There are many reasons that you might be considering weight loss surgery. Maybe you've tried dieting and can't lose weight, or your health has become so precarious that you need to do something now to lose it. Whatever the reason, you know that weight loss surgery is major surgery with all the encompassing risks.
You want as much information as you can get to make an informed decision as to which weight loss surgery is the best option for you. This is your guide to everything you need to know about weight loss surgery to make the best decision for your unique circumstances.
What Is Weight Loss Surgery?
Weight loss surgery, also referred to as bariatric surgery, is a type of surgery that reshapes, resizes, or changes the shape of the stomach. By doing the surgery, it changes the balance of the gut hormones.
These hormones tell you when you are hungry and also when you're full. With the change in hormones, you're better able to lose weight and maintain a more healthy lifestyle.
Also, each type of weight loss surgery requires specific dietary requirements and restrictions. These also aid in your weight loss journey.
There are two main reasons that you might consider weight loss surgery: appearance and your health. The loss of weight can help improve a variety of health conditions associated with obesity. These include:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Sleep apnea
- Lessen joint disease
- Asthma
- Infertility
If you opt to have weight loss surgery and continue working with a professional after it to safely lose weight, eat right, and exercise, you can improve your health, energy level, and appearance.
Most Common Types of Weight Loss Surgery
When it comes to weight loss surgery, there are a variety of strategies and options. The surgery you ultimately choose depends on your health, goals and physical condition. Each surgery isn't the right one for every patient. Here's a look at the most common types of weight loss surgery:
Gastric Sleeve
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a minimally invasive procedure which reduces the size of the stomach by roughly 75%. A sleeve gastrectomy has become the most frequent weight loss surgery due to comparable weight loss to other bariatric procedures. The 75% reduction in stomach size will lead to:
- Decreased hunger hormone (Ghrelin) production, providing increased satiety (feelings of “fullness”) and hunger suppression
- Restricted space for food in the stomach, decreasing the amount of food patients can eat in one sitting
Additional improvements in overall health:
- Type 2 diabetes controlled in 70% of patients
- High blood pressure resolved in 50% of patients
- High cholesterol improved in 77% of patients
- Obstructive sleep apnea resolved in 60% of patients
Source: [EES weighted analysis of data summarized in table 4 of] Brethauer SA, Hammel JP, Schauer PR. Systematic review of sleeve gastrectomy as staging and primary bariatric procedure. Surg Obes Rel Dis. 2009;5(4):469-475.
Weiner RA, Weiner S, Pomhoff I, et al. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy—influence of sleeve size and resected gastric volume. Obes Surg. 2007;17(10):1297-1305.
Gastric Bypass
Laparoscopic gastric bypass is a minimally invasive procedure which separates and reduces stomach size while redirecting your digestive tract to alter food absorption. After a gastric bypass, food travels through the reduced stomach ‘pouch’ and then immediately into the mid-portion of the small intestine. The remainder of the stomach and proximal intestine still take part in the digestion of this food by producing the enzymes and hormones necessary, but their placement further ‘downstream’ within the GI tract allow for altered food absorption. This redirection within the GI tract will lead to:
- Long-term 60-80% excess weight loss
- Restricted space for food in the stomach, decreasing the amount of food patients can eat in one sitting
- Altering gut hormone production which reduce appetite and improve satiety (feelings of “fullness”)
- Maintenance of over 50% of excess weight loss over time
Additional improvements in overall health:
- Type 2 diabetes controlled in 78% of patients
- High blood pressure resolved in 66% of patients
- High cholesterol improved in 94% of patients
- Obstructive sleep apnea resolved in 76% of patients
Source: Tice JA, Karliner L, Walsh J, et al. Gastric banding or bypass? A systematic review comparing the two most popular bariatric procedures. Am J Med. 2008 Oct;121(10):885-893
Pories WJ, Swanson MS, MacDonald KG, et al. Who would have thought it? An operation proves to be the most effective therapy for adult onset diabetes mellitus. Ann Surg. 1995;222(3):339-350.
Buchwald H, Avidor Y, Braunwald E, et al. Bariatric surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2004;292(14):1724-1737.
Duodenal Switch
The duodenal switch is a minimally invasive procedure which bypasses roughly ¾ of the small intestine, decreasing food absorption and minimizing hunger in patients. During a duodenal switch, a sleeve gastrectomy is created, and the distal (last portion) of the small intestine is brought up to the ‘emptying’ segment of the stomach and connected. This results in a smaller stomach pouch, as well as a much shorter digestive path for food to travel. The advantages of the duodenal switch are:
- Increased potential for food intake compared to bypass
- Less limiting for post-operative food selection
- Long-term 80-85% excess weight loss
- Offers the most weight loss in comparison with other bariatric procedures
Additional improvements in overall health:
- Type 2 diabetes controlled in 86% of patients
- High blood pressure resolved in 79% of patients
- High cholesterol improved in 70% of patients
- Obstructive sleep apnea resolved in 86% of patients
Source: Buchwald H, Avidor Y, Braunwald E, Jensen MD, Pories W, Fahrbach K, Schoelles K. Bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis, JAMA. 2004 Oct 13;292(14):1724-37.
Bariatric Revision Surgery
My New Beginning performs laparoscopic revisions on all prior bariatric surgeries.
- All performed laparoscopically, even if the original surgery was performed open
- Revisions (and Conversions) are available for any previous bariatric procedure
Non-Surgical Medical Weight Loss
Dependent on many factors (insurance, BMI, Physician guidance, personal goals), Non-Surgical Medical Weight Loss is a viable option to assist you in pursuing a healthier life through weight loss. At My New Beginning, we utilize a medical weight loss program which achieves great results for our patients. This includes:
- Weight loss medications
- Metabolic testing and assessment
- Vitamin and protein supplementation
- Individualized nutritional assessment and plan by a Registered Dietician
- Am I Hungry? Mindful Eating series/support group by a Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Which Weight Loss Strategy Is Best For You?
It is essential that you partner with the right surgeon to discuss your condition and expectations.
Together, the two of you can decide which weight loss strategy is best for your personal situation and current health status. You want to be successful and choosing the right weight loss approach is the cornerstone of your success.
At My New Beginning, our team is dedicated to assisting you at each step of your weight loss journey and helping you choose the option that's best for you. Our highly skilled surgeons are committed to getting you on the road to recovery. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
