The Basics of Weight Loss Surgery and the Most Effective Options for It
Millions of people across the country struggle with their weight. Many of these individuals actively diet and exercise to slim down, yet their efforts yield less than desirable results. Obesity is not simply a byproduct of poor diet and lifestyle habits. It is common in people who have certain medical conditions, genetics, and other mitigating factors. Weight loss (bariatric) surgery is the ideal solution for individuals who cannot lose weight on their own.
This guide offers a brief introduction to the different medical weight loss procedures available at My New Beginning. Healthy body weight is necessary for good overall health and well-being. Excess fat, health concerns, and personal habits can make shedding excess pounds difficult, in some cases almost impossible. Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective solution that physically and chemically changes the way the body responds to food to encourage weight reduction.
Weight Loss Surgery Options
My New Beginning offers several medical options for weight loss. Each surgical weight loss procedure has its own pros and cons that patients should take into consideration on their weight loss journey. Our surgeons offer consultations to empower potential patients to make the best-informed decisions regarding their weight loss needs.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure is done laparoscopically. During the procedure, the surgeon sections the stomach off into two sections and redirects the digestive tract to alter hunger hormone production. Reshaping the stomach and mid-portion of the intestines minimizes the amount of food that can travel through and alters the production of digestive enzymes and hormones. It also decreases food absorption. The benefits of laparoscopic gastric bypass include:
- Better health
- Smaller stomach size
- Reduced hunger sensations
- Increased feelings of fullness
- Improved digestive hormone and enzyme regulation
Duodenal Switch
Another minimally invasive bariatric surgery option that alters the shape and size of the intestines to reduce appetite is the duodenal switch. During surgery, the surgeon removes 75 percent of the small intestine. The remaining portion of the intestine is used to reduce the size of the stomach. With a significant amount of the intestines removed, consumed food has a shorter path to travel through in the digestive system. The benefits of duodenal switch weight loss surgery include:
- Smaller food capacity
- Lower food absorption
- Fewer post-operative restrictions
- Offers up to an 85 percent reduction in weight
- Higher efficacy than other surgical weight loss procedures
da Vinci Robotic Surgery
Robotic-assisted weight loss is performed with the da Vinci System. This revolutionary advanced system enables the surgeon to alter the digestive system with greater precision for better results. The stomach is reduced to a slender tube to minimize food portions. The benefits of da Vinci Robotic weight loss surgery include:
- Fewer incisions
- Less blood and pain
- Shorter recovery
- Minimal scarring
- Better Outcome
- Fewer complications
Gastric Band
Gastric band involves shrinking the size of the upper stomach with a special adjustable sleeve/inflatable band. The band does not interfere with food absorption, it merely minimizes the amount of food the stomach can hold. The band is adjustable so that it can be resized to accommodate the patient’s weight loss goals and health needs. Benefits of gastric band include:
- Not permanent, stomach returns to normal size upon belt removal
- Reduces stomach size and food capacity
- No surgical alterations to the digestive system
- Often an outpatient procedure
- Low risk of post-operative complications
Bariatric Revision Surgery
Bariatric revision surgery is a minimally-invasive procedure. Revisions are sometimes necessary to help patients achieve their ideal weight. Common reasons for bariatric revision surgery include complications from previous weight loss surgeries, such as ulcers, hiatal hernias, and lap band displacement. Revision surgery is also available for patients interested in converting to other bariatric treatment options. Revision surgery is not ideal for everyone. Before accepting any patient for bariatric revision surgery, My New Beginning’s patients undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation, including an in-depth analysis of previous weight loss procedure results. Bariatric revision weight loss surgery is highly effective at helping patients maximize their results.
Alternative Medical Weight Loss Options
My New Beginning offers alternative noninvasive medical weight loss treatments to support individuals on their weight loss journey. Our medical weight loss options are highly effective and ideal for anyone who wants to bridge the gap between surgical and traditional weight loss methods. New Beginning’s medical weight loss programs include weight loss medications, nutritional and psychological support, and metabolic screenings for anyone who is ready to achieve their ideal size while maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
As with any surgical procedure, weight loss surgery carries risks. Risk and side effect assessments are incorporated into each patient’s custom weight loss treatment plan.
Is Surgical Weight Loss Right for Me?
Bariatric surgery is a great solution for people with high BMIs or who are not satisfied with their current weight loss progress. Many patients experience major improvements in their health, appearance, and mobility. Losing weight to overcome obesity offers the following benefits:
- Improves insulin resistance in diabetics
- Better hypertension and cholesterol management
- Reduction in asthma symptoms
- Helps reverse infertility
- Improves sleep apnea
- Reduces joint pain and stiffness
- Boosts energy and vitality
Bariatric surgery facilitates weight loss by altering the size and shape of the stomach to increase feelings of fullness faster. Reshaping the stomach regulates the production of hunger hormones (ghrelin and leptin) to reduce appetite sensations and food cravings. Fewer food cravings make it easier for patients to achieve a healthier weight. For optimal and ongoing results, patients are encouraged to develop healthier eating and lifestyle habits.
Contact Us to Get Started
My New Beginning is dedicated to assisting you with your weight loss journey. Our registered dietician, licensed clinical psychologist, highly skilled surgeons, and staff are committed to helping you reach a healthier weight. Contact us at (866) 407-3875 or (214) 324-6127 today to schedule an appointment for a weight loss surgery consultation.