Weight Loss Surgery for Obesity

In order to control weight, it is an obvious fact to eat right and perform daily physical activities. These basic thumb rules are not sufficient for people with chronic obesity. For such people, weight loss surgery or bariatric surgery may be the right option to maintain a healthy weight. Men who are over 100 pounds and women who weigh more than 80 pounds can consider surgical procedures for losing weight. However, before taking the decision of surgical procedures, one should always be patient and try healthy weight loss tips.

It is to be noted that there may be certain complications of bariatric weight loss surgery. Hence, it is always advisable to research about the pros and cons of each and every weight loss surgical options, before making a serious decision. One can discuss with a qualified bariatric surgeon about the effectiveness, complications and results of various weight loss surgery options. The main objective of weight loss surgery is either limiting the food intake or altering the digestion process. The most commonly followed weight loss surgery options are gastric bypass surgery and lap band surgery.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery is of two types, namely, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RGB) and extensive gastric bypass (biliopancreatic diversion). Both procedures involve the creation of a small stomach and bypassing a section of intestine, so as to limit the food intake and nutrient absorption. In many cases, these surgical procedures are conducted under minimal invasive laparoscopy techniques.

In RGB, a small pouch is created in the stomach by stapling a major portion of the stomach. In such a condition, the person feels satiated after consuming a small portion of food. In addition, a part of the small intestine is adjusted in the pouch for reducing nutrient assimilation. In case of extensive gastric bypass surgery, the lower part of stomach is removed permanently, which in turn, is connected to the final sections of the small intestine. Some of the complications of gastric bypass surgery include leakage at the staple site (in RGB), pouch stretching, leakage of stomach contents, infection, bowel obstruction and at times, nutrient deficiencies and death.

Lap Band Surgery

Lap band surgery make use of an adjustable gastric band in order to limit the stomach size. The gastric band is usually made up of silicone and hollow. It is introduced in the upper portion of the stomach, thus creating a smaller stomach pouch with a narrow opening in the remaining larger pouch. This way, emptying of food particles in the lower stomach and intestine is reduced. The band contains saline solution; the amount of saline can be increased or reduced in order to adjust the size of the opening.

The procedure of lap band surgery is conducted by laparoscopy. Though there is no risk of leakage at the stapling site in lap band surgery, there may be certain other complications such as band slippage, frequent vomiting, internal infections and nutrient deficiencies.

After the obesity surgery, you have to make certain lifestyle changes as per the instructions of the physician. Otherwise, there are chances of regaining weight even after the surgery. In fact, the success of the surgery mostly depends on the person, who has undergone the surgery. The results and/or outcomes of the above surgical procedures may vary drastically from person to person. One should be open to discuss regarding any health problems manifested after the weight loss surgery.