Obesity has become a global epidemic, with millions struggling to lose weight and improve their health. For those who have tried various diets, exercise programs, and lifestyle changes without success, weight loss surgery (WLS) may be a viable option. However, it’s important to carefully consider whether it’s the right choice for you.
This article will explore the different types of metabolic and bariatric surgery, their benefits and risks, and how to determine if it’s the right option for you.
Types of Obesity Surgery
There are several types of surgery for weight loss, also known as bariatric surgery. They are designed to help individuals lose weight by altering their digestive systems. Small cameras and thin instruments are currently used in minimally invasive intestinal incisions. Clinics such as Tonic Weight Loss Surgery will be able to help you understand the different options, but the most common types of surgery include:
Gastric bypass
This procedure involves creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach and bypassing a portion of the small intestine. This restricts the amount of food consumed and reduces the absorption of nutrients, resulting in weight loss.
Sleeve gastrectomy
A sleeve gastrectomy removes a large part of the stomach, leaving a smaller, banana-shaped “sleeve” that limits the amount of food consumed.
Adjustable gastric banding
This operation involves placing a band around the top of the stomach, creating a small pouch, and restricting the amount of food consumed. The band can be adjusted to control the rate of weight loss.
Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS)
This procedure involves removing a portion of the stomach and rerouting the small intestine to create two pathways for food and digestive juices. This results in a smaller stomach pouch and reduced absorption of calories and nutrients, leading to weight loss.
Intragastric balloon
In this option, a deflated balloon is placed into the stomach endoscopically and then filled with saline to create a feeling of fullness, limiting the amount of food consumed. The balloon is typically removed after a few months.
Revisional surgery
This type of surgery is performed on individuals who have previously undergone surgery for weight loss but may require additional surgical intervention due to complications, inadequate weight loss, or weight regain. Revision surgery may involve modifying or revising a previous weight loss procedure or converting one type of surgery to another.
Comparison table of different surgeries:
| Surgery Type | Gastric Sleeve | Gastric Bypass | Mini Bypass | LAP-BAND | Duodenal Switch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stomach Alterations | 80% removed (1 to 3 ounces) | small pouch (stoma) | small sleeve shape pouch | stomach size is reduced | 75% removed like gastric sleeve |
| Changes to Intestines | no changes | small intestine is bypassed | small intestine is bypassed | no changes | last several feet of small intestine is switched |
| Average Hospital Stay | 2 days | 2 to 3 days | 2 to 3 days | 1 day | 2 to 3 days |
| Operating Time | 1 to 2 hours | 2.5 hours | 2.5 hours | 1 to 2 hours | 3 to 4 hours |
| Recovery Time | 3 weeks | 6 weeks | 6 weeks | 2 weeks | 8 weeks |
| Advantages | no change to anatomy high weight loss | high weight loss helps with comorbidities | high weight loss helps with comorbidities | reversible | very high weight loss helps with comorbidities |
| Disadvantages | non-reversible | dumping syndrome | dumping syndrome | complications with the band | frequent bowel movement |
| Expectations | 60% to 70% EWL in 1-2 years after surgery | 70% to 80% EWL in 2 years after the surgery | 70% to 80% EWL in 1 year after surgery | 40% to 50% EWL | 75% to 85% EWL in 1 year after surgery |
| Success Rate | 85% to 95% | 80% to 90% | 85% to 90% | 40% to 50% | 85% to 95% |
| Post-surgery Diet | 4 Stages Post-Op Diet | 4 Stages Post-Op Diet | 4 Stages Post-Op Diet | Follow a Liquid Diet for 3 weeks then slowly add solid foods | 4 Stages Post-Op Diet |
| Time Off Work | 1-2 weeks | 2 to 3 weeks | 2 to 3 weeks | 1 week | 3 weeks |
Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
Bariatric surgery can have several benefits, including:
Significant weight loss
Surgery can help individuals lose a significant amount of weight, improving their overall health and reducing the risk of obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
Improved quality of life
Losing weight can lead to increased mobility, reduced joint pain, improved self-esteem, and a better quality of life overall.
Long-term weight maintenance
Unlike many traditional diets, bariatric operation has been shown to provide long-term weight maintenance, which can lead to sustainable weight loss results.
Resolution of obesity-related conditions
Obesity surgery has been shown to help resolve or improve many obesity-related conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea, leading to better health outcomes.
Risks and Considerations
This surgery is a major medical procedure and carries risks, including:
Surgery risks: As with any surgical procedure, surgery carries risks such as infection, bleeding, and anesthesia-related complications.
Nutritional deficiencies: Individuals may need vitamin and mineral supplements after the surgery to prevent nutritional deficiencies due to reduced food intake and absorption.
Lifestyle changes: After the operation, it requires significant lifestyle adjustments, including dietary restrictions, regular exercise, and ongoing medical follow-up, to ensure success.
Emotional and mental health: Surgery can have emotional and mental health implications, including changes in body image, relationships, and coping mechanisms. Psychological support may be necessary to navigate these changes.
Is Bariatric Surgery Right for Me?
