The 4 different types of weight loss surgery
- Amber Stanley
- March 16, 2023
- 10:02 am
Real and effective methods in helping you lose weight.
If you’ve come this far you probably know what weight loss surgery is, but let’s delve deeper into the four main types of weight loss surgery: gastric band, gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and non-surgical sleeve (ESG). Each type of surgery works differently, but all four have been shown to be effective in helping people lose weight.
The Gastric Band
Gastric band surgery, also known as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), involves placing an adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach to create a smaller pouch. This restricts the amount of food that can enter the larger stomach pouch at any time, making the person feel full faster and stay fuller for longer periods. The band can be adjusted by injecting saline into a port located under the skin, which can be removed or adjusted without additional surgery.
The weight loss with gastric banding surgery is gradual and typically slower than other types of bariatric surgery however, the surgery is reversible, and it has a lower risk of complications compared to other procedures.
The Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass surgery involves seperating the stomach into two sections to create a smaller pouch at the upper part of the stomach. The smaller pouch is then connected to the middle of the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine. This limits the amount of food the stomach can hold and reduces the absorption of nutrients and calories. Due to the absorption of nutrients being restricted, it is crucial that all patients take the correct vitamins each day following surgery to maintain a healthy body alongside the weight loss. All the vitamins you will need to take will be recommended by your surgeon or one of our team members at Healthier Weight.
Gastric bypass surgery results in significant weight loss, with most people losing between 60% and 80% of their excess weight within the first year after surgery. It is usually recommended for people with a very high BMI or for those who have a lot of weight to lose. This procedure can also improve or resolve obesity-related health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
The Gastric Sleeve
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, involves removing a large portion of the stomach (around 80%) to create a smaller ‘banana-like’ shaped pouch. This reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold and changes the production of hormones, such as ghrelin, that control hunger and metabolism.
Gastric sleeve surgery results in significant weight loss, with most people losing between 60% and 70% of their excess weight within the first two years after surgery. Similarly to the gastric bypass, it can also improve or resolve obesity-related health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
Incisions and scarring:
The 4-5 incisions made to operate for the gastric band, bypass and sleeve, are all relatively small and once these wounds have fully healed over time, you will only be left with small scars.
The Non-Surgical Sleeve (ESG)
Non-surgical sleeve, also known as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), involves using an endoscope down the patient’s throat to insert sutures in the stomach, creating a smaller ‘banana-like’ shaped pouch. The sutures remain in place, reducing the stomach size and limiting the amount of food it can hold.
Although the non-surgical sleeve is similar to the sleeve gastrectomy; it can be an appealing option due to being less invasive than other types of bariatric surgery as doesn’t require any incisions or scars due to being operated orally. However, the weight loss is typically less significant than other procedures and may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results.
Make the decision that's best for you!
In conclusion, it is important you are aware of the four different types of weight loss surgery to make the decision that is best for you. However, upon your free consultation, our surgeons will also advise what they think will be best for you from their medical expertise to ensure you have the most satisfactory outcome.
Weight loss surgery can be a very effective treatment option for individuals who are living with obesity and have not been successful with traditional weight loss methods. If you think this is you, contact us today and we can help you to change your life!