More than two in three adults are regarded as obese or overweight and this has contributed to the increase in weight loss surgery operations with more than 200,000 procedures conducted each year. Also known as bariatric procedures, medical weight loss solutions help in losing weight in two ways: malabsorption, shortening a part of the small intestine, and restriction, limiting food content of the stomach. Therefore, for those who are thinking about getting a surgery, it is necessary to understand the different types of weight loss surgery. This allows you to understand the better option for your condition prior to visiting a surgeon.
1. Sleeve gastrectomy
During this procedure, a part of the stomach is cut and removed from the patient’s body. The doctor uses the remaining part of the stomach to form a tubelike structure. In this case, the small stomach structure cannot carry as much food and leads to the production of less appetite-regulating hormone that helps to reduce food desire. However, it is important to note that gastric sleeve San Diego does not impact absorption of nutrients and calories in the intestines.
2. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
Also known as LAGB, this surgery involves placing and fixing a band that has an inflatable balloon at the upper portion of the stomach. This placement creates a small pouch above the band with a narrow opening to the stomach. The surgeon also places a port under the abdomen skin with a tube connecting it to the band. The banding helps to restrict the food capacity of your stomach to allow you to feel full sooner.
3. Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch
Like sleeve gastrectomy, this surgery also involves the removal of a large part of the stomach while the valve that directs food to the small intestine and the duodenum remain. The last part of the small intestine is then attached directly to the duodenum, and this is known as the duodenal switch. The other separated part of the intestine is attached to the end of the intestine to allow the passage of digestive juices. This is called the biliopancreatic diversion. The goal here is to limit the absorption of nutrients and calories.
4. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
This is also one of the types of types of weight loss surgery and it involves the creation of a pouch at the top of the stomach. This pouch is the only part to receive food in the stomach and this helps to reduce a patient’s food intake. The small intestine is cut from the stomach and connected to the pouch while the central part of the stomach remains intact to make digestive juices. The remaining portion of the intestine that is attached to the stomach is then connected to the bottom part to allow the flow of the juices to the small intestine. This procedure also reduces the absorption of calories and nutrients.
With different weight loss surgery options, surgeons can help patients to choose an option that best suits their condition and budget plan. These types of weight loss surgery help patients either by reduced food intake or limiting the absorption of calories. The doctors usually explain the possible bariatric surgery side effects before a person selects the preferred option.
