Types of Weight Loss Bariatric Surgery
There are several ways to accomplish bariatric weight loss surgery. One of the most common bariatric operations is Roux-en-Y (RNY) gastric bypass surgery, also known as a gastric bypass. Other surgeries that treat obesity include gastric balloon surgery, gastric banding, and vertical sleeve gastrectomy. These fit into three greater categories for bariatric surgery. These categories are restrictive surgery, malabsorptive surgery, and surgically placed implants.
In this article, we will review these different types of bariatric surgery and then what you need to consider when pursuing weight loss surgery.
Every surgical route has its pros and cons, so talk with your doctor to find the best fit. Here are four surgical routes you can take:
Restrictive Bariatric Surgery
BYPASS SURGERY
Bypass surgery is one of the most well-researched surgeries, so it has very effective results. Furthermore, bypass surgery is also permanent, so you need to be sure of your decision before going through with it.
To learn more about your bariatric treatment options, contact The Surgical Clinic today. We will happily set up an appointment for you at the Columbia Bariatric Surgery Clinic or the nearest office to you.
LAPAROSCOPIC ADJUSTABLE BANDING
During this procedure, your surgeon will close off a part of your stomach so that you have a small pouch. Having a smaller pouch means you will feel satiated more quickly when you eat. This surgery has the benefit of having a short hospital stay — usually a day or less. The biggest downside that patients face is the possibility of losing weight more slowly than in other surgeries.
Malabsorptive Bariatric Surgery
Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD)
BPD surgery involves removing a portion of the stomach to reduce the amount of food it takes for you to feel full. This procedure also diverts a section of the GI tract to reduce the amount of calories that your body can absorb. As a result of absorbing fewer calories, this surgery will help you lose weight.
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)
BPD/DS surgery is not commonly performed. This procedure involves two major surgical steps from other weight-loss surgeries. First, a bariatric surgeon performs a sleeve gastrectomy to reduce the size of the stomach.
Usually, about 80 percent of the stomach is cut away, and the remaining stomach is formed into a thin tube.
Secondly, most of the upper intestines are bypassed to reduce the amount of calories and nutrients that can be absorbed.
Usually, this procedure is performed in one sitting. However, if your surgeon feels that you would benefit from having the operation in two parts, you can split it up.
VERTICAL SLEEVE SURGERY
During sleeve surgery, your surgeon will cut away about 85% of your stomach, leaving a sleeve-shaped stomach. Like laparoscopic surgery, you’ll feel full more quickly after eating.
Surgically Placed Bariatric Devices
BALLOON SURGERY
Balloon surgery can actually be completed in less than half an hour, and it doesn’t leave large scars on your body. This surgery is great for patients who don’t want to have as strict of guidelines. It’s also a very affordable surgery compared to other bariatric options. The biggest con is that this surgery can cause nausea, so you need to work with a dietician.
LAPAROSCOPIC ADJUSTABLE BANDING
During this procedure, your surgeon will close off a part of your stomach so that you have a small pouch. Having a smaller pouch means you will feel satiated more quickly when you eat. This surgery has the benefit of having a short hospital stay — usually a day or less. The biggest downside that patients face is the possibility of losing weight more slowly than in other surgeries.
What Is Lap Band Surgery?
Lap band surgery involves placing a surgical device that can be adjusted to limit how much food the stomach can hold. The device is placed around the upper portion of your stomach and helps promote feelings of fullness, so you’ll eat less.
This surgery is performed with minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. As a result, patients have shorter recovery times and less pain.
What is the simplest weight loss surgery?
The simplest weight loss surgery is gastric banding or adjustable gastric banding surgery. This surgery is the simplest and the least invasive weight loss surgery. It also offers great results for many patients.
Which gastric bypass surgery is the best?
Between gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery, the best surgery is the one that’s best for the patient. Undergoing bariatric surgery involves a great deal of consideration and preparation before your actual procedure.
You will need to consult with your doctor and your surgeon to determine which procedure will give you the best results.
Who is a good patient for bariatric surgery?
Because bariatric surgery is an intense procedure and be a major change to your life, there are specific requirements that must be met before surgery.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
- A BMI of at least 40 or higher
- A BMI between 35 and 40 and an obesity-induced or related condition
- Weigh less than 450 pounds
Another part of the process is going through a bariatric surgery evaluation to make sure you are ideal for weight loss surgery.
Is Getting Gastric Bypass Surgery A Good Way To Lose Weight?
Getting gastric bypass surgery can help you lose weight and help improve conditions related to obesity. Conditions that can be improved thanks to bariatric surgery include obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease, joint pain, and depression.
Can You Lose Weight Without Bariatric Surgery?
The answer is yes. It can be done — slowly, but surely. Some individuals spring toward bariatric surgery, but this is not a cure-all. Surgery is invasive and will permanently affect your lifestyle.
Meet with a bariatric doctor to arrange for a diet and exercise regimen that fits your needs. To lose weight, you need to create a deficit of 3,500 calories to lose one pound of fat. Proper exercise and diet can help you create this deficit.
Since many obese patients have knee pain due to the extra weight, your regimen may need to include low-impact activities, like water aerobics or cycling. If you work hard on your diet and exercise efforts but are still unsuccessful, it may be time to consider surgery.
When Is Bariatric Surgery An Option?
If you’re unsure whether you qualify as overweight, obese, or morbidly obese, you should visit your doctor for a physical and discuss bariatric surgery.
One of the core requirements for prospective bariatric surgery patients is to be between a BMI (body mass index) of 30 and 40, or be at a BMI of 40 or more. Having a comorbid condition may also be a good reason to consider bariatric surgery.
Comorbidities linked to obesity include heart disease, sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, GERD, liver issues, respiratory issues, and so on. If you fall into the morbidly obese category, you must work with a bariatric professional so you can regain your health.
Bariatric surgery is usually only considered when the dangers of serious health problems, like severe sleep apnea, outweigh the risks of surgery. Besides being unable to lose weight with diet and exercise, surgery of this nature is usually reserved for people with BMIs of 35 or higher.
Some doctors may require you to lose a little weight before the surgery since any lost pounds can make the procedure safer.
How Does One Prepare For Bariatric Surgery?
Besides meeting with a surgeon, you will need to meet with a host of other professionals to make sure this is the right route for you. For instance, you may need to meet with a dietitian and psychologist.
Some people’s eating disorders stem from past trauma or other emotional and mental issues. Even with surgery, if a person ignores the root of their eating disorder, they can gain all the weight back.
And besides healing from the physical wounds of surgery, individuals need to be mentally ready for such a big lifestyle change. After surgery, you may need to be on supplements for the rest of your life and adhere to a strict diet.
It’s important in your preparations that you understand the scope of benefits and downsides of surgery.
Advantages And Challenges Of Bariatric Surgery
Studies have shown great improvements in comorbidities linked to obesity. This means that if you have heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc., a lot of these issues will be much easier to manage.
Some people may even stop symptoms of certain conditions altogether with weight loss. For example, if your sleep apnea is caused by excess weight, profound weight loss could cure the issue. In short, your quality of life will increase since your health will be greatly improved.
Like any surgical procedure, there are always some risks. For instance, after surgery, you may experience ulcers, vomiting, malnutrition, or low blood sugar. If you follow your doctor’s instructions, you can keep these issues to a minimum.
For instance, immediately after surgery, you will be restricted to a liquid diet. Follow this diet so you don’t upset your stomach. Your doctor will also prescribe a multivitamin since the surgery can make it harder to absorb essential nutrients.