What Is a Bariatric Surgeon?

Bariatric surgeons are physicians who specialize in weight loss surgeries. You may also hear them referred to as metabolic surgeons. The purpose of weight loss surgery is to change the structure of the digestive system, especially the stomach and small intestines, to reduce food cravings and caloric intake. Bariatric surgery has proven to be an effective means of treating persons with class III obesity (commonly a Body Mass Index of 40 or higher).

Bariatric surgeons are extensively educated, completing four years of medical school, a three-year residency in general surgery and related subjects, and additional years of training in their specialty. Prior to practicing, they are licensed and board certified by a professional governing body. They maintain this certification throughout their career with supplemental training and testing.

What Does a Bariatric Surgeon Do?

Bariatric surgeons perform a variety of invasive procedures with the goal of limiting the volume of food you eat while increasing your body’s identification and processing of fat. Common weight loss surgeries include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and gastric band surgery. Bariatric surgeons work with other medical professionals as part of a team that prepares patients for surgery, conducts the procedure, and provides follow-up care. Other team members include an anesthesiologist, nurses, a dietician, and, in some cases, a psychologist or mental-health provider. Bariatric procedures take place in a hospital and typically require at least one night of inpatient care after surgery.

What Types of Bariatric Surgery Are There?

Bariatric surgeons train as general surgeons and then specialize in weight loss procedures. Some of these include:

• Gastric band (“lap-band”) surgery
• Gastric bypass surgery
• Intragastric balloon
• Mini-gastric bypass
• Sleeve gastrectomy
• Vertical banded gastroplasty

Many of these procedures are now performed as minimally invasive surgeries, using endoscopic, laparoscopic, and robotic medical technologies.

When Should You See a Bariatric Surgeon?

The primary reason for seeing a bariatric surgeon is treat obesity or one of several chronic or potential health issues associated with obesity. Included among these are:

• Arthritis
• Certain types of cancer
• Diabetes (type 2)
• Elevated cholesterol
• Fatty liver disease
• High blood sugar
• Heart disease
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Metabolic syndrome (including kidney disease)
• Sleep apnea

Candidates for bariatric surgery must be diagnosed with class III obesity. This means having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more or having a BMI between 35 and 40 with a serious obesity-related medical condition.

What Can I Expect at My Visit to the Bariatric Surgeon?

You will be referred to a bariatric surgeon by your primary care physician or another non-surgical specialist if you have class III obesity. The reasons for this are twofold: weight loss surgery has been shown effective in helping patients with chronic obesity and other, non-surgical methods of weight loss have not lessened the medical conditions confronting you.

Your bariatric surgeon will ask about your symptoms, record your family history, and review your medical data from other physicians. He or she might arrange for additional testing. Using this information, your surgeon will determine the most appropriate form of invasive treatment for your condition. He or she will set a date for the procedure, assemble a surgical team, and explain the steps that you’ll take to prepare for the operation.

If you’re struggling with obesity and any related medical conditions, the Baptist Health gastroenterology and surgical teams are ready with expert care. For more information, contact your Baptist Health Provider.