Surgical Weight Loss
For people who struggle with obesity or have a high body mass index (BMI), the best and most effective option for weight loss could be a bariatric procedure. Weight loss surgery can help the patient lose a significant amount of weight and reduce the chances of obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
Bariatric surgery can often be performed laparoscopically. When this kind of surgery is performed, several small incisions are made in the abdominal wall instead of one, large incision as with traditional surgery.
The surgeon then inserts a miniature video camera into the abdomen to view the procedure on a video monitor. Most surgeons believe the camera provides better visualization for access to key anatomical structures.
There are many advantages to the laparoscopic approach. Because this kind of bariatric surgery is less invasive, studies show that patients can experience less pain after surgery resulting in easier breathing, better lung function and higher oxygen levels. Other benefits include less risk of complications such as infection and hernia, and a faster recovery.
Laparoscopic surgery may also be performed with robotic assistance, which provides 3D visualization and requires even fewer incisions.
Not all bariatric patients are candidates for laparoscopic surgery; patients must be evaluated individually to see if this is an option for them. If it is not, weight loss surgery may still be possible with the traditional approach.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery is a procedure that involves stapling an upper portion of the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch. The surgeon then connects the pouch to a section of the lower intestine, bypassing the majority of the small intestine where calories and nutrients are absorbed. This bariatric surgery also causes changes in hormones that also work to promote a feeling of fullness.
Whenever possible, the bariatric team at Laredo Medical Center uses a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach, which requires a shorter hospital stay. Minimally invasive bariatric surgery may lead to less pain and scarring and a quicker recovery.
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch
This more complicated procedure involves removing approximately 50 percent of the stomach and also constructing an intestinal bypass. The smaller stomach, reduction in appetite hormones and significantly reduced calorie absorption in the intestines provide excellent weight loss and long-term resolution of comorbid conditions, such as type 2 diabetes.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
A sleeve gastrectomy procedure involves removing approximately 85% of volume of the stomach of the stomach, leaving a slender stomach "sleeve." This new stomach has a total capacity of just three to five ounces, which means patients feel full or satisfied after eating only a small amount of food. This weight loss surgery also causes changes in hormones that work to further promote a feeling of fullness. The gastric sleeve permanently reduces the size of the stomach, limiting the amount of food you can eat and helping you to feel full faster, and longer.
Revisional and Conversion Surgery
For a variety of reasons, bariatric surgery patients may experience the need for revisions, corrections or conversions of their original operation. Your surgeon can evaluate your situation and recommend appropriate treatment.
Gastric Bypass Revision
If you had gastric bypass surgery and initially experienced weight loss, but have now begun to regain weight, there may be other options for you to consider. Your bariatric surgeon will review gastric bypass revision surgery with you.
Conversion Surgery
If your laparoscopic adjustable gastric band needs to be removed, weight regain is highly likely. Laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery or gastric bypass may be a viable surgical option for patients who experience problems with gastric banding or who do not reach their weight loss goals.
Patient results may vary. Consult your physician about the benefits and risks of any surgical procedure or treatment.