What Different Weight Loss Surgeries are Out There?

Bariatric, or weight loss surgery, is a surgical procedure that is used as an aid in weight loss by changing the digestive system. People who are morbidly obese are candidates for these types of surgeries, meaning they have to weight at least 100 pounds more than their ideal weight. Some of the common surgeries include:

1. Biliopancreatic Division- This is also called gastric bypass surgery, and it is not performed much anymore, since many patients were becoming malnourished after the procedure. This is performed by making a smaller pouch inside the stomach, and part of the intestine is attached to the pouch. Since parts of the intestine are bypassed, patients must take supplements to make up for the nutrient loss.
2. Vertical banded Gastroplasty- This is also known as stomach stapling. This is where a portion of the stomach is stapled permanently to make a small pouch. This gives the patient a smaller stomach so they can only eat very little to feel full.
3. Jejuno-ileal Bypass- This is where a portion of the jejunum is connected to the ileum. It has also been shown to cause patients to suffer from malnourishment since food doesn’t pass through the areas of the intestines that are responsible for the absorption of food. This procedure is no longer done due to this.
4. Vertical Banded Gastroplasty- This is known as lap band surgery, and this is where a band makes a small pouch in the stomach. The band can be adjusted via a valve where more or less saline solution is added to the pouch, making the pouch smaller or bigger.

The Biliopancreatic division surgery isn’t performed much anymore, and the Jejuo-ileal bypass is never performed now. However, if necessary, the Biliopancreatic division surgery can be performed.

Stomach stapling is actually a term used to refer to any type of bariatric surgery that cannot be reversed, and the patient needs to take supplements for the rest of their lives to insure that they do not become malnourished.

The most popular form of bariatric surgery today is the lap band procedure, since it can be adjusted. If it is found that the patient isn’t getting the right amount of food they need, the band can be adjusted easily. The band can be adjusted until the patient reaches their ideal weight, and still get all of the nutrients they require for good health.

People that have the lap band procedure often lose weight like someone that is dieting and exercising. However, some patients are unable to exercise until they have lost some of the weight. As long as good eating habits are followed and exercise is incorporated into their life, people that have the lap band procedure can lose the weight they need to have better health and higher self esteem.