Weight Loss Surgery is one of the latest medical procedures developed for people who are severely obese and cannot lose
Weight by diet or exercise or those who suffer serious obesity-related health problems.
There are different of procedures for this
Weight Loss operation. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. So it is important to discuss these options with your doctor and ask questions if you need additional information.
Restrictive Operations
Restrictive operations are the safest of the bariatric procedures. This procedure only limits food intake and does not hinder the normal process of digestion. A small pouch is created at the top of the stomach in the area where food enters the esophagus. Initially, the pouch collects about an ounce of
food and later stretch to accommodate about 2-3 ounces. The lower part of the pouch measures about ½ inch in diameter or may be smaller. This portion then delays the emptying of food from the pouch the larger portion of the stomach, thereby giving a feeling of fullness.
Adjustable Gastric Banding (AGB)
With this procedure, a hollow silicone band is placed around the stomach near its upper end, thus creating a small pouch and narrowing the passage to the rest of the stomach. In
Weight Loss Surgery the band inflates through a salt solution by means of a tube that connects the band to a port placed just below the skin. The band can be tightened or loosened when the amount of salt solution is increased or decreased.
Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG)
This method uses the band and staples to make the pouch. Originally, it was the most common restrictive procedure. VBG is not often used nowadays. Restrictive procedures are easier to perform and considered safer. It is usually done by laparoscopy so only small incisions are created. This lessens operating time and hospital stay. While it has its pros, patients who undergo this procedure lose less weight and maintain weight loss than those who underwent malabsorptive operations. Weight Loss Surgery is important to change the patient’s eating habits after the operation. The success of this procedure also depends on the patient’s commitment to healthy eating habits and regular exercise.
Common risk would include vomiting, especially when the patient eats too much; wearing away of the band; breaks with the tubing between the port and the band causing the salt solution to leak. Less common risks include infections and bleeding.
Bilio Pancreatic Diversion (BPD)
BPD is used less often because of the high risk for
nutritional deficiencies. This involves a more complicated procedure, wherein the lower portion of the stomach is removed. The small pouch is connected directly at the last segment of the small intestine, completely avoiding the first and second segment.
Risks would include those related with restrictive procedures. Patients who have undergone this procedure would most probably have complications. Abdominal hernias are also a problem with combined operations.
The cost of these procedures would range from $20,000-$35,000. Check with your healthcare plan or insurance company if you decide to undergo the procedure. There is no total guarantee of any
Weight Loss Surgery plan or program, which includes Surgery, to generate weight loss or maintain weight loss permanently. Any procedure or program would require the utmost commitment of the patient and support from family members and friends.
