Bariatric Surgeon—What do They Do

This is a physician who specializes in performing bariatric treatments.  This is a collective term that refers to stomach-altering surgical procedures that helps with weight loss in patients that are significantly overweight.  They are known as bariatric surgeons or bariatric surgery doctors.  The work of a bariatric surgeon involves performing gastric bypass and gastric banding procedures.  They will also consult with the patient before and after the procedure.

The job description of this physician is split between two duties, which include consulting with the patients and performing the bariatric treatments. The bariatric treatment most commonly perform is gastric banding also referred to as laparoscopic banding, and gastric bypass.  During the gastric banding procedure the bariatric surgeon places an adjustable band around part of your stomach.  This limits the amount of food that you can eat in order to lose weight.

The gastric bypass procedure that is more evasive involves limiting the size of your stomach and then surgically rerouting your “new” stomach to your small intestine.  Doing both of these steps will restrict the number of calories that can be absorbed and the amount of food that you can eat.  Both of these can lead to a weight loss that is significant.

When performing either of these surgeries the bariatric surgeon must also work in cooperation with surgical assistants, a team of nurses, and anesthesiologists to facilitate a smooth recovery and procedure for the patient.  During his work day the surgeon will devote time consulting with patients that are pre-operative and post-operative.    With the pre-operative patients the surgeon will evaluate their behavioral and medical histories that was provided to them from the patient’s primary care physician.  They will help the patient decide which type of surgery would be the best one for them and that they also understand the measures to prepare for the surgery, the results that are expected, and the recovery process.  The surgeon will also let them know of any risks that could happen with the surgery they have chosen.

After the procedure is done the post-operative patient will have one or more evaluations performed by the bariatric surgeon before they will be released from the hospital.  They will also be told what to expect during the days after the surgery, the diet restrictions and what they can and cannot eat.  They will also tell them any risks that could happen days after the surgery and what they should do if any risks should occur.  With either of these two weight loss procedures you should make sure you understand the risks and benefits.

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