Bariatric & Obesity Surgery

Bariatric surgery refers to a group of surgical procedures designed to help patients achieve significant and long-term weight loss when conventional methods such as diet, exercise and medical treatments have not produced sustainable results.

Severe obesity is not only a cosmetic concern but also a medical condition that can affect many aspects of overall health. Excess body weight may contribute to conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, joint problems and metabolic disorders.

Weight loss surgery aims to support patients in achieving substantial and sustained weight reduction while improving metabolic health and quality of life.

At Nova, bariatric procedures are coordinated in accredited hospital environments and performed by specialised surgical teams following internationally accepted medical protocols.

When Is Bariatric Surgery Considered?

Bariatric surgery is typically considered for patients who struggle with severe obesity and have been unable to achieve long-term weight reduction through lifestyle changes alone. Medical guidelines generally consider bariatric surgery for individuals who:

• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
• Have a BMI above 35 with obesity-related health conditions
• Experience long-term difficulties maintaining weight loss
• Face obesity-related health risks affecting overall well-being

The decision to proceed with bariatric surgery is always based on a comprehensive medical evaluation.

How Weight Loss Surgery Works

Bariatric procedures work by modifying the digestive system to help patients reduce food intake and improve metabolic regulation. Depending on the procedure performed, surgery may:

• Reduce the size of the stomach
• Alter digestive pathways
• Influence hunger-related hormones
• Help patients feel full sooner during meals

These physiological changes support patients in achieving significant and sustainable weight reduction. However, bariatric surgery is not a standalone solution. Long-term success requires lifestyle adjustments, nutritional monitoring and ongoing medical follow-up.

Types of Bariatric Procedures

Several different surgical techniques are used in modern bariatric medicine. The most common procedures include:

• Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy) — This procedure involves reducing the size of the stomach by removing a portion of the stomach and reshaping it into a sleeve-like structure. Gastric sleeve surgery is currently one of the most widely performed weight loss procedures worldwide.
• Gastric Bypass Surgery — Gastric bypass surgery changes the digestive pathway by connecting a smaller stomach pouch directly to the small intestine. This approach both restricts food intake and alters nutrient absorption.
• Revision Bariatric Surgery — In some cases, patients who have previously undergone bariatric surgery may require additional procedures to improve results or address complications. Revision bariatric surgery aims to restore effective weight loss and improve long-term outcomes.

Health Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

In addition to supporting weight loss, bariatric surgery may contribute to improvements in several obesity-related health conditions. Patients may experience improvements in:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Sleep apnea
• Joint pain and mobility limitations
• Metabolic syndrome

Many patients also report improvements in energy levels, mobility and overall quality of life following successful weight loss surgery.

Treatment Planning

Bariatric surgery requires careful preparation and multidisciplinary medical evaluation. The treatment planning process may include:

• Detailed medical assessment
• Nutritional evaluation
• Laboratory testing
• Psychological readiness assessment
• Surgical consultation

This preparation ensures that the procedure is both safe and appropriate for each individual patient.

Long-Term Lifestyle Changes

Weight loss surgery provides powerful support for weight reduction, but long-term success depends on sustainable lifestyle changes. Patients are typically guided through structured postoperative programs that include:

• Nutritional guidance
• Gradual dietary adjustments
• Regular medical monitoring
• Physical activity recommendations

These long-term adjustments help maintain the benefits of bariatric surgery over time.

Start Your Bariatric Consultation

Patients considering weight loss surgery can begin with an online consultation to determine whether bariatric treatment may be an appropriate option.

A personalised evaluation helps determine the most suitable surgical approach based on individual health conditions and treatment goals.