Bariatric surgery (Weight Loss)

Bariatric surgery, also referred to as weight loss surgery, is the procedure done for those people who are severely obese. In this weight loss procedure, the size of the stomach is reduced by implanting gastric banding medical device. This can also be done by re-routing and resecting the small intestines to a small stomach pouch and the process is termed as gastric bypass surgery. The other way could be a removal of the stomach (Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch or sleeve gastrectomy).

Gastric Banding

The gastric banding procedure is one of the least invasive approaches for treating obesity. The procedure is done laparoscopically where a laparoscopic band (a type of plastic band) is used. A part of the stomach is sectioned off by using a laparoscopic band and helps in creating a small upper pouch. The food gets restricted as the pouch is very small. The food continues to be digested by the process of absorption and normal digestion. The effect of gastric banding can be for achieved for a long term period by digesting the food slowly, limiting the amount of food and reducing the daily appetite consumption.

• Candidates who have been overweight for more than 5 years.
• Candidates who have a BMI (Body mass index) of 40 or higher.
• Candidates who have made serious attempts to lose weight but had only short-term success.
• Candidates who weigh at least 100 pounds more than their ideal weight.
• Candidates who weigh at least twice their ideal weight.

Benefits

• Both absorption and digestion of food are normal.
• It has been observed that the patients lost 41% of excess weight in 3 years following surgery.
• The band can be adjusted to decrease or increase for the purpose of the restriction.
• The process of gastric banding restricts the amount of food that can be consumed at a meal.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

The surgery is regarded as one of the newer types of Bariatic surgery and is one of the options for those people who are not suitable to have any other Bariatric surgery procedure. Gastric Sleeve surgery is also medically referred to as Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Sleeve Resection, Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy and Tube Gastrectomy. This type of weight loss surgery works by limiting the quantity of food the stomach can hold. The surgery also removes the hormone Ghrelin which is responsible for causing hunger.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery or Open Sleeve Gastrectomy is weight loss non- reversible procedure that decreases the size of the stomach by 85%. The weight loss done in this procedure is entirely through decreased food intake. It limits the calorie intake and the amount of food that can be consumed by removing 80-90% of the stomach. A small sleeve shaped stomach is created by the surgeon. This procedure is relatively simpler than the gastric bypass procedure as there is no reconnection or re-routing of the intestines.
There are less chances of stomach expansion over the time as compared to other Bariatric surgeries. The procedure preserves the function of the stomach. Unlike the Lap-Band surgery, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy does not involve the use of banding device. In the first year after surgery, the patient can lose about 45-55 % of excess weight.

Benefits

• The procedure involves low surgical risk as compared to gastric bypass surgery.
• Generally the weight loss is quicker than with gastric band.
• There is less food intolerance as compared to gastric band.
• There is no requirement of the implantable band device.
• Rapid initial weight loss.
• Decreases cravings for sweets.
• Prolonged sense of fullness after small meals.

Recovery

After the surgery, the patient will feel much more satisfied in eating smaller portions of food. This helps in limiting the quantity of food eaten at a time. A patient is also required to alter their eating habits and overall diet that also comprises of 8 cups of water every day.