Weight loss surgery

This surgical procedure restricts and reduces food intake by implanting a silicone band around the upper part of the stomach. The band slows down the passage of food, which makes you feel “full” with smaller amounts of food. Gastric banding can be easily adjusted to increase or decrease food restriction, thought it does not affect the digestive process. As a result, your body will absorb the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients it needs.

Adjustable gastric banding is perhaps the least invasive type of surgical weight loss, and is typically viable for those with a lower BMI (greater than 35, with comorbidities or obesity-related medical conditions). With adjustable gastric banding, some benefits may include:

• Does not remove any part of the stomach
• Loss of 40 percent excess body weight within two years
• No requirements for nutritional supplements

Duodenal switch is arguably the most complex surgical weight loss procedure. Tailored particularly for those affected by severe obesity, or with a body mass index (BMI) of 60 or greater, the surgery combines a sleeve gastrectomy with gastric bypass. While the risks of developing nutritional deficiencies are high after a duodenal switch, they can be managed with proper diet and a lifelong adherence to taking vitamin and mineral supplements. Some potential benefits of the duodenal switch procedure may include:

• Allowing for a more diverse diet with larger portions, since the remaining stomach is larger
• Losing up to 80 percent of excess body weight within the first year after surgery
• Preserving the pylorus valve, which can reduce the likelihood of “dumping syndrome”
• Reducing the effects of Type 2 diabetes when compared to other weight loss surgical procedures

This nonsurgical procedure involves inflating a balloon in the stomach to reduce stomach capacity. After six months, the gastric balloon is removed and you can continue your weight loss journey exclusively through diet and exercise. The gastric balloon helps you adjust your portion size. Over time, this new healthier portion size, in combination with a healthy diet, can result in substantial weight loss. Some important information about the gastric balloon procedure includes:

• Can potentially result in the loss of 15 percent of excess body weight the first six months
• Does not require the removal of any part of the stomach
• No need for nutritional supplements
• Temporary and reversible

Gastric bypass, also known as Roux-en-Y, is considered by many to be the most effective option for weight loss surgery. The procedure promotes weight loss by permanently reducing the size of your upper stomach into a small pouch. This action reroutes your small intestine to decrease the amount of fat and calories your body absorbs. Rerouting the small intestine can also lead to feeling fuller sooner, due to an earlier release of gut hormones that reduce appetite. With gastric bypass, you may:

• Acquire nutritional deficiencies (though they can be managed through proper diet and vitamin supplements)
• Develop an intolerance to sugary and starchy foods, called "dumping syndrome"
• Lose about 70 percent of excess body fat within a first year and a half

A sleeve gastrectomy involves the permanent removal of about 80 percent of the stomach. The stomach is stapled into a sleeve or tube shape to limit the amount of food you can eat. Combined with healthy dietary choices, this can be a very effective, dramatic weight loss method. Potential benefits of a sleeve gastrectomy include:

• Favorable changes to gut hormones to prevent overeating
• Improvement of obesity-related diseases, including high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea and high cholesterol
• No foreign object implantation
• Not reversible, but can be converted into other bariatric procedures

Weight loss surgery revisions are procedures to improve or repair a bariatric surgery that did not produce satisfactory weight loss results. Talk to your doctor about whether a surgical revision is appropriate for your particular situation.