Surgery for weight loss, also known as bariatric surgery, can be beneficial to those who are suffering ill effects of excess weight. Figuring out which surgical option is best can be a process. We’ll look at one surgery that has given patients great weight loss results and improved quality of life.
What Is The Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Procedure?
This procedure is one form of bariatric surgery that is extremely effective and is chosen by a plethora of doctors for their weight loss patients.
This type of gastric bypass uses about 5 to 6 small incisions. These incisions will allow for the insertion of a small camera and surgical instruments. Using this technique allows for the work to be done without the abdomen being wide open like in the past.
The purpose of this surgery is to induce weight loss through making the stomach itself smaller and preventing the absorption of some of the calories and nutrition consumed.
The stomach is separated with staples first. This creates the new stomach pouch. After that, the bypass portion of the procedure is performed. A part of the small intestine is attached to the newly-made stomach pouch. This makes it possible for food consumed to not be processed in the duodenum like it would normally.
Advantages Of The Procedure
Some reasons people choose to get this procedure include:
- Patients can lose an average of 77% of their body weight in a year’s time
- Reduction or elimination of obesity-related health conditions like sleep apnea, high blood pressure, depression, or Type 2 diabetes
- Patients find it easier to maintain weight loss over time
- Patients can achieve great results when following the instructions of the medical team
Disadvantages Of The Procedure
Some reasons this procedure may not be ideal for all patients include:
- Possibility of chronic anemia
- Weight loss and maintenance can become hindered if the stomach pouch stretches too much
- Might encounter issues with absorbing calcium and iron
- Possible patients may experience metabolic bone disease
- The stomach pouch is less clear with medical imaging that may show malignancy or ulcers
Who Is A Good Candidate?
A viable candidate for this procedure will:
- Have a BMI of 40 or higher
- Have attempted weight loss through diet and exercise changes with little to no success
- Have a BMI of 35+ and be simultaneously experiencing obesity related issues like sleep apnea, hypertension, or Type 2 diabetes
- Be a teenage patient who is suffering severe obesity-related illness
Schedule a Consultation
Getting this procedure is a process where candidates are screened and it’s made certain they can handle the surgery mentally and physically. It’s also important that patients are aware of risks and other weight loss avenues.
If you’d like to begin your weight loss journey, call Louis Balsama Bariatric Surgery today to book a consultation.
