Why Bariatric Surgery Is the Best Way to Lose Weight and Keep It Off
If you’ve been struggling to lose weight, you’re not alone. Many people find it difficult to shed excess pounds through diet and exercise alone. This is where bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, comes into play. Unlike fad diets or temporary fixes, different types of bariatric surgery are designed to help you lose weight and keep it off for the long term.
These surgeries are not just about reducing the number on the scale; they also tackle serious health problems like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. In fact, bariatric surgery is often the best option for people who have tried everything else and still can’t keep the weight off.
One of the reasons bariatric surgery is so effective is that it changes the way your body absorbs calories and nutrients. By altering the size of your stomach or the way your digestive system works, these procedures help you feel full faster and stay full longer. This leads to a smaller amount of food being consumed, which is key to losing weight.
But bariatric surgery is not just about eating less; it’s about making a permanent change that sets you on the path to a healthier life.
What Is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a type of medical procedure designed to help people lose a significant amount of weight. These surgeries can be life-changing, especially for those who are severely overweight or have health problems related to obesity.
There are several different types of weight loss surgeries, each with its own unique approach. Some surgeries focus on creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach, which limits the amount of food you can eat at one time. Others involve removing part of the stomach entirely or rerouting the small intestine to bypass parts of the digestive system.
Each bariatric surgery has its pros and cons, and the best one for you depends on your specific health needs and weight loss goals. Understanding the different types of weight loss surgeries available can help you decide which procedure is right for you.
Types of Bariatric Surgeries
When it comes to weight loss, every person is different. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s especially true when it comes to bariatric surgery. What works for one person might not work for another, which is why it’s so important to have a thorough consultation with your WeightWise surgeon before deciding on a procedure.
- Gastric Sleeve
- Gastric Bypass
- Duodenal Switch
- Gastric Banding
Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy)
Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the most common types of bariatric surgery. During this procedure, a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving behind a tube-like “sleeve.” This smaller stomach can hold much less food, which means you’ll feel full faster and eat less overall. The smaller stomach also produces less of the hormone that triggers hunger, so you’ll likely find that you’re less hungry throughout the day.
One of the main benefits of gastric sleeve surgery is that it’s a straightforward procedure. It’s usually done using minimally invasive techniques, which means smaller incisions and a quicker recovery time compared to more complex surgeries. Most people can expect to lose a significant amount of weight after gastric sleeve surgery, and the weight loss often happens quickly in the first year after the procedure.
However, because this surgery involves removing a part of the stomach, it’s not reversible. That means once you have the surgery, your stomach will always be smaller. While this can be a good thing for long-term weight loss, it also means that you’ll need to be committed to a healthier lifestyle to keep the weight off. It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for diet and exercise after the surgery to ensure the best results.
Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass)
Gastric bypass surgery is another popular type of bariatric surgery. This procedure is a bit more complex than the gastric sleeve because it involves two steps. First, the surgeon creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach, which serves as the new, smaller stomach. This pouch is then connected directly to a part of the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine.
This procedure is very effective for losing weight because it limits the amount of food you can eat at one time and reduces the number of calories and nutrients your body absorbs. The smaller stomach means you’ll feel full after eating a small amount of food, while the bypassed section of the small intestine means your body absorbs fewer calories from the food you eat.
This double whammy makes gastric bypass one of the most effective bariatric surgery procedures for long-term weight loss. One of the biggest benefits of gastric bypass surgery is that it can help resolve several obesity-related health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
Many people who have this surgery find that their health improves significantly as they lose weight. However, because this surgery changes the way your body absorbs nutrients, you’ll need to take vitamins and supplements for the rest of your life to ensure you’re getting enough nutrients.
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)
Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, often abbreviated as BPD/DS, is one of the most complex types of bariatric surgery. It’s a combination of two procedures: a sleeve gastrectomy, where part of the stomach is removed, and a bypass, where a significant portion of the small intestine is rerouted. This procedure is highly effective for weight loss because it dramatically reduces the amount of food you can eat and the number of calories and nutrients your body absorbs.
During the first part of the surgery, a large portion of the stomach is removed, similar to what happens in gastric sleeve surgery. This leaves you with a smaller stomach that can hold less food. In the second part of the surgery, the small intestine is rearranged so that food bypasses a large section of it. This means your body absorbs fewer calories and nutrients from the food you eat, which helps with weight loss.
