Several different types of weight loss surgery exist. Options include:

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy, which may also be called “gastric sleeve,” is one of the newest bariatric procedures available. It involves the stapling of the lower part of the stomach in order to reduce the amount of food it can hold. Once the procedure is complete, the patient’s stomach is reduced to a small tube that connects the small intestine and the esophagus

Gastric Band

Also known as lap band surgery, gastric band surgery is a reversible laparoscopic procedure during which a silicone ring is fitted around the upper part of the stomach in order to reduce its capacity. After the ring has been placed, the surgeon can alter the degree of restriction on the stomach by adding or removing saline to the ring with a small needle

Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass is one of the most common bariatric surgeries. This type of weight loss surgery restricts the amount of food the patient can eat at one time by stapling off a portion of the stomach. During the procedure, the surgeon also restructures the intestines in order to bypass the lower part of the stomach and the first portion of the small intestine, which reduces absorption of calories and speeds weight loss. Gastric bypass may be performed laparoscopically or as an open surgery

Biliopancreatic Diversion with duodenal switch

This procedure was first described in the 1980’s. It was not extensively used due to commonly seen complications. It has been modified over the years. It combines two distinct surgeries. The first procedure utilizes what is known as Gastric sleeve. The other operation divides the small intestine in 2 parts. The distal or later part of the intestine is sutured to the stump of the gastric sleeve. The ingested food and liquids will go into the sleeved stomach and into the distal small intestine. Consequently, the proximal intestine is “bypassed”, and will not have contact with food, significantly reducing the absorption of nutrients. Also, the required bile and pancreatic enzymes that assist in absorption of food, it only exposed to the later part of the intestinal tract.

Although the weight loss may be greater than other procedures, it is also expected to have the greater risks of complications. The complications can be either surgical complications or related to the severe malnourishment seen years later. Therefore, some surgeons may not utilize this surgical option.

Weight loss surgery methods are different from one another, and not all patients will benefit from the same type. For example, while lap band surgery is reversible, other types of bariatric surgery are not. Likewise, lap band surgery is adjustable, while other methods cannot be altered. In addition, while sleeve gastrectomy and gastric band surgery simply restrict food intake, gastric bypass restricts food intake and reduces absorption capabilities.

Having weight loss surgery is a big decision that will affect your life dramatically. If you are considering a weight loss surgery, consult with a licensed physician like Dr. Michael Baptista to find the surgical option that is best for your individual situation.

If you are obese, losing weight can help you live a better life and reduce your risk of related health problems. Treatment options for people with obesity include:

• Diet – Eating a nutritious low-calorie diet is often the first line of defense for obesity patients.
• Exercise – Exercise burns calories and promotes the development of lean muscle mass. 
• Weight loss medication – Some medications can speed the metabolism, curb the appetite, and contribute to weight loss.
• Weight loss surgery – When other methods are not effective on their own, lap band surgery, sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass may be the best option for patients.

Because obesity can have so many causes, the same treatments won’t be effective for every patient. If you or someone you care about is dealing with obesity, consult with a licensed physician, such as Dr. Michael Baptista, to learn more about treatment options and find the solution that’s best for you