There is a very high failure rate for non-operative weight control methods for the morbidly obese, and in these cases, one of the many types of bariatric surgery might actually be the best treatment option in these cases.

Bariatric surgery will obviously speed up the process of losing unwanted weight, but it’s important to note that even after surgery, if you don’t change your lifestyle to include a proper diet and some physical activity, your end result could be less than desirable.

The type of weight loss surgery you consider for yourself should depend on such things as the amount of weight you’d like to lose and what health problems, if any, you’d like to improve.

Types Of Weight Loss Surgery

Lap Band Surgery (System):

With the lap band system, which is a long-term treatment for the severely obese, a silicone elastic band is placed around the upper part of the stomach. This creates a small pouch and restricts the amount of food that can pass through, as well as creating a feeling of being full.

This band, once in place, can be adjusted externally to allow more food to pass through if needed, or to further restrict the amount allowed to pass through.

The lap band procedure is typically performed by a technique called laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive surgery which is fairly easy on the body, allowing for a quicker recovery time. This procedure normally takes under an hour to perform and patients usually require less than 24 hours hospitalization afterward.

Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG)

This gastric banding surgery procedure, which is also typically performed using laparoscopic surgery, is a more permanent change to your body and is a purely restrictive procedure. The upper stomach is stapled and divided during this process, reducing its size and the amount of food it will hold, thus decreasing one’s appetite and creating a feeling of being full.

VBG takes a little more than an hour to perform and hospital time is usually a few days, with normal activities allowed to resume in about 1-3 weeks. Because people generally have more complications and less weight loss using this procedure, it is used less frequently than other weight loss surgeries.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Performed more frequently than any other weight loss surgery in the U.S., gastric bypass also involves stapling the upper part of the stomach, and it further involves attaching part of the intestines to the pouch created by the stapling. This allows for an even quicker feeling of fullness along with a smaller absorption of calories.

Either open or laparoscopic surgery can be used to perform gastric bypass, and this type of surgery is irreversible. This surgery is not for everyone as there are a number of criteria that must be met before it can be performed. A patient is advised to try and lose weight through a healthy diet and exercise for an extended period of time before considering this type of surgery.

As with any major medical procedure, one should always discuss any possible bariatric surgery risks with their surgeon and doctor to decide which weight loss surgery is right for them. Many variables need to be taken into consideration before a final decision is made, and the surgeon can help you to make the most appropriate choice for you and your circumstances.

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