Learn More About Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery

By Walter Snyder


Having obesity or overweight characteristics is a stressing condition to an individual. These conditions are also associated with chronic disorders and illnesses as well as physically unfitness. This lowers personal self-confidence and self-esteem. These conditions can, however, be reversed if you undergo bariatric weight loss surgery. This procedure uses various techniques with the aim of reducing the volume that the entire alimentary canal can hold mainly in the stomach region.

The procedure reduces the size and body mass as the ingested food volumes are low due to proper reduction and control. This procedure also employs nutrient malabsorption as another way in which body mass and size can be reduced. Causing reduction in these aspects is also done by manipulating release of hormones which is done by some techniques under this procedure. However, most surgeries performed are laparoscopic.

The commonly known techniques under this surgical procedure include the sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, biliopancreatic diversion, adjustable gastric band, and duodenal switch among others. However, the effectiveness of every technique depends on the physician performing it. Also, it depends on the biological factors and the response of the patient towards the procedure.

When it comes to gastric bypass, the stomach size reduction is the main aim. This is done so as to reduce its food holding ability and food amount ingested by an individual. It also aims at reducing production of certain digestive hormones. When it is done, separation is done between the lower and upper stomach regions. When separated, the initial volume is divided into two reducing the volume that is held. This eventually reduces the activities of the digestive tract resulting in general loss of weight.

The advantage of this gastric bypass procedure is that there is better safety since the hormones that cause cravings as well as stimulating hunger are minimized. This procedure is also great for dealing with overweight and diabetes 2. At the same time, body energy expenditure is also effective. Nevertheless, this procedure is usually complicated and may cause serious problems and complications. Again, mineral absorption and vitamins are reduced. The procedure is also associated with long recovery and healing period, and the patient must adhere to certain diets.

In addition, sleeve gastrectomy is performed on one side of the stomach leaving a banana-shaped pouch where ingested food is stored. Hunger suppression and satiety are some of the aspects that this technique properly address. It is an ideal method for blood sugar regulation. The main disadvantage of the technique is that there is no reversing after you have undergone the procedure. It is also liable to early complications.

The gastric band which is adjustable is another technique employed under this procedure. The size of the stomach is reduced aster an inflating band is fixed on the organ to create a smaller pouch. The main merit is that the size can be either increased or decreased due to adjustability characteristic. It is one of the most effective methods of reducing stomach size.

The disadvantage of the adjustable gastric band is a lower rate of effectiveness and you must stick to some dietary regulations. Also, some allergic reactions may arise due to the foreign material.




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