Are you considering bariatric surgery in Northern Virginia? For patients with obesity, bariatric surgery is an exceptionally effective treatment. Depending on the type of surgery, patients can lose a significant portion of their excess weight and see improvement in other areas of their health as well.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a procedure that changes your digestive system to help you lose weight. Weight loss surgery is done when diet and exercise haven’t worked, or when the patient has serious health problems due to obesity.
Some bariatric surgeries restrict how much you can eat, others reduce the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Some procedures do both. While bariatric surgery offers many benefits, these are still major surgeries and require you to make permanent changes to your diet and lifestyle to ensure long-term success.
Improving Overall Health
While bariatric surgery helps you lose excess weight, it also improves your overall health. In fact, it can improve or cure conditions like Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, heart disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and more.
Who is Eligible for Bariatric Surgery in Northern Virginia?
Typically, bariatric surgery is an option for patients with a BMI of 40 or higher. Alternatively, patients with a BMI of 35-39.9 may also be eligible if they have serious weight related health problems. Additionally, some patients with a BMI of 30-34 with serious weight related health problems may qualify for certain weight loss surgeries.
Types of Bariatric Surgery
There are many types of bariatric surgery and fortunately, most can be performed laparoscopically. Some of the most common types include:
- Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
- Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch
Which type of weight loss procedure is best for you depends on various factors. Your surgeon will consider your BMI, eating habits, health issues, previous surgeries, and the risks of each procedure.
Doctor for Bariatric Surgery in Northern Virginia
Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity. It provides long-term weight loss. Depending on the type of surgery, you could lose half of your excess weight within two years of surgery. Are you ready to learn more about how bariatric surgery can help you? Contact Maryland Bariatric today to learn more.
