Obesity describes body weight and body fat that is much greater than what is healthy or desirable (excessive

Body Mass Index

–

BMI).

Weight loss Surgery

or

Bariatric surgery

may be done for those who have not been able to

lose weight

with diet and exercise. The main aim is to reduce the size of the stomach volume or length of the length of the intestine to help achieve long-term weight loss. Three key procedures are: reducing the size of the stomach with an implanted band (

gastric banding

); removing part of the stomach (

sleeve gastrectomy

or biliopancreatic diversion); or by redirecting the small intestines to a small stomach pouch (

gastric bypass

). These procedures may be carried out in a minimally invasive way with the aid of a camera inserted into the abdomen. A small incision is made in the abdominal wall through which a laparoscope, a flexible lighted tube with a camera attached, is inserted to view the stomach and intestines. The surgery is carried out with instruments inserted in other small cuts in the abdomen.

Laparoscopic

or

Keyhole

obesity surgery permits a shorter hospital stay and shorter recovery time with less pain. It is usually undertaken by a

Bariatic Surgeon

or

General Surgeon

under general anaesthesia.