The Truth About Weight Loss Surgery
In the past, weight loss surgery was considered to be a last resort for people who were morbidly obese and could not lose weight by any other means. However, due to the advances in medical technology, surgery for overweight individuals is a more common practice. You must know upfront that surgery does take a big commitment. You will have to prepare for the surgery and then recuperate. For best results, you will still need to implement healthy patterns in your lifestyle.
Procedures
There are 3 types of Weight Loss Surgery. Gastric Bypass, Malabsorptive, and Restrictive Procedures
GASTRIC BYPASS-There are 4 types of Gastric Bypass surgeries. RYGB or ROUX-en-Y which has better long-term weight loss than gastric partitioning alone or vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG). It is also reportedly substantially safer than jejunoileal bypass.
The second type of Gastric Bypass is a combination of Open and laparoscopic RYGB. Short-term recovery and weight loss is better and has an occurrence of incisional hernias than the open RYGB.
Laparoscopic RYGB is very common. However, it is essential that it is performed by a qualified and well trained laparoscopic weight loss surgeon.
Long Limb RYGB produces the best short-term weight loss in patients that are greater than 200lbs overweight or whose BMI is greater than 50. There is evidence that the long term benefit of longer limb length decreases over time and may disappear completely.
MALABSORPTIVE PROCEDURES-There are 2 types of Malabsorptive procedures, the Biliopancreatic Diversion with a Duodenal Switch and Biliopancreatic without a Duodenal Switch. Both of these are effective in producing weight loss. You must know that these procedures are still considered investigational, though because there is not enough data on the long-term safety or the metabolic side effects of these methods.
RESTRICTIVE PROCEDURES-There are 2 types of Restrictive procedures. The Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LAGB) and Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG).
LAGB has variable short-term weight loss results. When placed in the pars flaccid path instead of the retrogastric position, LABG may reduce postoperative complications. It does have a lower average mortality rate than RYGB or Malabsorptive Procedures.
VBG has limited use in severe obesity. LAGB has replaced most of the uses of VBG.
It is best to have your surgery done by a surgeon in a high-volume weight loss center. A high volume weight loss center would perform surgery on more than 100 patients per year. For the best results, you should also seek a weight loss center that includes integrated and multidisciplinary treatments. You will get the best care because you will be getting treatment not just through your surgery, but throughout your recovery as well. This care should include Psychological Care by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker who can help you determine if you can develop plans and implement treatments. If you cannot do this, your chances of success are greatly diminished. The weight loss center should also include Nutritional Care. A registered dietitian should counsel you concerning your diet and supplements. And obviously, Medical Care is of utmost importance. Your doctors, nurses, and physicians assistants all contribute uniquely to your care.
When presented with the informed consent papers, be certain you understand what you are consenting to and the long term effects of your surgery and care. If you understand what to expect and what your responsibilities are, you will have much better results.
Weight loss surgery can be considered by patients who have a BMI of over 40 and have major medical complications from obesity such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea. Other criteria include a strong desire for substantial weight loss, understanding what the ramifications are of undergoing surgery and what your responsibilities are, being motivated to follow through with all aspects of treatment, acceptable operative risks. Weight loss surgery should be considered also, if nonsurgical ways of long-term weight loss have been ineffective.
This is a very simplified explanation of weight loss surgery including lap band weight loss surgery. As with any medical concern, consult with your doctor to determine what is best for you.