What Types of Weight Loss Surgeries are Available?
Weight loss surgeries have become a popular choice for those suffering from obesity and those who have been unsuccessful using traditional weight loss programs. When considering weight loss surgery, it is important to be aware of the various procedures available.
Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG): Often referred to stomach stapling, surgical staples are used to section the stomach into two parts. The upper part is smaller, which provides a limited area for food. Food travels from the upper pouch into the lower pouch via a tiny opening. A band is placed around the opening to prevent stretching.
Gastric Bypass Surgery: This surgery involves sectioning the stomach into two parts and then closing off the upper part from the lower part. The surgeon connects the upper stomach directly to the lower section of the small intestine. A shortcut for the passage of food is created by bypassing a portion of the stomach and intestine. By doing this, fewer calories are absorbed into the body. This type of surgery is one of the common procedures performed for weight loss.
Laparoscopic Gastric Banding (Lap-Band): An inflatable band is placed around the upper stomach to create a small pouch. The band is inflated with saline to reduce the size of the stomach thus decreasing food intake. It creates a feeling of fullness. The band can be adjusted to change the size of the food passage. This surgery is usually chosen by those with severe obesity and health related issues.
Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD): A large portion of the stomach is removed. The quantity of food and stomach acid production becomes limited. The remaining small pouch is connected directly to the end portion of the small intestine. This allows for total bypassing of other parts of the small intestine. The calories are routed into the colon where they are not absorbed thereby causing weight loss. This procedure is not normally used in the United States because of the high risk for nutritional deficiencies. Removing a portion of the stomach is also quite evasive.
The type of weight loss surgery that you choose will depend on your individual circumstance such as your health condition and body type. Because there are advantages and disadvantages associated with each type of weight loss procedure, you should consult with your physician or a weight loss surgery specialist.