Bariatric surgery, also referred to as weight-loss surgery, is a type of operation designed to assist those with severe obesity in losing weight. Generally, bariatric surgery is recommended for individuals who have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40 and an obesity-related medical condition.
Operative gastrectomies reduce the size of a person’s stomach and digestive system, helping you lose weight and keep it off. They may also help control other health problems associated with obesity such as diabetes.
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass surgery is a type of bariatric surgery that can aid weight loss and enhance health. This procedure may be recommended if there is too much extra weight on your frame and diet and exercise aren’t working to reduce it. Additionally, this procedure may be utilized to address obesity-related health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Gastric bypass surgery involves creating a small pouch (similar to an egg) from the top of your stomach and connecting it with the first part of your small intestine, creating a Y-shaped connection for food passage. By decreasing the size of your stomach, you can eat smaller meals more frequently while still feeling satisfied after consuming small amounts of food.
After surgery, your food intake will be drastically reduced compared to before the operation. This can result in rapid weight loss, particularly during the initial phases after recovery.
Because your stomach will be smaller, you may not absorb as many calories from food. Furthermore, you have an increased likelihood of developing achlorhydria – caused by low acid levels in your stomach – which could lead to bacterial overgrowth and intestinal inflammation.
Gastric bypass patients should try not to overeat in one sitting and limit foods with a short shelf life. Furthermore, they should incorporate protein into each meal as well as taking vitamin supplements for added nutritional support.
The most common side effect of gastric bypass is a persistent loss of appetite, which may last weeks or even months. This is normal and should resolve on its own over time.
Another common side effect of surgery is nausea and vomiting, which may be mild or severe. If these symptoms develop, ask your doctor for an anti-nausea medication to help alleviate them.
Most people who undergo gastric bypass surgery report feeling better and losing significant amounts of weight after following the post-operative guidelines for a few weeks. However, success rate varies among individuals depending on how diligently you adhere to your diet and exercise program.
Gastric Sleeve
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is the most popular form of bariatric surgery. This procedure removes around 80% of your stomach, leaving behind a tube-shaped pouch about the size of a banana.
A smaller stomach can aid weight loss by making it more challenging to eat as much food at once. Furthermore, this decreases appetite by producing less ghrelin – the hormone responsible for stimulating hunger.
If you need to lose a considerable amount of weight, your doctor may suggest this surgery. Not only does it aid in weight loss, but sleeve surgery may also reduce high blood pressure and other health issues associated with obesity.
During surgery, your surgeon uses small tools and an instrument known as a laparoscope to make two to five incisions in your upper abdomen. They then staple together any remaining part of your stomach into what appears to be a tube-shaped pouch.
After the procedure, you’ll be put on a liquid diet for around one week. Your energy levels may be low during this time; however, they will gradually improve once pureed foods and soft foods become part of your diet.
Your doctor will also provide instructions on what to eat after surgery. Start with high-protein, sugar-free beverages and gradually transition onto a pureed diet for several weeks. Additionally, they’ll require that you take prescribed vitamins such as multivitamins, calcium supplements and vitamin B-12 injections.
Some individuals may benefit from surgery that lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. Lowering these numbers may reduce the risk of heart disease, kidney failure, and other serious complications.
By having weight loss surgery, you could potentially reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes or other health conditions linked to obesity, such as high blood pressure and sleep apnea. Studies have demonstrated that people who are overweight or obese have a higher likelihood of these issues than normal-weight individuals; however, surgery has been known to mitigate those risks.
Insurance companies typically cover this surgery, but you should double-check with your provider to see if you qualify. In order for the insurance company to approve you for surgery, there are certain criteria that must be met.
Gastric Band
Gastric banding is one of the many bariatric surgery types and works by creating a small pouch in your upper stomach. This reduces food volume, leading to feeling full sooner and eating fewer meals overall.
Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery is performed, in which your surgeon makes several small cuts in your abdomen. A flexible viewing tube is then inserted into these holes so that they can operate safely.
General anesthetic is often used for this type of surgery, so you will be asleep during it. You must fast before having it and follow any instructions given about what and when to eat and drink afterward.
The procedure is generally safe and effective at helping you lose weight and manage any obesity-related health problems. However, it may not be suitable for everyone; therefore, you should discuss it with your doctor prior to deciding to have the procedure.
Exercise may also aid in controlling diabetes, high blood pressure and other conditions associated with obesity. By eating healthier and exercising more frequently, you make it easier to manage these conditions.
Due to the band creating a smaller stomach pouch, food takes more time to reach your intestines after you eat. Therefore, there may be only a short period of feeling full after eating.
After your surgery, you will be instructed to eat smaller, nutritious meals with lots of chewing. Additionally, it is suggested that you increase your fibre intake and consume more fruit and vegetables. Furthermore, there will be fewer servings of fat, sugar and calories consumed.
If you have any queries regarding bariatric surgeries or any other options, be sure to ask your surgeon. They can answer all your queries and provide all the details of each operation so that you make an informed decision as to which is best suited for you.
Surgery carries risks, such as bleeding, infection and injury to your intestines or other body structures. Although these are relatively rare occurrences, they can cause discomfort or other issues with your health.
Gastric Duodenal Switch
Gastric duodenal switch is a bariatric surgery type developed by combining features of both sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. The former reduces stomach volume, while the latter creates pathways for food to move through the small intestine more quickly than with other bariatric surgeries.
The initial phase of surgery includes a sleeve gastrectomy, an operation to remove approximately 75% of the stomach volume. This procedure typically requires general anesthesia for successful completion.
A surgeon then connects a portion of the second part of the small intestine to the pylorus, an opening between the stomach and small intestine. This pylorus, located approximately 3 feet from where it connects with the duodenum, serves as a valve that prevents food and bile from backingwashing into your stomach when you eat.
Food digests more rapidly in the stomach, decreasing hunger. Furthermore, this procedure helps improve blood sugar control and provides relief to those living with diabetes.
Another key part of the surgery involves taking out part of the gallbladder, which helps regulate bile flow from the stomach into the small intestine. This reduces the risk of bile reflux which could lead to problems like gastritis or stomach ulcers.
After surgery, you should begin eating liquids only at first and gradually transition to semi-solid foods. Eating plenty of vegetables and fruits as well as whole grains, protein powder and low-fat dairy products is important for optimal recovery.
The duodenal switch is an ideal solution for obese individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater, as well as those between 35-40 with obesity-related health conditions like high blood pressure, sleep apnea or heart disease.
Surgery for gallbladder cancer can take several hours to perform and may necessitate a hospital stay of two to five days. You may experience nausea immediately following the operation, but most patients lose weight and feel better within 12 to 18 months after their procedure.