurs when food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine and affects up to 50% of the patients.

Symptoms may include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramping
• Dizziness or hypoglycemia

These symptoms mostly fade away with time. These symptoms can be managed by following dietary guidelines provided by a physician.

2. Malabsorption

An intentional malabsorption is effective for weight loss, but it can also:

• Cause loose stools
• Lead to nutrient deficiencies (iron, B12, calcium, vitamin D)

So, lifelong care and medication are important to avoid anemia, bone loss, or fatigue.

3. Bile Reflux

The gallbladder bile may move into the stomach if surgery affects the valve between the stomach and the small intestine.

This can:

• Erode the stomach lining
• Result in ulcers or gastritis

Your doctor may suggest some medications or diet adjustments to manage this.

Recovery and Follow-Up

The patient's recovery depends on the type of surgery and on his overall health. Many patients stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days after bariatric surgery.

Recovery Timeline:

• First 1–2 Weeks: Clear liquids and broths
• Weeks 3–4: Pureed or soft foods
• Week 5 onwards: Reintroduction of solid foods gradually under medical care

Long-Term Follow-Up:

Following bariatric surgery, there should be regular follow-up with the doctor to observe weight loss, regulate nutritional intake, and treat any complications.

Patients are generally instructed to:

• Take daily prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements
• Attend nutrition counseling and support groups
• Have regular blood tests to check for deficiencies
• Have a long-term exercise program

Read More: [Life After Bariatric Surgery](/bariatric-surgeon-in-delhi-india)

Life After Bariatric Surgery

• Stamina Builds Back: Patients commonly experience enhanced energy levels, mobility, and performance in daily activities.
• Fertility Improves: In many women, especially those with PCOS, fertility improves, and pregnancy becomes safer and more manageable post-weight loss.
• Health Gets Restored: Hypertension, high cholesterol, and joint pain resolve or reduce significantly, allowing a better quality of life.

After surgery, many patients notice they no longer feel constant hunger.

The hormone shifts support sustained appetite, making it easier to stick to a high-protein, low-sugar diet.

The body has an easy time burning calories, and the majority of patients notice their endurance greatly increases within a short time, say three months.

However, long-term success requires:

• Commitment to a healthy, high-protein diet
• Avoidance of sugar and processed foods
• Consuming a lot of water
• Exercise regularly
• Avoidance of tobacco and alcohol

The most successful results are presented when patients combine surgery with self-discipline, support, and consistency.

Conclusion

If you are having trouble with obesity and have failed with conventional weight-reduction techniques, and if your weight is exacerbating other serious medical concerns, bariatric surgery can be a medically sound solution.

Consult with a certified and experienced bariatric surgeon such as Dr. Kapil Agrawal. He will assess whether a surgery would be suitable for you and lead you through the evaluation and preparation process.

Book an Appointment

To Book an Appointment, kindly contact us at: +91-9910024564, +91-9999456455