Understanding the Different Types of Weight Loss Surgery and Which One is Right for You
There are 3 primary types of weight loss surgery that are performed across the United Kingdom:
All of these procedures work towards your goals of losing weight and target individuals that are within the obese range of the BMI. They are all done through keyhole surgery and shouldn’t be mistaken for an ‘easy way out’ or a ‘quick fix’ to weight loss. All surgeries require you to follow a pre-op diet, to reduce the liver. Alongside 3 different phased diets to help your stomach heal and adjust to your new eating habits. These diets include liquid, puree and solid diets.
As briefly mentioned, to be an eligible candidate for any of these surgeries, your BMI must fall into the ‘obese’ range. However, the specifics of this BMI do slightly vary between each bariatric operation.
Gastric Band: minimum BMI of 30
Gastric Sleeve: minimum BMI of 35
Gastric Bypass: minimum BMI of 40
This is because, despite all aiming for similar goals to help bariatric patients live healthier and happier lives, each surgery varies in how it is performed. Furthermore, different surgeries will be better suited to different patients depending on factors such as:
- Age.
- Quality of life.
- Any obesity-related conditions.
So let’s talk more about each surgery and which one may be best for you if you are looking into bariatrics…
Gastric Sleeve:
Gastric sleeve surgery is a permanent procedure to reduce the size of your stomach. It limits the amount you can eat leaving patients feeling fuller for longer. It is often that bariatric patients who have a Gastric Sleeve tend to lose weight quickly compared to other procedures, due to the change of hormones and proteins within their stomach.
When considering this surgery, it’s important to consider the following factors:
- The intestines aren’t affected during this procedure meaning the body doesn’t change the way that it absorbs food meaning you are less likely to become malnourished.
- This procedure cannot be reversed.
For more information about the Gastric Sleeve please click here
Gastric Bypass:
Gastric Bypass surgery is a permanent procedure. It changes the stomach into a small pouch that makes food bypass the small intestine, resulting in fewer calories absorbed. The Gastric Bypass is the most powerful surgery. For this reason, it may be the most suitable if you have a higher BMI and surgery is one of your last resorts. This is because, with the bypass, you can lose up to 80% of your excess weight.
When considering this surgery, it’s important to consider the following factors:
- Due to you losing weight quickly, a lot of obesity-related conditions (such as sleep apnoea and high blood pressure) can be reversed.
- The way your food is absorbed is shifted.
For more information about the Gastric Bypass please click here
Gastric Band:
Gastric Band surgery is a reversible weight loss procedure that places a band around your stomach, limiting the amount you can, to feel full quicker. Due to the procedure of the Gastric Band, if you decide to, your band can be reversed. All potential bariatric patients should strongly consider if surgery is the right option for them and the lifestyle they want. However, if you are still nervous about your surgery, having the band, with an option for it to be reversed, may be more helpful.
When considering this surgery, it’s important to consider the following factors:
- This is a ‘simpler’ operation compared to other options, as well as being safer than more invasive surgeries.
- The recovery time is faster usually due to the procedure itself.
- The weight loss is less drastic and slower compared to alternative options.
For more information about the Gastric Band please click here.
If you are interested in a gastric procedure such as the gastric band, gastric sleeve, gastric bypass or ESG. You can contact our expert team today and book a free consult with one of our weight loss surgeons.
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