Most people think that weight loss surgery (also called bariatric surgery) was invented in the 1950’s. While it is true that the jejunoileal bypass (JIB) was developed at the University of Minnesota in 1952, the oldest recorded attempts to fight obesity through surgical means dates back to ancient Greek and Egyptian civilizations. With the germ theory of disease being in its nascent stage at that time, those early attempts resulted in a lot more deaths than weight loss.
In the 70+ years since the invention of JIB, the field of weight loss surgery has advanced rapidly. Bariatric surgery is extremely unusual in that a single operation can potentially resolve a wide of multiple medical conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea, just to name a few.
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Categories and Procedures of Weight Loss Surgery
There are two main types of weight loss operations: restrictive and malabsorptive. Restrictive operations reduce food intake and make the patient feel more full after eating a usual or less quantity of food. Malabsorptive procedures reduce the body’s ability to absorb calories, proteins and nutrients. Some surgical procedures, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), combine the effects of both types.
Today, in addition to RYGB, some of the most common procedures are gastric bypass, Sadi-s, adjustable gastric banding, and vertical sleeve gastrectomy. All these procedures aim to achieve weight loss by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold or by altering the digestive process, leading to reduced calorie intake and absorption.
Patient Suitability for Bariatric Procedures
When considering candidates for weight loss surgery, doctors will look at a range of factors. The primary criterion is Body Mass Index (BMI). People with a BMI over 40, or with a BMI of 35 or higher and obesity-related health problems, are likely candidates. Health problems stemming from obesity include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, joint problems, and sleep apnea.
If the patient has multiple failed attempts using other weight loss methods, then they are more likely to be approved. However, it is important that the candidate is committed to making significant lifestyle changes. This means not just dietary changes, but also a serious and sincere exercise program. The key point here is long-term weight loss. While some patients respond poorly to weight loss surgery (resulting in inadequate weight loss), the larger and more common problem is weight regain in the years following the procedure. Because of this, candidates must be willing to commit to long-term follow-up care, including regular medical monitoring, dietary counseling, and support group participation, to ensure the best possible outcomes after surgery.
It’s important to note that the specific criteria for weight loss surgery may vary depending on factors such as the individual’s health status, the type of procedure being considered, and the guidelines of the medical facility or healthcare provider. Therefore, it’s essential for candidates to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine if they are suitable candidates for weight loss surgery. The most proper treatment can only be determined after honest communication and in light of individual circumstances.