Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a procedure that helps people with obesity lose weight in a controlled and effective manner. It is usually recommended for people with a body mass index of more than 40 or more than 35 if they have an obesity-related health condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure. People choose weight loss surgery because it is a long-term solution for sustained weight loss and the resolution or improvement of obesity-related health problems. (Cleveland Clinic)
The four most common bariatric surgeries are gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, adjustable gastric band, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch surgery. Different types of surgery have different advantages and risks, and the type of surgery depends on the patient and their preferences. (Mayo Clinic)
Gastric bypass or Roux-en-Y (RY) gastric bypass is an operation to help patients with obesity lose weight. A small stomach pouch is created, and the small intestine is connected to the pouch. This limits the amount of food you can eat and the absorption of nutrients. (Bariatric & Beyond)
The surgeon separates the stomach into two sections during the operation: a tiny top pouch and a bigger bottom part. Then, the small intestine is rerouted to attach to the two pouches. This means that food will not pass through the larger part of the stomach, decreasing the amount of food that can be eaten and limiting the number of calories that can be absorbed.
The procedure of RY gastric bypass, aside from aiding in weight loss, can improve and often resolve obesity-related diseases or conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnoea. The surgery is usually offered to patients with a BMI of 40 or more or to those with a BMI of 35 to 39.9 if they have severe obesity-related conditions. (The Bariatric Buzz)
Gastric sleeve surgery, otherwise termed vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) or VSG surgery, is a bariatric surgery procedure performed by removing a large part of the stomach, resulting in a smaller sleeve-shaped stomach. This surgery aids in weight loss by limiting the amount of food a person can eat. It also reduces hunger hormones. (Cleveland Clinic)
This is the reason that weight loss surgeries are often considered effective long-term solutions for people who have tried to lose weight and have been unsuccessful through other methods. That said, they are not typically used for people with less than a forty BMI or thirty-five to thirty-nine-nine BMI with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. (Mayo Clinic)
Another type of weight loss surgery is known as Gastric Banding. The name of this type of surgery comes from the way it is performed and its result. The idea is to put a band on the upper part of the stomach to make a stomach pouch. This pouch can hold a small amount of food, so the person who has had this surgery has less space to eat and can feel full from eating only a small amount of food. (Bariatric & Beyond)
The gastric band is adjustable by adding or removing saline through a port attached to the band. This helps in adjusting the size of the stomach pouch according to an individual's needs and progress in weight loss.
Gastric banding success depends on an individual's commitment to making significant lifestyle changes, which include adopting a healthier diet and exercising regularly. It can help individuals lose weight and potentially improve obesity-related health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnoea. (The Bariatric Buzz)
Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) is a weight loss surgery, specifically an alternative form of the duodenal switch procedure. BPD/DS is often regarded as the most effective of the bariatric surgeries for achieving long-term weight loss and resolving obesity-related health conditions. (Cleveland Clinic)
A portion of the stomach is taken away in the BPD/DS process to create a smaller pouch that limits food intake. After that, this pouch is connected to the last part of the small intestine to avoid a large part of it. The last surgery creates the 'short circuit' to bypass the intestines to reduce calorie absorption, leading to weight loss.
BPD/DS is generally suggested for those who have a BMI greater than 50 or have been unsuccessful with other weight loss methods. It is a complicated surgery that carries risks and complications. (Mayo Clinic)
At Heal Private, we specialize in providing expert consultations and personalized weight loss solutions. Our team of experienced specialists offers guidance on bariatric surgery, non-surgical weight loss options, and post-surgery care. Whether you're considering surgery or looking for alternative weight loss methods, Heal Private is here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey to a healthier life! (Heal Private)