How Surgery Reduces Weight

There are several types of bariatric surgery and they help individuals lose weight through restrictive and malabsoprtive procedures or a combination of both.

Restrictive Procedure
A restrictive weight loss procedure works by reducing the amount of food that you can consume at one time and slowing the passage of food through the stomach. However, it does not interfere with the normal digestion of food.

In this procedure, the surgeon creates a smaller pouch on the upper portion of the stomach. This pouch has a capacity of approximately ½ to 1 ounce (15-30ml) and is connected to the rest of the stomach through an outlet. This makes you feel full longer and reduce the feeling of hunger so that you are likely to eat less.

Restrictive procedures also require the patient to stick to a diet that the surgeon will prescribe. It is important to cooperate and comply with these restrictions to maximize and maintain consistent weight loss.

Malabsorptive Procedure
This procedure works by altering digestion but it does not limit food intake. Most malabsorptive techniques involve bypassing the small intestine, limiting the amount of intestine that comes in contact with food to limit the absorption of calories, thus reducing weight. However, patients must be committed to prescribed supplements in order to prevent nutrient deficiency.

Several methods have been developed under these two procedures and patients must cooperate with their doctors and surgeons to find out what surgical procedure is best for their condition and their weight loss goals.