Weight Loss Surgery

Weight Loss Surgery, also known as Bariatric surgery, refers to the various surgical procedures performed to treat obesity and weight gain by modification of the gastrointestinal tract to reduce food intake and/or absorption that is to prevent from overeating. The term does not include procedures for surgical removal of body fat such as liposuction or abdominoplasty.
Bariatric surgery is for those individuals who have been unable to attain significant weight loss through diet changes and several exercise (or physical fitness) programs alone. It may help to achieve a more healthy body weight.

How Does Bariatric Surgery Affect The Digestive Process?
Before Surgery
Food is chewed in the mouth, then swallowed, passing through the esophagus to the stomach, (roughly the size of a melon) where stomach acids dissolve it into smaller particles. The liquid (chyme) then passes into the small intestine where enzymes and bile continue the digestive process. The first section is the duodenum, the shortest section. Here, calcium, iron and a few vitamins are absorbed. The second and third sections are the jejunum and ileum, both about ten feet in length. Here, the bulk of food nutrients (vitamins and minerals) and calories are absorbed. After Surgery
During both main types of obesity surgery, the size of the stomach is reduced by up to 90 percent, to the size of an egg or even the size of a thumb. Typically, its capacity is 3-4 tablespoons of food. This stomach reduction drastically reduces the quantity of food which can be consumed in one sitting and speeds up satiety. During bypass surgery, the digestive tract below the stomach is also altered. After leaving the small stomach pouch, food is re-routed to bypass most of the duodenum and is directed into the final part of the jejunum. Because the food passes along a much reduced length of small intestine, and comes into contact with smaller amounts of digestive enzymes, fewer calories and nutrients are absorbed.
How much does Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery costs?
Bariatric gastrointestinal surgical operations cost about $25,000 or more, depending on the experience of the surgeon, the medical team, the surgical procedure and the level of post-operational services chosen.