Deciding if the surgery is right for you requires careful consideration and consultation with healthcare professionals. Some factors to consider include:
BMI and health status: The surgery is typically recommended for individuals with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions. Your overall health status, including obesity-related conditions, should also be considered.
Previous weight loss efforts: If you have tried multiple weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise, without success, obesity surgery may be an option to consider.
Commitment to lifestyle changes: Laparoscopic surgery requires significant lifestyle adjustments, including changes to your diet, exercise habits, and ongoing medical follow-up. Assessing your readiness and willingness to commit to these changes is important before opting for surgery.
Risk and benefit assessment: Weighing the risks and benefits of surgery is crucial. Understanding the potential risks, such as surgical complications and nutritional deficiencies, against the potential benefits of significant weight loss, improved health, and quality of life is essential to making an informed decision.
Psychological readiness: The surgery for obesity can have emotional and mental health implications. It’s important to assess your psychological readiness and have a support system to cope with potential changes in body image, relationships, and emotional well-being.
Medical evaluation: Before undergoing surgery, a thorough medical evaluation is necessary to assess your overall health, identify any potential contraindications, and determine the most appropriate type of surgery for you.
Long-term commitment: It is not a quick fix but a lifelong commitment to healthy habits. Preparing for long-term follow-up care, monitoring, and maintenance is important to ensure successful outcomes.
Do I Qualify For Weight Loss Surgery “Quiz”
1. What is your current body mass index (BMI)?
- BMI of 40 or higher
- BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea
- BMI of 30 or higher with type 2 diabetes that is difficult to manage with medication
2. Are you willing to make lifestyle changes after surgery?
The surgery is a tool to help you lose weight, but it is not a magic bullet. You must still make lifestyle adjustments to keep the weight off after surgery. You must be willing to follow healthy diets and regular workouts.
3. Are you emotionally ready for weight loss surgery?
It is a major surgery, and it is important to be emotionally ready for the changes it will bring. You should be prepared to deal with recovery’s physical and emotional challenges.
If you answered yes to all of these questions, you may be a candidate for obesity surgery. However, talking to your doctor for a personalized assessment is important.
Here are some additional factors that your doctor will consider when evaluating your candidacy for surgery:
- Your age
- Your overall health problems
- Your motivation to lose weight
- Your support system
If you are interested in WLS, talk to your doctor to learn more about the risks and benefits of the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicaid cover weight loss surgery?
Medicaid’s coverage of this surgery is inconsistent across states, with some providing coverage while others do not. Typically, Medicaid will cover the cost of WLS if it is deemed medically necessary to treat a serious medical condition directly linked to obesity. In other words, the procedure must address a significant health concern.
How do you tell if someone has had weight loss surgery?
It is not always easy to tell if someone has had surgery just by looking at them. In some cases, the individual may lose a significant amount of weight very quickly, which could indicate that they have undergone bariatric surgery.
Other signs that someone may have had surgery for obesity include:
- The appearance of scars on the abdomen or other parts of the body.
- The consumption of smaller food portions during meals.
- A decrease in appetite or feelings of hunger.
- The need to take vitamin supplements.
Which weight-loss surgery is best for me?
Choosing the right surgery depends on several factors, including overall health, personal preferences, and weight loss goals. It’s essential to discuss the pros and cons of each type of WLS with your healthcare provider. A bariatric surgeon can help determine which option is best suited for you based on your needs and circumstances.
How do I hide weight loss surgery?
If you decide to hide your bariatric surgery, there are a few things you can do to make it less obvious.
- Wearing loose-fitting clothes will help hide any changes in your body shape.
- Use makeup or clothing to hide any scars resulting from the surgery.
- If people ask how you lost weight, you can say you changed your diet and exercise.
- If people do find out about your surgery, be prepared to answer their questions. You can explain that you had the surgery to improve your health and that you are happy with the results.
Which weight loss surgery has the highest success rate?
The success rates of WLS can vary depending on several factors, including the patient’s health status and adherence to post-operative guidelines. However, gastric bypass surgery (also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) has generally been considered to have the highest success rate.
Here are some of the most common WLS and their approximate success rates:
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: 70%,
- Sleeve gastrectomy: 60%,
- Adjustable gastric banding: 50%.
Can you have weight-loss surgery twice?
In some cases, it is possible to have WLS more than once. This is known as revisional bariatric surgery. A second weight loss surgery depends on several factors, such as the patient’s health status and the reason for the first operation. However, it’s important to note that revisional bariatric surgery is generally more complex and carries additional risks.
How much does weight loss surgery cost in the U.S.?
The cost of this surgery in the United States can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of procedure, geographic location, and the healthcare provider’s fees. On average, the cost of WLS can range from $15,000 to $30,000 or more.
Final Thought
In conclusion, weight loss surgery can be a viable option for individuals struggling with obesity who have not achieved success with other weight loss methods.
However, WLS is a significant decision that requires thorough evaluation and consideration of all potential risks and benefits.
Working closely with a qualified healthcare professional is essential to determine if obesity surgery is the right option for you.
Read next: Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass Surgery
Article source:
- American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS)
- International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO)
- National Institutes of Health guidelines for bariatric surgery (National Library of Medicine)
- NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH)