An In-depth Look Into Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is the term given to surgical weight loss procedures and techniques
that help overweight, obese and morbidly obese individuals lose weight by restricting the amount of food absorbed into the body. Bariatric surgery is often considered a last resort for individuals suffering a variety of weight-related health conditions and disease processes. However, consumers considering any type of bariatric surgery should know that results are not instantaneous, and those who go through bariatric surgical procedures must be prepared to commit to long term lifestyle changes for optimal success.
Who Qualifies for Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery?
Not everyone qualifies as a good candidate for bariatric weight loss surgery. Generally, an individual is not even considered for surgery unless he or she has repeatedly tried to lose weight through diet and exercise without success.
Likely candidates are also among those diagnosed with life threatening conditions caused by weight related issues such as joint problems, diabetes, heart conditions, or severely limited mobility.
Individuals with genetic dispositions or conditions that cause obesity are considered good candidates, as are those with unusually high body mass index (30.0) or above. In addition, ideal candidates are those without a history of drug or alcohol abuse, psychiatric issues and have suffered from obesity for at least five years.
Most Common Types of Bariatric Surgery
Adjustable Gastric Band
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB)
Gastric Sleeve
Biliopancreatic Bypass with the Duodenal Switch
Incision Free
A handful of types of weight loss surgical procedures are commonly performed both domestically and abroad. Patient and physician consider which procedure is optimal for his or her condition. Eating behaviors, health, body mass index, and other medical conditions affected by weight gain are often determining factors to such decisions.
Open or Closed Bariatric Surgical Procedures
Bariatric surgery is performed through one or more small incisions in the abdominal region, known as open surgery, or through a laparoscopic approach. Laparoscopic techniques utilize instruments inserted through small 1/2-inch incisions. A laparoscope is a long, hallow tube-like instrument with a camera attached to one end that sends images to a monitor in the operating theatre. Today, most bariatric surgical procedures are performed laparoscopically in order to reduce complications, tissue damage, and encourage earlier discharge from hospital environments.
Adjustable gastric band (AGB) decreases food intake through the use of a band placed around the top of the stomach that creates a pouch about the size of an adult thumb. A balloon inside the band controls the outlet of this pouch and encourages or restricts intake into the digestive tract.
Gastric sleeve (GS) procedure is generally performed for patients who have a high risk of complications due to medical conditions and massive body weight. This procedure restricts food intake by removing much of the stomach.
A biliopancreatic bypass with the duodenal switch is a complex procedure that involves removal of the lower part of the stomach. The small remaining pouch is directly attached to the small intestine. While this procedure does promote optimal weight loss, it does carry complications because of decreased absorption of minerals, vitamins, as well as food in the body.
Incision free bariatric surgical procedures are relatively new, and are performed without actually cutting into the skin. Instead, tools and bariatric equipment are often inserted in the throat to perform these incision free procedures. While a still relatively new technique, increasing numbers of bariatric surgeons are performing this type of procedure.
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass technique actually reduces the amount of food absorbed in the digestive tract. This procedure routes food to pass directly from a small pouch created for food intake directly into the small intestine, bypassing much of the stomach, duodenum, and upper intestine.
Consumers must be aware that any type of bariatric surgery or bypass procedure carries with it risk of infection, bleeding, and blood clots.
by: johnson author
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