bariatric weight loss surgery header graphic

Bariatric Surgery

Although many people will be familiar with the terms gastric bypass surgery and weight loss surgery, the terms bariatric surgery and bariatric weight loss surgery may be less familiar.

The term bariatrics was coined in the mid 1960s from the Greek root baro (meaning weight) and the suffix -iatrics (a branch of medicine) and bariatrics deals principally with the causes, prevention and treatment of obesity.

From this it follows that the surgical treatment of obesity (or perhaps more correctly morbid obesity) is now often referred to as bariatric surgery which is performed by a bariatric surgeon.

Whether we are talking about surgery which is principally based upon preventing the body's ability to absorb calories (Biliopancreatic Diversion), procedures that primarily aim to reduce the size of the stomach (Vertical Banded Gastroplasty or Lap Band Surgery) or combination operations which do both (Roux-en-Y), we can use the terms gastric, weight loss and bariatric surgery interchangeably.

It is however interesting to note that, despite the fact that the term bariatric surgery is not commonly used, those involved in the profession (bariatric surgeons) do use the term by preference and indeed in 1983 formed the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) which is now the world's largest society for specialists in the field of surgical weight loss.

Additional article resources:


bariatric surgery - Google News

Bariatric Surgery Revisions Increase Risk to Patients - Weight Loss Surgery C...
11 Mar 2010 at 12:03am

Weight Loss Surgery Channel

Bariatric Surgery Revisions Increase Risk to Patients
Weight Loss Surgery Channel
But, although today's procedures are safer and more effective than earlier methods, bariat...

Bariatric Surgery Center offers session - NorthJersey.com
11 Mar 2010 at 12:24am

Bariatric Surgery Center offers session
NorthJersey.com
The Bariatric Surgery Center at Clara Maass Medical Center will offer a free community health informational session on Wednesday, March 17, ...


Gastric bypass op raises risk of kidney stones - Sify
11 Mar 2010 at 2:35am

Gastric bypass op raises risk of kidney stones
Sify
The cause for stone formation after bariatric surgery is not entirely clear, but the study reinforces the message that weight-loss surgery patients...

DR. THOMAS CLARK, ONE OF THE BEST WEIGHT LOSS DOCTORS IN VIRGINIA, OF CMH ......
11 Mar 2010 at 2:01am

PR Leap (press release)

DR. THOMAS CLARK, ONE OF THE BEST WEIGHT LOSS DOCTORS IN VIRGINIA, OF CMH ...
PR Leap (press release)
Dr. Clark is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of ...

Richard B. Rubenstein Receives Cambridge Who's Who's Highest Honor - 24-7Pres...
11 Mar 2010 at 2:12am

24-7PressRelease.com (press release)

Richard B. Rubenstein Receives Cambridge Who's Who's Highest Honor
24-7PressRelease.com (press release)
Dr. Rubenstein is proud to have been a pioneer in the field...