Bariatric Surgery Procedures - What Exactly Is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is basically a surgery that is done for the purpose of weight loss. It includes a number of surgical procedures with the aim is to reduce the size of the stomach, or sometimes remove a portion of the stomach. It is usually recommended for people who are obese, and no weight loss method is working for them. It offers a long term weight loss solution.

 

There are three main surgical procedures that are used for Bariatric surgery. However, these three procedures have different variants as well. All these procedures are applied keeping in mind the patient's needs and certain other factors. The first procedure is a malabsorptive procedure, which reduces stomach size. It includes Biliopancreatic diversion which is a complex operation that resects the stomach, and creates a smaller stomach. But it can cause nutrition deficiency, malabsorption, and can even cause anemia and osteoporosis.

 

Another category of Bariatric surgery is called the restrictive procedure. The aim of this procedure is to reduce the oral intake which is done by limiting the gastric volume. Vertical banded gastroplasty or stomach stapling is one such technique, in which one part of the stomach is stapled permanently to create a pre-stomach pouch which is smaller in size. Another such procedure is performed through laparoscopy and is known as lap band or Adjustable gastric band. In this procedure, the stomach is restricted by use of a silicone band. Sleeve gastrectomy is also a popular surgical procedure in this category. A large portion of the stomach is removed through surgery, reducing it to 15% of its original size. Gastric balloon and gastric placation are two other popular forms of this type of surgery.

 

There are a number of mixed procedures also for bariatric surgery such as gastric bypass surgery, sleeve gastrectomy with duodenal switch, and implantable gastric simulation. In Gastric bypass surgery a small stomach pouch is created, and connected to the distal small intestine. The small intestine's upper portion is reattached to the y-shaped configuration. This procedure is the favorite bariatric surgery procedure all around the world. In sleeve gastrectomy part of the stomach is resected, including the greater curve. The stomach is tubulized and volume is reduced.

 

All these techniques have their pros and cons. Some procedures are more effective than the others, and some carry more risk than others. The malabsorptive surgical procedure is more effective in terms of weight loss, however it carries more risks. Research has shown that patients who have undertaken a malabsorptive bariatric surgery face more complications and side effects, after the surgery. Whereas restrictive surgery might be less effective, but carries fewer risks. In the United States, gastric bypass is the most popular form of surgery. It is considered as the gold standard in the United States. Thousands of people undergo this type of surgery and loose weight in an effective manner with no or minimum risk. However, a major factor determining success is post surgical care.

 

 

About the Author

To learn more about Bariatric surgery and quick and easy way of weight loss try visiting http://www.plasticsurgeryfl.com/