The term bariatric surgery encompasses all the weight-loss surgeries that involve making changes to the digestive system. Surgical weight loss procedures are chosen when changes made to the diet plan and exercise regime fail to produce any positive results in weight loss in obese patients or in urgent cases of obese patients whose health condition has worsened due to obesity to the level necessitating immediate attention. There are many different types of surgical weight loss procedures and each promotes weight loss in a different manner. The suitability of a weight loss surgery varies greatly from patient to patient. Certain criteria has to be met to be eligible for each type of weight loss surgery, which is why you need to have a seasoned weight loss specialist by your side to make you understand everything including diet plans, detailed procedure of the surgery, risks and complications and post-surgery recovery. If you are considering a weight loss surgery in Dallas or any place else, continue reading as we discuss three popular surgical weight-loss solutions.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical weight-loss method in which around 85% of the stomach is removed, leaving a small tube-like structure. The removal takes place along the greater curvature of the stomach. The resizing of the stomach restricts the ability of the stomach to hold food which results in the consumption of less food and thereby remarkable weight loss. There is also a significant reduction in appetite post the procedure. The decrease in the desire to eat is due to a reduced production of the hunger-hormone named ‘Ghrelin’ by the endocrine cells in the stomach. Compared to other weight loss surgeries, there are fewer complications as there are no rerouting or banding involved with this procedure.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Pronounced as ‘roo-en-why, and also referred to as gastric bypass surgery, this commonly prescribed surgical procedure involves two different stages involving stomach stapling and creating a bypass. In the first stage, the stomach is divided into a large and a smaller portion. The top larger portion of the stomach is completely cut off from the rest of the stomach. The resultant small pouch (similar to the size of an egg) allows only about an ounce of the food. In the second part of the surgery, a bypass is created through the small intestine by sewing the small pouch directly to the middle part of the small intestine. This helps in reduced absorption of calories and nutrients. So post surgery, the food travels through the small pouch bypassing the majority of your stomach and the starting portion of the small intestine directly to the middle part of the small intestine. This surgical procedure is irreversible and requires a lot of pre-op and post-op care.
Biliopancreatic Diversion
Biliopancreatic Diversion or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal (BPD/DS) switch or simply duodenal switch is a two-step weight-loss surgery which the first step resembles sleeve gastrectomy and in the second step involves the connection of the end portions of the intestine to the duodenum near the stomach. This surgery promotes faster weight loss by lowering nutrient and calorie absorption and appetite. BPD/DS is remarkably an effective process, but there are higher risks of complications such as malnutrition post-surgery which reiterates the important role of follow-ups with a weight-loss specialist.
General Eligibility
Multiple factors govern whether you are eligible for surgical procedures or not, BMI being one of them. If your BMI falls under these categories, you might qualify for most surgical weight loss procedures:
- Without other weight-related problems: BMI equal to 40 or above.
- With other serious weight-related problems including diabetes and blood pressure: BMI between 35 to 39.9.
In some cases, people with BMI between 30 to 34 with serious weight related health concerns are also eligible for weight loss surgeries. It is highly recommended to consult a duodenal switch, gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy surgeon in Dallas or anyplace else that can make the criteria clear to you. A weight loss specialist will also make you clear whether a surgery is needed or whether non-surgical methods such as the Obalon weight loss procedure, Orbera gastric balloon and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty could easily help you lose weight significantly.
Final Word
Bariatric surgeries are not for everyone. a certain set of criteria is required to be qualified. Without a doubt, these surgical procedures result in dramatic weight loss within a short period, but they also come with strict post operative care and long term changes in lifestyle. Before opting for surgical weight-loss solutions, ask yourself whether you are willing to amend some permanent changes in your lifestyle or not. Once you are clear with it, consult a weight loss specialist with experience in bariatric procedures that can guide you thoroughly about your weight loss concerns. Dallas and Fort Worth residents should book an appointment with a leading bariatric surgeon experienced in conducting traditional and laparoscopic, primary and revision weight loss surgery in Dallas.