Bariatric surgery, often referred to as weight loss surgery, is one of the most transformative medical interventions available today. For many people living with severe or complex obesity, traditional dieting and exercise are simply not enough to achieve significant, lasting weight loss and resolve associated health issues.
At AASLT, we view bariatric surgery not as a quick fix, but as a powerful, life-changing tool—the start of a profound journey toward long-term health, vitality, and freedom from debilitating chronic diseases.
Why is Bariatric Surgery Necessary?
Obesity is a complex, chronic disease influenced by genetics, environment, metabolism, and hormones. It is not a failure of willpower. When severe obesity (typically defined as a BMI of 35 or higher with co-morbidities, or a BMI of 40 or higher without) is present, it often triggers a cascade of serious health problems collectively known as co-morbidities.
The true power of bariatric surgery is its ability to resolve, or significantly improve, these health issues:
- Type 2 Diabetes: Many patients see their diabetes go into remission, often discontinuing insulin and other medications shortly after surgery.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- Sleep Apnoea: Often resolved, eliminating the need for a CPAP machine.
- High Cholesterol (Dyslipidaemia)
- Joint Pain and Mobility Issues
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
For these reasons, bariatric surgery is, in fact, a metabolic surgery, resetting the body’s hormonal balance and improving overall disease state far beyond simple weight loss.
Understanding Your Options: The Most Common Procedures
We specialize in advanced, minimally invasive bariatric procedures (Laparoscopic and Robotic), ensuring smaller incisions, less pain, and a faster recovery. The two most common and effective procedures are:
- The Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy)
- What it is: Approximately 80% of the stomach is permanently removed, leaving a long, narrow tube (or “sleeve”).
- How it works:
- Restriction: Limits the amount of food that can be eaten at one time.
- Hormonal Shift: The portion of the stomach removed is the primary producer of the hunger hormone Ghrelin. Reducing this hormone dramatically decreases appetite and controls hunger signals.
- Benefits: It is a simpler procedure than the bypass, involves less rearrangement of the small intestine, and has a shorter hospital stay.
- The Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass)
- What it is: A small stomach pouch is created (about the size of an egg), and the small intestine is re-routed and connected to this new pouch, bypassing the majority of the original stomach and the first part of the small intestine.
- How it works:
- Restriction: Limits food intake.
- Malabsorption: By bypassing a portion of the small intestine, fewer calories and nutrients are absorbed.
- Profound Hormonal Change: The powerful rerouting of the intestine leads to dramatic changes in gut hormones, which is why it is often the most effective procedure for resolving Type 2 Diabetes.
- Benefits: Excellent long-term results, the highest rate of diabetes remission, and a proven track record over decades.
It’s a Journey, Not a Destination: Our Comprehensive Support
The success of bariatric surgery is not just measured in the operating room; it’s measured in the years that follow. Surgery provides the tool, but the patient provides the commitment.
Our program is structured around comprehensive, multidisciplinary support, ensuring you are prepared for the transformation ahead:
- Surgical Expertise: We utilize state-of-the-art minimally invasive techniques for precision and rapid recovery.
- Nutritional Counselling: Guidance from dedicated dietitians to ensure you adopt sustainable eating habits and get the right vitamins and supplements.
- Psychological Evaluation & Support: Addressing the emotional and behavioural components of eating and weight management is crucial for long-term success.
- Long-Term Follow-Up: Regular check-ins to monitor your health, labs, and ensure you maintain your weight loss and metabolic improvements.
Bariatric surgery is a partnership. We provide the expertise and the tool; you commit to the lifestyle changes.
Are You a Candidate?
If you are struggling with your weight and related health issues, bariatric surgery may be an option. Generally, candidacy is based on:
- BMI >= 40, or
- BMI >=35 with at least one obesity-related co-morbidity (like diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea).
If you are ready to take the most definitive step toward a healthier life, we invite you to consult with our team. Bariatric surgery is a doorway to a lighter, healthier, and more active future.
