Obesity is a worldwide problem of increasing prevalence. Ideally, and in its less severe stages, obesity can be controlled with diet management and a regular exercise program. At times, obesity may be so severe that it is termed morbid obesity. Weight loss surgery, including gastric bypass and the gastric sleeve are surgical procedures whose utility in combating morbid obesity are recognized by both medical and surgical specialists. Patients who have a BMI greater than 35 or those with a BMI of 30 or more who are also suffering from life-threatening illnesses curable with weight loss are considered as possible candidates for bariatric surgery.

Cholesterol is a lipid, or type of fat produced by the liver and derived from various dietary sources. Although often referred to in negative terms, cholesterol plays an essential part in many processes within the body, including formation of cell membranes and nerve linings and in the manufacture of bile acids, fat-soluble vitamins and certain hormones. However, high cholesterol or hypercholesterolemia is strongly associated with significant health issues including heart disease and stroke.

Anyone who has lived with obesity for any length of time will be well aware that the negative effects of carrying excessive weight are not limited to physical appearance. Overweight and obesity can impact upon every system in the body, leading to a host of health problems that limit quality of life and life expectancy. The social stigma carried by obesity can have a significant detrimental effect upon self-esteem and psychological wellbeing, whilst the physiological changes associated with the condition can lead to multiple life-threatening co-morbidities.

The omentum is a membranous double layer of fatty tissue that covers and supports the intestines and organs in the lower abdominal area. The omentum is made up of the greater omentum which is an important storage for fat deposits and the lesser omentum which connects the stomach and intestines to the liver. Milky spots on the greater omentum contain white blood cells that assist immunity by removing cellular debris.

Laparoscopic gastric banding is a surgery that reduces the capacity of the stomach with the help of a silicone ring and an inflatable balloon that is fitted on the outside of the stomach. The balloon inflates with the injection of fluid through the injection port. This narrows the opening of the upper pouch, wherein the amount of food you eat is controlled while the emptying process of the stomach pouch is slowed.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive procedure that reduces the size of the stomach but does not alter the gastrointestinal tract or the pylorus. Because the route of ingested food through the gastrointestinal tract is not altered, nutrients are better absorbed. The patient is less dependent on vitamin supplements as the food is absorbed in a more natural manner.

Bariatric surgery requires a change in the way that you think about food, dieting and exercise. Although there are definite physiological changes that occur after surgery and that will help you lose weight, it is important that you realize the need to change your environment and some of your previous lifestyle choices. Although the operations change the way in which your body processes food, some of these changes are only temporary. It is important that you start life-affirming habits that will help you succeed.