Obesity Surgery

Although obesity surgery is a catchall phrase, there are actually quite a few of these different kinds of surgery. Bariatric surgery refers to surgery that is intended to make one lose weight and it’s sometimes also referred to as obesity surgery.

In the United States there are four types of obesity surgery that are commonly offered. Biliopancreatic bypass with a duodenal switch (BPD), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), Adjustable gastric band, commonly referred to as AGB) and finally Gastric Sleeve (GS), Each has its own risks as well as its own benefits

Biliopancreatic bypass with a duodenal switch (BPD). This obesity surgery is often referred to as the “duodenal switch. It is a highly complex operation involving the removal of the lower part of the stomach.

A gastric sleeve is then created with the remains of the stomach pouch. That sleeve is connected directly into the small intestine, therefore bypassing the duodenum, which is the first section of the small intestine, as well as the upper small intestine.

In this manner, none of those organs ever come into contact with the food that’s eaten. The BPD creates substantial weight loss, but the mortality rate is higher with this procedure due to long-term complications from the malabsorption of vitamins, minerals and other benefits from food.

The Gastric Sleeve operation is used if the patient cannot tolerate other means of obesity surgery. In the GS operation there will be restriction of food intake but it will not lead to malabsorption. Most of the stomach will however, be removed. One advantage of GS is that because the stomach is basically removed, it will decrease the production of a hormone by the name of ghrelin. The decrease of ghrelin may actually reduce hunger.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). This particular obesity surgery does its work in restricting food intake, and then it reduces the absorption of food. Intake is limited via a small pouch that is much like the one made in an adjustable gastric band, which we will cover last.

In RYGB the digestive track will be reduced by foregoing the majority of the stomach, the duodenum and the upper intestines from actual contact with food. It routes food straight from the pouch to the small intestines.

Adjustable gastric band, commonly referred to as AGB. This obesity surgery comprises of limiting food intake via a small band around the top part of the stomach that then produces a small pouch for the food that will be eaten.

The size of the pouch is about the size of a man’s thumb. A circular balloon, kind of a balloon belt that can be deflated or inflated with saline solution, regulates the size of the pouch. There is usually no malabsorption associated with this type of obesity surgery, and it is much easier to recover from.

With all the obesity surgery operations listed above, there are some risks associated with them. Operations may cause bleeding, chances of infection, leaks emanating from the site where the intestines were sewn together, and as in most operations, there may be a chance of blood clots Nutrition complications may arise if the recommended vitamins and supplements are not adhered to. Hernias are also a possibility. Unfortunately, if eating behaviors are not changed in conjunction with the obesity surgery, there is a good chance of regaining all of the weight loss.

Just thought you may be interested in reading this guide: bariatric surgeons and gastric banding surgery

Obesity Surgery

laparoscopic obesity surgery

Obesity Surgery

Related Articles: