But like any surgery, there are complications. Things can go wrong on the operating table; you can pick up a life-threatening infection, suffer a blood clot, extreme blood loss, breathing issues, blockages, or perhaps experience a stroke or heart attack during the operation. About 1 percent of patients die during the surgery.

Worse, it doesn’t necessarily last a lifetime. The patient must follow a strict protocol of diet, exercise and particularly nutrition because the re-routing of the small intestine will mean fewer calories and vitamins will be absorbed. Over the years, if the patient slips back into bad habits, the stomach can expand and become capable of handling more food, with subsequent weight gain.

There are alternatives to this risky surgery. Some are still experimental; others are out in the field and helping others.

Alternatives to Bariatric Surgery

Here are a few of the other methods that scientists and medical researchers are exploring.

1)    Bile Diversion – Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center scientists have successfully tested a method that will redirect the flow of bile from the bile duct into the small intestine. The results are similar to regular bariatric surgery, but it is a less invasive process. The Cincinnati researchers believe the bile acid works to increase metabolism and energy. The procedure is still in the experimental stage and not yet generally available.

2)    Implants – These are devices that are inserted in the body and help people to eat less. They are inserted through endoscopes and are generally removed when the goal weight is attained. Although the methods vary, and not all have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, they work to make a patient feel full and eat less.