BARIATRIC SURGERY
Bariatric Surgery or Weight Loss Surgery causes weight loss by restricting the quantity of food the stomach can hold and by causing malabsorption of nutrients. Bariatric surgery may also cause hormonal changes that may reduce hunger.
TYPICAL QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
1) Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more. This is about 100 pounds overweight for men and 80 pounds overweight for women, or
2) A BMI between 35 and 40 PLUS conditions like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea or high cholesterol, and
3) The inability, with prior weight loss efforts, to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
TYPE OF WEIGHT LOSS SURGERIES
LAP BAND
An inflatable band is inserted to squeeze the stomach into 2 sections, an upper and a lower portion. The sections are connected by a small opening which slows stomach emptying of the upper portion.
Pros: This surgery is typically done laparoscopically. There is a quicker recovery time and you can remove the band if you have complications.
Cons: Most individuals who choose the lap band experience less weight loss than the other surgeries. It is also easier to regain weight over time. Common side effects include vomiting after eating if the band is too tight and increased reflux. A complication of this surgery is slippage of the band, which can then erode and lead to infection and band removal.
GASTRIC SLEEVE
About 75% of the stomach is removed. The remaining banana shaped stomach is called a sleeve and is still connected to the intestines.
Pros: This surgery is more invasive then the lap-band, but can also be done laparoscopically. The surgery also doesn’t impact the way the body absorbs food, so nutrient deficiencies are less likely to occur.
Cons: Unlike the lap-band, the sleeve is not reversible. It’s a newer type of operation, so benefits and risks are still being reported and evaluated. Some complications may include infection, leaking of the sleeve and blood clots.
GASTRIC BYPASS
The stomach is divided into 2 parts, sealing off the upper stomach from the lower stomach. Then the upper stomach is attached directly to the lower portion of the small intestine, bypassing the lower stomach and some of the small intestine. With this surgery food skips over parts of the digestive system and thus fewer nutrients and calories are absorbed by the body.
Pros: This surgery usually causes the largest amount of weight loss. Due to large and rapid weight reduction, many conditions such as, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and GERD often improve. Studies find that many people tend to keep their weight off for at least 10 years.
Cons: After this type of surgery you will not be absorbing nutrients like you once were. This places you at higher risk of nutrient deficiencies. You need to be prepared to take vitamin and mineral supplements for the rest of your life. Otherwise, inadequate absorption of Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and iron can lead to anemia and osteoporosis. In addition, symptoms can include, nausea, abdominal pain, sweating, weakness, and fainting. The gastric bypass is irreversible in most cases. Because this surgery is more complicated there are more risks, and infections, blood clots, hernias and gallstones are possible.