Bariatric Surgery
Surgical procedures that alter the digestive system to promote weight loss.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
Bariatric surgery changes your stomach and/or small intestine to help you eat less and absorb fewer calories. It is the most effective treatment for severe obesity.
Medical
Clinical Definition
Bariatric procedures include sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and biliopancreatic diversion. Indicated for BMI ≥ 37.5 kg/m² (Asian) or ≥ 35 with obesity-related comorbidities.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
Bariatric surgery achieves 50-70% excess weight loss and can induce remission of type 2 diabetes. Long-term follow-up with a medical team is essential.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.