Bariatric Surgery

There are a number of surgical options available to treat obesity, each with their advantages and pitfalls.

In general, weight reduction can be accomplished, but one must consider operative risk (including mortality) and side effects. Usually, these procedures can be carried out safely.

Procedures can be grouped in three main categories .

1. Predominantly malabsorptive procedures: although also reducing stomach size, these operations are based mainly on malabsorption. Biliopancreatic Diversion (Scopinaro procedure - rare)

2. Predominantly restrictive procedures: this kind of surgery primarily reduces stomach size. Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (Mason procedure, stomach stapling). Adjustable gastric band (or "Lap Band"). Sleeve gastrectomy

3. Mixed procedures: applying both techniques simultaneously. Gastric bypass surgery, like Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Sleeve gastrectomy with Duodenal Switch

Source: Wikipedia.org