If you are considering bariatric surgery, you should be aware of all of your options. This term refers to a series of surgical procedures designed to treat obesity. People who are significantly overweight and have not been able to effectively treat this condition with diet and exercise may benefit from one of these options, but only a doctor can make this official diagnosis.

There are three main categories of bariatric surgical procedures, which include predominately malabsorptive procedures, predominately restrictive procedures, and mixed procedures, which include some characteristics of the two previous types. Predominately malabsorbative procedures are rare, but used to be the most common type. Due to the long term need for nutritional follow up care, and other health and safety factors, most physicians will not perform these procedures. As dramatic as the results achieved through bariatric surgery may be, it is important to remember that it is only a tool, and does not fix weight problems in and of itself.

Predominantly restrictive procedures are performed with the goal of reducing the size of the stomach and include adjustable gastric or lap band surgery, and gastric bypass surgery, in addition to mixed procedures.

Gastric Bypass surgery results in the creation of a pouch within the stomach, via a stapler device and connected to the small intestine. This creates a feeling of fullness quickly and results in a lower caloric intake. This surgery is also known as Laproscopy, which is a procedure in which a tube is inserted through a small incision into the abdomen. Carbon dioxide gas is pumped in to expand the abdomen and a small

camera is inserted so that the surgeon can easily view the area during the procedure.

Lap band surgery is generally recommended for patients who are morbidly obese, defined as having a BMI of 40 or greater. It is less invasive than gastric bypass and involves the placement of a gastric band around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch that limits food intake. Like gastric bypass surgery, lap band surgery is also performed laproscopically. Patients have reported a faster recovery time, and faster results in some cases when dietary guidelines for post surgery are adhered to.

When researching bariatric surgery options, it is important to explore all avenues of opportunity available. The decision to have any type of surgery is not one to be taken lightly and should be entered into only with the advice and recommendations of a qualified physician.



By: Terry Parker

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Weight loss surgery, or Bariatric Surgery, is a surgical method that is used to aid in weight loss through alteration of the digestive system. Only those who are considered morbidly obese can have weight loss surgery and morbidly obese is defined as those who are at least one hundred pounds overweight. For those who qualify for weight loss surgery, there are several options that are available. But first there are three classifications.

The classifications

The classifications of weight loss surgery are as follows:

Biliopancreatic Division – This procedure is commonly referred to as BPD, but is rare. Many also know it as gastric bypass surgery. The reason why it is not performed frequently is because patients were found to experience malnourishment. How it works is that a smaller stomach pouch is formed out of part of the stomach. Then a small part of the intestine is connected to that pouch. This completely bypasses the jejunum and the duodenum. Patients who undergo this procedure must take supplements to compensate for the loss in nutrients from food.

Vertical banded Gastroplasty – This is a procedure that is also called stomach stapling. A part of the stomach is permanently stapled to create a smaller pouch out of part of the stomach. This smaller pouch is considered to be the new, smaller stomach.

Jejuno-ileal Bypass – The top part of the jejunum is connected into the ileum, which is located at a place that is further down the smaller intestine. This is another procedure that is known to cause malnourishment because the food does not pass through all of the areas of the jejunum that absorbs food. Without proper nourishment, a person can also experience liver failure. This is one procedure that is no longer performed on patients.

Vertical Banded Gastroplasty – This is also referred to as lap band surgery and many are familiar with this. This procedure also forms a small stomach pouch, but it is done by an adjustable band. The band is adjusted through a “vale” or “opening” in the stomach that the doctor can easily manipulate to make the band fit comfortably.

The most common

As stated above, the Jejuo-ileal Bypass procedure is no longer performed, so that should not be a procedure that is requested. It is also stated that the Biliopancreatic Division surgery is not as common anymore either. However, this procedure can be performed on a patient if it is found that it is necessary.

As for stomach stapling, this term is actually a loose term that describes a number of weight loss surgeries in which a small pouch is permanently formed. This process cannot be reversed and it is very important for the individual to take supplements to make sure adequate nutrition levels are achieved.

However, the most popular of these surgeries is lap band surgery because of its ability to be adjusted. If the patient is not getting enough food to sustain themselves, the band can be loosened to make the pouch larger. It can be adjusted until optimal weight loss is achieved while taking in adequate nutrients. Those who have the lap band procedure done lose weight about as fast as someone doing both diet and exercise. However, there are some who are not able to incorporate exercise until they eliminate some of the weight.

But out of the available procedures, it is up to the patient which they would like to have done and which the doctor recommends. Every individual is different. Where one person may be able to have a stomach stapling procedure, another may not and have to go with the lap band procedure. Either way, weight loss isn’t just a dream but a reality.



By: Amy Nutt

About the Author:

If you are considering the lap band procedure, a type of gastric bypass surgery, you are likely trying to find out everything that you can about the surgical process. Lap band surgery falls into the category of bariatric surgical procedures and there are three main categories of bariatric surgical procedures, which include predominately malabsorptive procedures, predominately restrictive procedures, and mixed procedures, which include some characteristics of the two previous types.

Predominately malabsorbative procedures are rare, but used to be the most common type. Due to the long term need for nutritional follow up care, and other health and safety factors, most physicians will not perform these procedures. As dramatic as the results achieved through bariatric surgery may be, it is important to remember that it is only a tool, and does not fix weight problems in and of itself.

Predominantly restrictive procedures are performed with the goal of reducing the size of the stomach and include adjustable gastric or lap band surgery, and gastric bypass surgery, in addition to mixed procedures.

Lap band surgery is generally recommended for patients who are morbidly obese, defined as having a BMI of 40 or greater. It is less invasive than gastric bypass and the lap band procedure involves the placement of a gastric band around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch that limits food intake. Like gastric bypass surgery, lap band surgery is also performed laproscopically. Patients have reported a faster recovery time, and faster results in some cases when dietary guidelines for post surgery are adhered to.

Before your lapband surgery, it is recommended that you continue or begin an exercise program , make healthy food choices, and give up smoking and drinking all carbonated beverages, including alcohol. The amount of weight you lose depends on your adherence to the instructions set forth by your physician. While the transition may be difficult at first, it is important to keep your weight loss goals in mind.

Keep in mind that the lap band procedure involves dramatic lifestyle changes, as described above, and that the success of your surgery is dependent entirely on your willingness to adopt healthier habits and work towards adopting a healthier lifestyle overall. The lap band procedure involves a commitment on the part of the patient, but with hard work and dedication it is possible to achieve dramatic results and reshape not only your body but your mind as well.



By: Jerry Glynn

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