<div>Bariatric surgery also known as weight loss surgeries are a group of procedures that are performed to help you lose weight by making changes to your digestive system. Excess weight or obesity is a growing problem worldwide as well as in Pakistan. Studies conducted in Pakistan have shown close to one third of people Pakistan can be considered obese or overweight. Obesity carries with it many health risks which can impact your overall health. It affects every system in the body with notable strong associations with diseases that include high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, arthritis, polycystic ovarian syndrome and female infertility. Reducing your weight will help decrease the risk of developing these conditions. If you already suffer from these diseases, reducing your weight will improve your condition or in some cases, may even resolve them.
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</div><div>The most important initial steps in order to lose weight are to improve your lifestyle through diet and exercise. Bariatric surgery is typically done only after you have implemented a good dietary and exercise regimen.
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</div><div>Bariatric surgery is an option for you if your body mass index (BMI - is a measure of body fat based on height and weight) is 35 or higher or if it is more than 30 with type 2 diabetes mellitus or metabolic syndrome (Metabolic syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors that raises your risk for heart disease and other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke) which is inadequately controlled by lifestyle alterations and medical treatments. There will be an extensive screening process to see if you qualify to benefit from bariatric surgery. This process will include laboratory and radiological testing as well as consultations with medical specialists, if required. 
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</div><div>There are different types of surgeries performed with the popular options being the sleeve gastrectomy and the gastric bypass procedures. These involve reducing the size of the stomach or making changes to the intestines. This results in being able to eat less or your body being able to absorb less calories from your intake. These operations are typically performed laparoscopically, which means small keyhole incisions are made on your abdomen through which the surgeon passes the surgical camera and operating instruments. The operations are performed under general anesthesia and require admission to the hospital. 
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</div><div>Though there are risks associated with these surgeries, it is important to understand that the likelihood of complications in these operations is low. These complications may happen in the short-term or long-term and vary depending on the type of surgery performed. Your surgeon will discuss the specific complications associated with your surgery prior to the procedure. </div><div>Following the surgery, it is extremely important to follow the instructed diet and exercise routines and any prescribed vitamin and mineral supplementation. You will be required to maintain long term follow up for monitoring of your condition and lifestyle. If your weight loss is sub-optimal, these follow up visits can identify potential factors that are contributing. If you do not follow the recommended lifestyle changes, then you may not lose the expected weight even if the surgery is working appropriately. </div><div>
</div><div>If you suffer from obesity, bariatric surgery may be an option for you. Please visit our bariatric surgeons to determine your options for a healthier lifestyle</div><div>To book and appointment, call (021) 111 911 911, or click <a href="/pakistan/Pages/Request-an-Appointment.aspx">here</a> for online appointment booking.​​​​</div><p>
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