When non-invasive weight loss treatments are no longer effective, your healthcare provider may recommend you for one of the bariatric surgery options. This type of surgery focuses on long-term weight loss by making changes in your digestive system.
Along with permanent lifestyle changes and post-surgery rehabilitation, bariatric surgery can help you lose weight and improve your quality of life for the long term.
Choosing which bariatric surgery option is best for you takes time and professional guidance from your healthcare provider. Let’s explore bariatric surgery options available for yourself or a loved one.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or gastric bypass surgery is the most common type of bariatric surgery.
Gastric bypass surgery is done by creating a small pouch from the stomach to the small intestine. As a result, it redirects ingested food past most of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. It also delays the mixing of ingested food and digestive enzymes.
This type of bariatric surgery is for people who:
- Have extreme obesity (have a body mass index of 40 or higher)
- Have a body mass index of 35 to 39.9 and have a serious weight-related health issue, including high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
There are many advantages to this surgery, including long-term weight loss. Other advantages are:
- Improve the quality of one’s life
- Improve or resolve weight-related health issues such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, high cholesterol, and other related diseases.
An extensive screening process is needed to determine whether you qualify for this type of surgery. If you undergo this treatment, permanent lifestyle changes and long-term health plans such as diet, behavior, and physical activity are needed post-surgery.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy involves removing around 80% of your stomach by inserting small instruments through multiple incisions in your abdomen. Your stomach becomes modified to a tube-like banana shape and, as a result, restricts the amount of food you can consume.
This procedure may improve current weight-related issues and your ability to perform routine tasks. It also causes hormonal changes, which help you lose weight.
In general, the people who may be candidates for this treatment have a body mass index of 40 or higher (extreme obesity). Individuals with a BMI of at least 35 (obesity) and weight-related health issues may be recommended for this surgery by their healthcare providers.
Lap-Band Surgery
A gastric band or lap-band surgery involves surgically placing an adjustable silicone band on the upper portion of the stomach to restrict food intake. It reduces the size of the stomach without permanently changing its shape.
Lap-band surgery is generally for people who are suffering from health issues related to obesity and have a BMI of at least 35. This includes people who have obesity and extreme obesity. However, you must consult your healthcare provider to see whether this procedure is right for your condition.
The main advantage of this procedure compared to other bariatric options is that there is no division of the intestines or stomach from this procedure. Your Surgeon may also remove a Lap-Band when needed.
Obesity Treatment Near Me in Tucson, AZ
The risks and results of weight loss surgery differ from person to person. It is essential to consult your healthcare provider and consider every factor to determine which bariatric surgery option can lead to the best outcomes for you.
If you or someone you know is considering bariatric surgery options as a step towards weight loss and better long-term health, Dr. Robert E. Lending can assist you!
Dr. Robert E. Lending’s concierge internal medicine practice offers personalized and quality healthcare. From the on-site services to expert treatment and management of diseases, including obesity with metabolic complications, Dr. Lending can help you get the medical attention you deserve.
To schedule an appointment, call our friendly office today at (520) 795-4291. You can also check your Contact Us page to see directions for our location. We look forward to serving you!