Because BPD/DS is such a powerful weight loss tool, it’s often recommended for people who have a very high body mass index (BMI) or who have not had success with other types of weight loss surgeries. However, it’s also one of the most complex and invasive bariatric surgeries, which means it comes with a higher risk of complications.
Like with gastric bypass, you’ll need to take vitamins and supplements for the rest of your life to make sure you’re getting the nutrients your body needs.
Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap-Band Surgery)
Adjustable gastric banding, also known as Lap-Band surgery, is a less invasive option compared to other bariatric surgeries. During this procedure, a band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch above the band. This pouch serves as the new, smaller stomach, which means you’ll feel full after eating a small amount of food.
One of the key benefits of adjustable gastric banding is that it’s reversible. The band can be adjusted to make the stomach pouch smaller or larger, depending on your weight loss needs. If necessary, the band can also be removed altogether. Because the surgery doesn’t involve cutting or removing any part of the stomach or small intestine, it’s considered one of the safest types of weight loss surgery.
However, while adjustable gastric banding is less invasive, it’s also less effective for weight loss compared to other bariatric surgeries. Some people may find that they don’t lose as much weight as they had hoped, or that the weight loss is slower. In addition, because the band is a foreign object inside your body, there’s a risk of complications such as band slippage or erosion.
Regular follow-up appointments with your doctor are essential to ensure the band is working properly and to make any necessary adjustments.
Types of Bariatric Surgery: Laparoscopic vs. Open
When it comes to bariatric surgery, one of the key decisions you and your doctor will need to make is whether to go with laparoscopic surgery or open surgery. Both methods can be used for most types of bariatric surgery procedures, but they have some important differences.
Laparoscopic Weight Loss Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique that involves making several small incisions in the abdomen. A thin tube with a camera called a laparoscope, is inserted through one of these incisions. The camera sends images to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to see inside your body and perform the surgery using specialized instruments inserted through the other incisions. Because the incisions are small, laparoscopic surgery usually results in less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker recovery compared to open surgery.
Open Weight Loss Surgery
Open surgery, on the other hand, involves making one large incision in the abdomen to access the stomach and small intestine. This method allows the surgeon to see and work directly on the organs, but it also means a longer recovery time, more pain, and a higher risk of complications, such as infections or hernias.
Laparoscopic surgery is generally preferred for bariatric surgeries because it’s less invasive, which leads to a faster recovery. Patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery often experience less postoperative pain and can return to normal activities sooner than those who have open surgery.
Additionally, the smaller incisions used in laparoscopic surgery reduce the risk of infection and minimize scarring. For these reasons, most WeightWise bariatric surgeries today are performed laparoscopically whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most effective type of bariatric surgery?
The most effective type of bariatric surgery varies depending on the individual’s needs, but gastric bypass surgery (Roux-en-Y) and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) are generally considered the most effective for long-term weight loss. However, your doctor will help you choose the best option based on your specific situation.
How much weight can I expect to lose after bariatric surgery?
Weight loss varies depending on the type of surgery and your commitment to lifestyle changes. On average, patients can expect to lose 50-70% of their excess weight within the first two years after surgery.
Is bariatric surgery safe?
Bariatric surgery is generally safe, but like any surgery, it carries risks. Complications are rare, especially with minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques. Your surgeon will discuss potential risks and benefits with you before the procedure. WeightWise has a major complication rate of less than two percent.
Will I need to take vitamins after bariatric surgery?
Yes, most types of bariatric surgery alter how your body absorbs nutrients, so you’ll need to take vitamins and supplements for life to prevent deficiencies.
How long is the recovery time after bariatric surgery?
Recovery time varies, but most people can return to normal activities like work within a few weeks after laparoscopic surgery. But you will be up and walking around 24-48 hours after a procedure. Open surgery requires a much longer recovery period.
If you’re considering bariatric surgery as a way to lose weight and improve your health, the next step is to take action. Start by taking our online assessment to see if you’re a candidate for bariatric surgery. This quick and easy quiz will help determine which types of bariatric surgery might be right for you based on your unique health profile.
Or, if you prefer, watch our free online seminar and then reach out to us directly to schedule a consultation. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the process, from understanding your options to choosing the best procedure for your needs. Don’t wait—take the first step toward a healthier, happier you today!