What Does Bariatric Mean?

Bariatric is a term that is used to describe the field of medicine that deals with the treatment and management of obesity. The word "bariatric" comes from the Greek word "baros," which means weight, and "iatrikos," which means treatment.

Bariatric medicine is a subspecialty of internal medicine and surgery that focuses on the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity. It is a multidisciplinary field that involves a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, dietitians, and mental health professionals, who work together to provide comprehensive care for patients who are struggling with obesity.

Bariatric treatment options include lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, medication, and weight loss surgery. Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a surgical procedure that is designed to help individuals who are struggling with obesity to lose weight.

Bariatric medicine is an important field of medicine because obesity is a serious health condition that is linked to a number of other health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. By addressing the root cause of obesity, bariatric medicine can help improve overall health and quality of life for those affected by this condition.

In summary, Bariatric is a term that refers to the field of medicine that deals with the treatment and management of obesity, it involves a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals and offers a range of treatment options including lifestyle changes, medication and weight loss surgery.


What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a surgical procedure that is designed to help individuals who are struggling with obesity to lose weight. The surgery is typically recommended for individuals who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more, or a BMI of 35 or more with one or more obesity-related health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

There are several different types of bariatric surgery, each with its own unique benefits and risks. The most common types of bariatric surgery include:

  • Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: This is the most commonly performed weight loss surgery. It involves creating a small stomach pouch, which is then connected directly to the small intestine. This limits the amount of food that can be consumed, and also alters the way that food is absorbed.
  • Sleeve Gastrectomy: This surgery involves removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. This limits the amount of food that can be consumed, and also reduces the production of the hunger hormone, ghrelin.
  • Adjustable Gastric Banding: This surgery involves placing an adjustable band around the upper stomach, which creates a small stomach pouch and limits the amount of food that can be consumed.
  • Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS): This is a more complex procedure that involves removing a large portion of the stomach and re-routing the small intestine to a new location.

All these procedures are typically performed laparoscopically, which is a minimally invasive surgical technique. The surgery is typically followed by a period of weight loss, during which patients are encouraged to adopt a healthy diet and exercise regimen to help them maintain their weight loss over the long-term.

Bariatric surgery can be highly effective in helping individuals who are struggling with obesity to lose weight and improve their overall health. However, it is important to note that bariatric surgery is a major procedure and carries certain risks. It's important to carefully consider the benefits and risks of the surgery, as well as the potential for long-term weight loss success, before deciding to undergo bariatric surgery.

It's also important to note that bariatric surgery is not a magic solution, it's a tool, and it's success is highly dependent on the patient's commitment to lifestyle changes. Studies have shown that patients who follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly and attend support groups after surgery have a higher success rate.

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Is Bariatric Surgery Safe?

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a procedure that is performed to help individuals who are obese or have a significant amount of weight to lose. The surgery is intended to aid weight loss by altering the size of the stomach or the way the small intestine absorbs food.

Bariatric surgery is generally considered safe when performed by an experienced and qualified surgeon. However, as with any surgery, there are risks and potential complications that should be considered before deciding to undergo the procedure.

The most common risks associated with bariatric surgery include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and complications related to anesthesia. In rare cases, there may be complications with the surgery itself, such as bowel obstruction, hernias, or leaks in the stomach or intestinal tracts.

Another risk of bariatric surgery is that it can lead to nutritional deficiencies if the patient doesn't follow the recommended dietary and supplement regimen after the surgery. It is important to understand the long-term dietary and lifestyle changes that are required after the surgery to maintain a healthy weight and prevent complications.

It is also important to note that bariatric surgery is not a magic solution for weight loss and it requires a long-term commitment to healthy eating and exercise habits. Patient who does not follow the recommended diet and exercise regime may not lose weight or may regain the weight they lost.

In conclusion,, as with any surgery, there are risks and potential complications that should be considered before deciding to undergo the procedure. It's important to consider the long-term dietary and lifestyle changes that are required after the surgery to maintain a healthy weight and prevent complications. It's always recommended to discuss with a healthcare professional to see if the surgery is appropriate for you.

Famous people that have undergone Bariatric surgery 

Some famous people have also undergone this surgery and have spoken publicly about their experiences.

  • Star Jones: The former co-host of "The View" underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2003 and has since lost 160 pounds. Jones has been open about her weight loss journey and the impact that the surgery had on her life.
  • Al Roker: The beloved weatherman and "Today" show host underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2002 and has since lost over 100 pounds. Roker has been an advocate for the surgery, saying that it "saved his life."
  • Carnie Wilson: The singer and daughter of Beach Boys' member Brian Wilson underwent gastric bypass surgery in 1999 and has since lost 150 pounds. Wilson has been open about her struggles with weight and the impact that the surgery had on her life.
  • Randy Jackson: The former "American Idol" judge underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2003 and has since lost over 100 pounds. Jackson has been open about his weight loss journey and the impact that the surgery had on his health.
  • Roseanne Barr: The comedian and actress underwent gastric bypass surgery in 1998 and has since lost over 150 pounds. Barr has been open about her weight loss journey and the impact that the surgery had on her life.

These are just a few examples of famous people who have undergone bariatric surgery and have spoken publicly about their experiences. While weight loss surgery is not for everyone, for many individuals, it can be a life-changing procedure that helps them achieve significant weight loss and improve their overall health. However, it is important to note that bariatric surgery is not a magic solution, it's a tool, and its success is highly dependent on the patient's commitment to lifestyle changes such as healthy diet and regular exercise after the surgery.

Are there complications with Bariatric surgery?

While the surgery can be effective for many individuals, it's important to understand that there can be negative effects and complications that can occur as well.

One of the most common negative effects of bariatric surgery is the development of nutritional deficiencies. Since the surgery alters the way the body absorbs food, it can lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium, and vitamin B12. These deficiencies can lead to a number of health problems, including anemia, osteoporosis, and nerve damage.

Another negative effect of bariatric surgery is the risk of long-term weight regain. While the surgery can lead to significant weight loss in the short-term, some individuals may regain weight if they don't follow the recommended dietary and exercise regimen. This can be due to eating unhealthy foods, not getting enough exercise, or not sticking to the recommended portion sizes.

In addition to these negative effects, there are also a number of famous people whose bariatric surgery did not go as well as planned. One notable example is rapper Rick Ross, who underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2010 but had to be hospitalized in 2018 for heart issues which was related to his weight. Another example is American reality TV star, Mama June Shannon, who underwent weight loss surgery but was criticized for her weight gain again.

It's important to note that bariatric surgery is not a magic solution for weight loss and requires a long-term commitment to healthy eating and exercise habits. It's always recommended to discuss with a healthcare professional to see if the surgery is appropriate for you and understand the possible risks and complications.

While bariatric surgery can be effective for many individuals, it's important to understand that there can be negative effects and complications that can occur as well. These can include the development of nutritional deficiencies, the risk of long-term weight regain, and famous people whose bariatric surgery did not go well. It's important to understand the long-term commitment and lifestyle changes that are required after the surgery to maintain a healthy weight and prevent complications.