Types of weight loss surgery

There are three types of weight loss surgeries, which are restrictive, malabsorptive, and combination.

Restrictive procedures include the gastric band, the gastric balloon, and sleeve gastrectomy. These procedures limit the amount of food that can be contained within the stomach. They also effect the rate at which food passes from the stomach into the small intestine. Restrictive procedures can require invasive surgery, as with the gastric band and sleeve gastrectomy. A newer non-surgical option, the gastric balloon, is also gaining in popularity.

Restrictive procedures are less extensive than other forms of weight loss surgery and have a shorter recovery time. Restrictive procedures are good options for those with moderate weight loss goals or those who need to loose weight before pursuing farther weight loss surgery.

Stomach restriction is achieved in the gastric band by filling a thin ring with silicon. This ring pinches the stomach, limiting the amount of food that can be consumed and the rate at which it passes into the small intestine.

The gastric balloon works in much the same way, but instead of a surgically implanted ring, the gastric balloon is inserted non-surgically. The surgeon uses tools to thread the balloon down the patient’s throat and into the stomach where it is then inflated with either air or silicon.

Malabsorptive procedures are no longer accepted forms of weight loss surgery. Instead, combination procedures have gained in popularity.

Combination surgeries combine restrictive and malabsorptive procedures to create maximum weight loss results. The gastric bypass and mini bypass are currently the most popular combination procedures.

The capacity of the patient’s stomach is lowered, which reduces their ability to overeat. Additionally, the small intestine is divided and re-routed to prevent the proper absorption of foods. One end of a small portion of intestine is connected to the restricted stomach and the other end to the lower intestines.

Unfortunately, side effects of combination procedures are vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This can be avoided by taking daily dietary supplements as prescribed by the patient’s surgeon. Combination procedures limit the amount of food that the patient consumes as well as the number of calories absorbed.

Combination procedures are most beneficial to those who are severely obese. The procedure is permanent and will help the patient maintain a healthy weight throughout their lifetime.