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Considering weight loss surgery? Get the facts on popular procedures, including gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric bypass.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Weight loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery, is a procedure used to help people with obesity lose weight. It is usually only recommended for people who are severely obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more, or those with a BMI of 35 or more and one or more obesity-related health conditions.
There are two main types of weight loss surgery: restrictive procedures and malabsorptive procedures. Restrictive procedures work by limiting the amount of food that can be eaten, while malabsorptive procedures work by reducing the absorption of calories from food.
The most common type of weight loss surgery is gastric bypass surgery. This type of surgery combines both restrictive and malabsorptive elements. It involves creating a small pouch in the stomach to limit food intake, as well as rerouting the small intestine so that food bypasses a large section of it, limiting the absorption of calories.
Other types of weight loss surgery include gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS). Gastric banding involves placing a band around the stomach to create a small pouch and restrict food intake. Sleeve gastrectomy involves removing a large portion of the stomach to leave a smaller stomach pouch that limits food intake and causes early satiety (feeling full after eating only a small amount of food). BPD-DS is a less common procedure that involves removing part of the stomach and rerouting both the small intestine and large intestine so that food bypasses most of the digestive system.
Weight loss surgery is generally safe, but like any major surgery, it carries some risks. These risks include complications from anesthesia, infection, blood clots, leaks from intestinal staples or stitches, and respiratory problems. In addition, weight loss surgery can cause nutritional deficiencies, dumping syndrome (caused by eating sugary or high-fat foods too quickly), hernias, and ulcers.
The Different Types of Weight Loss Surgery
There are many different types of weight loss surgery, and it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. The three most common types of weight loss surgery are gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and duodenal switch. Each type of surgery has its own risks and benefits.
Gastric Sleeve
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is a weight loss surgery that involves removing a portion of the stomach to reduce hunger and promote fullness. The surgery is performed by making small incisions in the stomach and removing a portion of the stomach, which is then shaped into a small “sleeve”. The remaining portion of the stomach is then reconnected to the intestines.
Gastric sleeve surgery is typically done as a laparoscopic procedure, which means that it uses small incisions and requires minimal recovery time. Gastric sleeve surgery is often done as a first step in weight loss surgery for people who are obese or have failed other weight loss attempts. It can also be done as a standalone procedure for people who are not candidates for other weight loss surgeries.
One of the benefits of gastric sleeve surgery is that it does not require any foreign objects, such as implants or artificial devices, to be placed in the body. This can help to reduce the risk of complications and infection. Gastric sleeve surgery is also reversible if necessary, although this is not often necessary.
Gastric sleeve surgery can help people lose a significant amount of weight, which can lead to improvements in health and quality of life. It can also help to reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass is a type of weight-loss surgery that involves creating a small pouch at the top of your stomach and rerouting your small intestine to connect to this new pouch. This reduces the amount of food your stomach can hold, which means you’ll feel fuller sooner and eat less. Gastric bypass surgery also alters your hormones so that you feel less hungry.
Gastric bypass surgery is usually done as Laparoscopic surgery, which uses a camera and small incisions in your abdomen to guide the surgery. Gastric bypass can also be done as an open surgery, which requires a larger incision in your abdomen.
Both types of gastric bypass surgery are done under general anesthesia, meaning you’ll be asleep during the procedure. The surgery usually takes two to four hours. You’ll likely stay in the hospital for three to five days after laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery and seven to ten days after open gastric bypass surgery.
Most people lose about 60% of their excess body weight within two years after gastric bypass surgery. gastric bypass is considered a safe and effective weight-loss surgery with a low rate of complications (less than 5%). The most common complication is obstruction, which happens when food gets stuck in the small stomach pouch or at the connection between the small intestine and stomach (anastomosis). Other complications can include:
-Dumping syndrome, which happens when undigested food moves too fast from your stomach into your intestines and causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, sweating and weakness
-Gastrointestinal bleeding
-Infection
-Kidney stones
-Malnutrition
-Ulcers
-Vomiting
Lap Band
Laparoscopic gastric banding, or Lap Band, is a type of weight-loss surgery that involves placing an adjustable band around the outside of the stomach. The band creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach, which limits the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. This type of surgery is considered to be minimally invasive, as it requires only a few small incisions to be made.
Lap Band surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and patients are generally able to return home the same day. The recovery process is typically shorter and less painful than with other types of weight-loss surgery. However, it is important to note that Lap Band surgery is not a quick fix for obesity – it requires lifelong changes in diet and lifestyle in order to be successful.
Gastric sleeve
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a type of weight-loss surgery that involves removing a large portion of the stomach. This reduces the amount of food that can be consumed at one time and also leads to feelings of fullness more quickly.
Gastric sleeve surgery is usually performed laparoscopically, which means that only a few small incisions are made. This results in a shorter recovery time and less pain than with other types of weight-loss surgery. Gastric sleeve surgery is not reversible, so it is important to be sure that you are ready to commit to lifelong changes in diet and lifestyle before undergoing this procedure.
Which Weight Loss Surgery is the Best?
There are many types of weight loss surgery, each with its own set of pros and cons. It is important to consult with a medical professional to determine which type of surgery is best for you. Some of the more common types of surgery include gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass surgery, and duodenal switch surgery.
Considerations
When making the decision to have weight loss surgery, it is important to consider all of your options. There are many different types of weight loss surgery, and each has its own benefits and risks. You will need to consult with your doctor to determine which type of surgery is right for you.
Some factors that you may want to consider when making your decision include:
-Your overall health
-Your weight
-Your age
-Your body mass index (BMI)
-Your eating habits
-Your activity level
-Any previous weight loss attempts
-Your motivation for having surgery
Pros and Cons
There are many types of weight loss surgery, and it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. Here is a rundown of the pros and cons of the most popular types of weight loss surgery:
Gastric bypass surgery:
Pros: This type of surgery is very effective, with patients typically losing a large amount of weight. It also has a lower risk of complications than other types of weight loss surgery.
Cons: Gastric bypass surgery is a more invasive procedure than other types of weight loss surgery, and it requires a longer hospital stay and a longer recovery period. There is also a risk of developing nutritional deficiencies after the surgery.
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy:
Pros: This type of surgery is less invasive than gastric bypass surgery and has a shorter hospital stay and recovery period. It is also effective, with patients typically losing a significant amount of weight.
Cons: There is a small risk of complications with this type of surgery, and there is also a risk of developing nutritional deficiencies after the surgery.
Conclusion
There are many types of weight loss surgery, and the best type for you will depend on your individual health and weight loss goals. Talk to your doctor to learn more about your options and which type of surgery is right for you.
