OBESITY & BARIATRIC SURGERY

Severe obesity is a chronic condition that is hard to treat with diet and exercise alone. Bariatric surgery is an operation on the stomach and/or intestines that helps patients lose weight who are extremely obese. This surgery is an option for people who cannot lose weight by “traditional methods”, and/or those who suffer from serious health problems related to obesity. The surgery restricts food intake, which promotes weight loss and reduces the risk of a variety of health problems, including type 2 diabetes. Studies suggest that bariatric surgery may even lower death rates for patients with severe obesity. The best results occur when patients follow surgery with healthy eating patterns and regular exercise.