Weight Loss Surgery, Using Surgery to Lose Weight

There are several types of weight loss surgeries out there today; it is difficult to determine which surgery is right for me. It is important to consult with more than one doctor because each has their own specialty as well as opinion. Overall, there are two different types of weight loss surgery that include the reduction of food intake, and procedure that alter digestion. The types of surgery include Gastric Restrictive Procedure- Vertical Banded Gastroplasty, Malabsorptive Procedures- Biliopancreatic Diversion, Extended (Distal) Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGBP-E ), Biliopancreatic Diversion with "Duodenal Switch ", Combined Restrictive & Malabsorptive Procedure – Gastric Bypass Roux-en-Y, Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding, and Laparoscopic or Minimally Invasive Surgery. Each procedure varies somewhat from the next, but containing the same basic steps. The first step is to know if you are the right candidate for weight loss surgery. In order to determine this, you must see a doctor so that you can perform any further research.

The most common names include stomach bypass, stomach stapling, stomach balloon, or lap band. Preceding surgery, a person must agree to change their lifestyle after the surgery is complete. The surgery will be insignificant if the patient returns to their previous ways of eating.

Most candidates for weight loss surgery are those that are severely obese, making them overly susceptible to health risks. They are unable to lose weight solely through diet and exercise. The most common side effect among weight loss patients was a hernia. More recently, however, smaller incisions during surgery seemed to help fix this problem. Nutritional deficiencies like anemia and osteoporosis sometimes develop among patients following surgery. It may take several weeks before a patient is able to eat food without feeling very full.

In Vertical Banded Gastroplasty, a person’s upper stomach is stapled vertically causing a smaller stomach pouch. The way the food is emptied into the stomach is slowed down creating a feeling of fullness.