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If you have been struggling with you weight for some time and it is affecting your overall health, Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery might be the right option for you.

What is Bariatric surgery? According to Wikipedia "Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, refers to the various surgical procedures performed to treat obesity by modification of the gastrointestinal tract to reduce nutrient intake and/or absorption. The term does not include procedures for surgical removal of body fat such as liposuction or abdominoplasty." This surgery is only recommended for individuals who are unable to achieve significant weight loss through diet and exercise.

According to the American College of Physicians "Surgery should be considered as a treatment option for patients with a BMI of 40 kg/m or greater who instituted but failed an adequate exercise and diet program (with or without adjunctive drug therapy) and who present with obesity-related comorbid conditions, such as hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and obstructive sleep apnea. A doctor–patient discussion of surgical options should include the long-term side effects, such as possible need for reoperation, gall bladder disease, and malabsorption."

One method of Bariatric surgery when the doctor inserts an adjustable gastric band. Gastric Banding Surgery or more commonly known as the lap band, or Gastric Band can be performed laparoscopically. The placement of this band over the stomach causes a small pouch to form which can only hold approximately 30 ml. of food. This pouch fills quickly resulting in the patient's stomach feeling fuller. This message is transferred to the brain and the patient doesn't eat as much. The long term effect of eating less is weight loss.

If you are considering this type of surgery talk to your doctor first. With any surgery there are risks. You doctor can explain all the pros and cons of gastric banding surgery. Visit Lap Band Toronto for more information on this topic.