The best way to lose weight is through eating right and exercising regularly. Some who have gone that route just can't seem to lose the weight, and become frustrated and stop trying. For these people, bariatric surgery may be the best option.

Definition

Bariatrics is a medical field that encompasses the causes and treatments of obese people. Bariatric surgery is defined as any type of surgery performed on the stomach to decrease its size. This can include stapling the stomach or putting a band around it.

Different Types

There are two main types of bariatric surgery: gastric bypass surgery and laparoscopic adjustable gastric band--or Lap-Band--surgery. Both procedures are major surgeries requiring anesthesia.

What It Does

During gastric bypass, the stomach is stapled, making a smaller pouch that food goes into. The small intestine is then moved to the small pouch. Lap-Band surgery involves a rubber band being placed around the upper portion of the stomach, again creating a small pouch. The food flows from the smaller portion, into the rest of the stomach, then to the digestive tract.

How It Works

The food goes through the body to the stomach like normal. Because of the small stomach pouch, the person feels fuller faster and cannot eat anymore food during a meal.

How Much You Can Lose

With the Lap-Band procedure, patients typically lose 50 percent to 60 percent of their body weight in two years. With gastric bypass, that number is between 50 percent and 80 percent, according to bariatric surgery provider Banner Health.

Source:

Mayo Clinic: Gastric Bypass

Banner Health: Bariatric FAQ

Bariatric Surgery Guide: Lap-Band Info