You’ve tried eating healthier, you’ve spent time in the gym, and you may have even tried several fad weight-loss trends, all with little to no results. You’re interested in weight-loss surgery (that’s why you’re here after all), but worried about any kind of procedure that puts you on the operating table. Still, it’s time to lose the weight and keep it off–so what is the safest form of weight loss surgery?
Just reading “single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy” or “biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch” might be enough to pull a muscle–but it sounds scarier than it is. In the last 30 years, weight-loss surgery has come a long way, is much less invasive, and improved recovery times.
These advances have made for more consistent weight loss, too. With smaller incisions, better tools, and improved techniques, the risks and complications have significantly decreased. And there are more options available, so your doctor can tailor the approach to what suits you best.
Sure, every surgery has its risks, but these improvements show a positive direction toward safer and more personalized weight-loss solutions. Before, during, and after surgery, WeightWise offers a whole team of experts, including nutritionists, exercise physiologists, and patient advocates, to guide you through the process.
Yes, some surgeries are more involved than others, and each carries its own pros and cons. But there is no one bariatric procedure for all patients. Depending on your circumstances, one surgery may be better suited for your situation than others.
Nearly all weight loss surgeries are done laparoscopically, meaning a few small incisions are performed instead of open surgery. So when it comes to what is the safest form of weight loss surgery, we need to look at what’s being done.
Weight Loss Surgeries: The Safest Procedures
So, what is the safest form of weight loss surgery? Let’s take a look at the most common types of weight loss surgeries:
- Gastric Sleeve
- Gastric Bypass
- Duodenal Switch
- Lap Band
Gastric Sleeve
When thinking about weight loss surgery, one of the safest and most common procedures is laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery. This minimally invasive surgery involves removing a portion of the stomach, leaving a sleeve-like structure. This reduces the stomach’s capacity, promoting weight loss by limiting food intake and inducing a feeling of fullness.
Gastric sleeve surgery is considered safe for several reasons. First, it doesn’t involve rerouting the intestines, reducing the risk of nutritional deficiencies. Secondly, it has a lower risk of complications compared to some other weight loss surgeries. The laparoscopic approach means smaller incisions, leading to quicker recovery, less pain, and lower chances of infection.
Patients often experience significant and sustained weight loss with gastric sleeve surgery, improving overall health and reducing obesity-related conditions like diabetes and hypertension. On average, patients typically achieve significant and sustainable weight loss, with many experiencing a reduction of 60-70% of excess body weight within the first year.
Most of the weight loss happens in the initial six months following surgery. On average, about 50 percent of your excess weight is shed during this time. Which makes sense: during these initial months, your diet is significantly reduced as your body adapts to the new eating regimen.
Weight loss continues beyond the six-month mark, albeit at a slower pace. It’s important to note that results differ among individuals, influenced by factors like adherence to post-operative lifestyle changes, diet, and exercise. And you may not lose as much weight with a gastric sleeve as you would other options.
In some cases, your surgeon may recommend a different procedure. For example, gastric bypass is often considered for individuals with a higher body mass index (BMI) or more severe obesity. It tends to result in greater weight loss compared to the gastric sleeve, although it is a more involved operation.
Gastric Bypass
The Roux en Y gastric bypass involves the creation of a small pouch from the stomach and rerouting of the small intestine to reduce the amount of food your stomach can hold and absorption of the food. This contributes to significant weight loss and often results in improvements in obesity-related health conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure among others.
In terms of safety, it’s noteworthy that gastric bypass is a safe and effective procedure. The procedure is typically performed laparoscopically, using small incisions for a quicker recovery. It’s a well-established surgery with a proven track record for significant weight loss.
How much weight loss? With gastric bypass weight loss surgery, individuals average around 60-80% of their excess body weight within the first year and keep it off for at least ten years. This remarkable reduction contributes to improved health and the resolution of obesity-related conditions.
While gastric bypass is effective for many, it might not be suitable for everyone. Factors that might make you less ideal for the procedure include certain medical conditions, like severe heart or lung issues, that increase surgical risks. Additionally, a history of gastrointestinal surgeries or complex abdominal conditions may impact eligibility.
Duodenal Switch
A duodenal switch is performed by creating a smaller, tubular stomach pouch by removing a portion of the stomach. This reduces its capacity, limiting the amount of food it can hold. Second, a significant portion of the small intestine is bypassed, rerouting the digestive path. This dual action restricts both the amount of food intake and the absorption of nutrients.
Typically done through laparoscopic techniques, the surgery uses small incisions for a quicker recovery. The duodenal switch is known for substantial weight loss and improvement in obesity-related conditions, making it a powerful option for those seeking transformative results.
Some studies have shown the duodenal switch leads to substantial weight loss, often amounting to 70-80% of their excess body weight within the first year. The duodenal switch is particularly effective for those with higher body mass indexes (BMI) and severe obesity.
The safety of a duodenal switch, like any weight loss surgery, is influenced by various factors. While the duodenal switch is effective and safe, it may carry a slightly higher risk profile compared to some other bariatric procedures due to its complexity. The surgery involves both stomach reduction and intestinal rerouting, impacting nutrient absorption.
As with any surgical intervention, potential risks or side effects include infection, bleeding, and complications related to anesthesia. However, the duodenal switch has proven to be successful, especially for individuals with severe obesity.
Lap Band
Gastric lap band surgery, or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, is a weight loss procedure designed for those seeking a less invasive option. It involves placing an adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach, creating a smaller stomach pouch that limits the amount of food it can hold.
The band is connected to a port just beneath the skin, allowing for adjustments to control the degree of restriction. One of the appealing aspects of lap band surgery is its reversibility and adjustability. If needed, the band can be removed or adjusted, offering flexibility in weight management.
However, it’s important to note that gastric band surgery may not provide as dramatic weight loss as some other bariatric procedures. Weight loss tends to be more gradual and may reach up to 50 percent excess weight loss. It also requires a commitment to follow-up visits for band adjustments.
The lap band surgery is generally lower-risk compared to more invasive weight loss surgeries. Since the procedure doesn’t involve stomach stapling or changes to the digestive system, the risks of nutrient malabsorption and complications associated with those aspects are minimized.
There may still be complications though, including band slippage, erosion, or infection at the port site. This is also one of the few bariatric procedures that leave behind a foreign object in your body. Gastric bypass surgery or sleeve gastrectomy may provide more rapid and substantial weight loss, but they come with different risks and considerations.
The Safest Form of Weight Loss Surgery For You
Your WeightWise team will provide personalized guidance on expected outcomes, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach for long-term success. We recommend you speak openly about your specific goals or concerns with our surgeons so we can set realistic expectations for your weight loss procedure.
This ensures that your weight loss journey is uniquely tailored to address your needs. We are committed to providing personalized support throughout this process, building a relationship that will help your long-term health objectives. We assess your specific health conditions, lifestyle, and weight loss goals to determine the most suitable approach.
We’re proud to put our successful outcome and low complication rates and look forward to talking to you more about the safest form of weight loss surgery for your needs. As we’ve said before, no one procedure is safest for everyone. We take the time to learn about you, your history, and what losing massive amounts of excess weight means for you and your health.
But for the most part, the weight loss comes down to you. Even with the safest weight loss surgery, you’ll need to commit to lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, to optimize the benefits of weight loss surgery and maintain long-term success.