In addition to weight loss, bariatric surgery has many health benefits. It helps the body to improve obesity related condition.

Before going into bariatric surgery, one should know whether he or she is eligible for the procedure. A person is eligible for bariatric surgery-

- BMI index higher than 30

- Minimum age 18

- he or she hasn't been able to lose weight through traditional methods such as exercise and diet

There are four common types of Bariatric surgery-

1. Gastric Bypass Surgery

A gastric bypass limits the food intake and the amount of calories absorbed by the body.

In this surgery, a small pouch is created from the stomach. A smaller pouch reduces the amount of food that can be eaten at one time. This makes stomach full faster, and hence less food is needed. In addition to this, the surgery changes the body's normal digestive process by bypassing a part of intestine. As food doesn't enter a part of intestine, fewer calories and nutrients will be absorbed from the food ate.

This procedure can be performed by open or a laparoscopic procedure –

- In laparoscopic procedure, a small incision (less than 1/2 inch) is made near the belly button

- Carbon dioxide (a gas that occurs naturally in the body) is introduced into the abdomen to create a work space for the surgeon

- Then a small laparoscopic camera is passed through the incision into the abdomen. The camera sends a picture of the stomach and abdominal cavity to a video monitor. With the help of this, the surgeon can view the main structures in the abdominal cavity

- A few additional, small incisions are made in the abdomen

- The surgeon watches the video monitor and works through these small incisions using instruments with long handles

- The stomach is cut to create a small pouch

- This pouch is then attached to the middle part of small intestine and the start part of the small intestine is bypassed

2. Sleeve Gastrectomy

A sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive type of bariatric surgery that helps limit the amount of food that can be eaten at one time.

In this surgery, the stomach is stapled to form a thin section or sleeve and the rest of the stomach is removed. As the stomach becomes smaller, the amount of food that can be eaten at one time is reduced. So, you feel full sooner and eat less food. However, food eaten passes through the digestive tract in the usual order, allowing it to be fully absorbed in the body.

This procedure is performed laparoscopically-

- A small incision (less than 1/2 inch) is made near the belly button

- Carbon dioxide (a gas that occurs naturally in the body) is introduced into the abdomen to create a work space for the surgeon

- Then a small laparoscopic camera is passed through the incision into the abdomen. The camera sends a picture of the stomach and abdominal cavity to a video monitor. With the help of this, the surgeon can view the main structures in the abdominal cavity

- A few additional, small incisions are made in the abdomen

- The surgeon watches the video monitor and works through these small incisions using instruments with long handles

- Using a stapling device, the stomach is cut to form a thin vertical sleeve which is about the size of a banana

- The rest of the stomach is removed

3. Adjustable Gastric Banding

Gastric banding is a restrictive type of surgery done without cutting or stapling the stomach.

In this surgery, a band is placed around the uppermost part of stomach, dividing it into two parts: a small upper pouch and a lower stomach. The upper pouch can hold only about 1/2 cup of food. Hence, you eat less, feel full sooner, and remain satisfied longer. This leads to gradual weight loss at a healthy rate of 0.5 to 1 kg per week.

This procedure is performed laparoscopically

- A small incision (less than 1/2 inch) is made near the belly button

- Carbon dioxide (a gas that occurs naturally in the body) is introduced into the abdomen to create a work space for the surgeon

Then, a small laparoscopic camera is passed through the incision into the abdomen. The camera sends a picture of the stomach and abdominal cavity to a video monitor. With the help of this, the surgeon can view the main structures in the abdominal cavity

- A few additional, small incisions are made in the abdomen

- The surgeon watches the video monitor and works through these small incisions using instruments with long handles

- Through a small tunnel made behind the stomach, a gastric band is inserted

- This is then locked around the upper part of the stomach

- This band is made of biocompatible material, which means it causes no harm to the body

- Next, a port is put in about 2 inches below the rib cage on left or right side. By pressing the abdomen the port can be felt, but the patient won’t notice it at all. The port design allows the surgeon to locate it.

4. Gastric Plication

Gastric plication is a restrictive procedure. It greatly reduces the size of your stomach and limits the amount of food that can be eaten at one time. It does not cause decreased absorption of nutrients or bypass your intestines. After eating a small amount of food, you will feel full very quickly and continue to feel full for several hours. Gastric plication may also cause a decrease in appetite.

This procedure is performed laparoscopically-

This involves making five or six small incisions in the abdomen and performing the procedure using a video camera (laparoscope) and long instruments that are placed through these small incisions.

Laparoscopic gastric plication, involves sewing one or more large folds in your stomach. During the laparoscopic gastric plication the stomach volume is reduced about 70% which makes the stomach able to hold less and may help you eat less. There is no cutting, stapling, or removal of the stomach or intestines during the Gastric Plication. The gastric plication may potentially be reversed or converted to another procedure if needed. The gastric plication procedure is minimally invasive and takes approximately one to two hours to complete. Most patients stay in the hospital for 1-2 days after the procedure.