An Insight On Available Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Techniques

By Walter Snyder


Being overweight or obese are conditions that make individuals uncomfortable, prone to chronic diseases, physically unfit and are associated with low self-esteem and self-confidence. People with such conditions may be limited to various activities. However, this can be reversed by use bariatric weight loss surgery. This surgery entails a variety of procedures that are performed on the patient suffering from overweight or obesity. The main activities and techniques undertaken by this method involve the reduction in the size of stomach and food reservoirs.

The procedure reduces the size and body mass as the ingested food volumes are low due to proper reduction and control. This procedure also employs nutrient malabsorption as another way in which body mass and size can be reduced. Causing reduction in these aspects is also done by manipulating release of hormones which is done by some techniques under this procedure. However, most surgeries performed are laparoscopic.

Some of the most known and common techniques under this surgery include sleeve gastrectomy, biliopancreatic diversion, gastric bypass, duodenal switch and adjustable gastric band among others. The effectiveness of each technique relies on the medical practitioner performing it, the patient response to the procedure and other biological factors found in the body.

A gastric bypass is usually performed so as to lower the quantity of the food a stomach can hold while still inhibiting the release of some hormones. Both the upper and the lower stomach are reduced such that the upper pouch can only hold a small amount of food. The gastric bypass is usually effective since the amount held is small thereby minimizing the activity of the digestive system. As a result, body mass reduces as well.

The procedure is advantageous in that, hormones that stimulate hunger and cause craving are not produced therefore suppressing hunger and increasing satiety. Diabetes type 2 and obesity are addressed by this technique in the most effective manner. Proper energy use in the body is also enhanced by this procedure. On the contrary, the procedure is complex and can result in life-threatening complications. It is also associated with causing a deficiency in minerals and vitamins in the body. Bed rest, recovery and healing time for this procedure is long.

Another bariatric procedure is the sleeve gastrectomy. This technique is usually aimed at minimizing the stomach size significantly. A pouch that looks similar to a banana is left where the ingested food goes. This technique is great for controlling blood sugar, promoting satiety, and hunger suppression. The main disadvantage is that it cannot be reversed. It is also possible to have complications after some time.

The other technique is the adjustable gastric band. The technique is usually effective in minimizing the size of the stomach using an inflatable band that is adjustable when there is the need for adjustment. The procedure also reduces the size of your stomach such that it holds less food. The procedure is also adjustable and reversible.

The disadvantage of the adjustable gastric band is a lower rate of effectiveness and you must stick to some dietary regulations. Also, some allergic reactions may arise due to the foreign material.




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