Bariatric surgery can help morbidly obese people lose weight when other methods, including dietary changes, exercise and medications, fail to produce results. Obese individuals often suffer from obesity-related health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems and high cholesterol. Losing weight can help reduce the risks of developing or exacerbating these conditions. Obese individuals considering a surgical weight loss solution should consult their doctors carefully to understand the potential benefits and risks, and assess whether they would be good candidates for a bariatric procedure.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is the most frequently performed weight loss surgery in the United States, according to New York Presbyterian Hospital. During this procedure, a surgeon staples a small portion of the upper stomach and attaches it to the intestines. Following the surgery, patients cannot eat as much as before, because the small pouch is the only portion of the stomach available to hold food. Most of the stomach and small intestine are bypassed, reducing the amount of calories the body absorbs. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a laparoscopic procedure, meaning only a small incision is required. This type of procedure speeds healing time and reduces the risk of hernia. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgeries have the lowest risk of side effects of any weight loss surgery, but bowel obstruction, kidney stones, low blood sugar and other complications do occur in some patients.
Lap-Band
Lap-band surgery creates a smaller stomach, causing obese patients to lose weight from consuming fewer calories, and slowing down the movement of food through the digestive system. Surgeons place an adjustable band around the upper portion of the stomach. The band can be inflated or deflated to change the size of the stomach after placement. This makes it a good choice for women who may become pregnant, as they can have the band adjusted to allow them to consume more food during pregnancy. Lap-band surgery does not affect nutrient absorption and is minimally invasive, allowing most patients to return home within 24 hours.
Duodenal Switch
Duodenal switch weight loss surgery creates a smaller stomach and prevents the body from absorbing some food by bypassing the small intestine. During the procedure, a surgeon removes about 60 percent of the stomach, and divides the small intestine to create separate passages for food and digestive juices. Patients who undergo duodenal switch surgery can eat close to normal size portions and still lose weight thanks to the decreased absorption of food.
Vertical Banded Gastrectomy
Vertical banded gastrectomy procedures are very similar to lap-band in that they restrict the portion of the stomach that's able to hold food. The band used in a vertical banded gastrectomy is not adjustable, however. The procedure is an option for patients who will not require continuous adjustment of the size of their stomachs and who are able to sustain a permanent change in the anatomy of their digestive systems.
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