Are you considering bariatric surgery but feeling overwhelmed by the different weight loss surgery types available? At Be Slim Bariatrics (BSB), we understand this is a huge decision. That’s why we have created this guide to provide you with the possible risks of different types of weight loss surgery procedures, as well as the benefits (beyond just shedding pounds).
We’ll break down the different types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass, gastric banding, and intragastric balloon surgery, and all the information you need to make an informed decision.
This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of each type of bariatric weight loss surgery so you can make the best choice for your health and lifestyle. Of course, if you have any questions, we are always available to give you more advice and information.
What Are the Different Types of Weight Loss Surgeries?
Before considering bariatric surgery, it’s essential to understand the benefits and risks. Here are the most common types of weight loss surgery procedures:
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery is also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. It is the most popular and effective weight loss surgery and involves creating a small stomach pouch to which the small intestine is rerouted.
This procedure reduces the amount of food your stomach can hold, meaning you get full with less food and absorb fewer calories.
Benefits
- Rapid weight loss.
- Improves or can even resolve obesity-related health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
- Less chance of weight regain in comparison to other types of weight loss surgery.
- Many of our patients say they feel happier, have higher self-esteem, and have a better quality of life.
Risks
- This surgery may lead to nutritional deficiencies, particularly if you do not follow a proper diet and supplement regimen (as provided by our, wonderful nutritionist Karen Reyes).
- Another relatively common issue is dumping syndrome, caused when food moves too quickly through the stomach and intestines and can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This is relatively easy to resolve by adjusting your diet, the amount you eat at one time, and how often you eat.
- In rare cases, gastric bypass surgery can lead to serious complications such as bowel obstruction or leaks, which may require additional surgery.
Gastric bypass surgery significantly reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold, resulting in less food consumption and less calories. Gastric bypass has been shown to resolve many obesity related health issues including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. This extremely successful procedure has brought about life changing results for countless BSB patients
Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery
The mini gastric bypass, also called a gastric bypass one anatomis, has gained popularity in recent years as a simpler alternative to the traditional gastric bypass.
Benefits
- Less invasive surgery
- A lower rate of complications compared to a traditional full gastric bypass
- Mini gastric bypass surgery is reversible
Risks
- Risk of bile reflux gastritis
- Risk of malnutrition due to the shorter intestinal bypass, which can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This is simple to prevent with vitamin and mineral supplements and by following dietary advice (such as from our fantastic nutritionist Karen Reyes).
- Dumping syndrome, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea after eating.
The mini gastric bypass offers similar results and many of the benefits of the gastric bypass, including improvements to similar health issues. It ‘s a highly effective procedure and has transformed the lives of hundreds of BSB patients.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery — also known as a sleeve gastrectomy — is a weight loss procedure that involves removing a large portion of your stomach and creating a small, banana-shaped stomach.
This procedure reduces the capacity of your stomach and removes the portion of the stomach responsible for the production of the hunger hormone, ghrelin. This leads to fullness with less food intake and reduced calorie absorption.
Benefits
- Significant weight loss when nutritional guidance is followed.
- Gastric sleeve surgery typically does not interfere with your body’s nutrient absorption process. In fact, supplements are only usually necessary for the first two years following the surgery.
- Unlike gastric bypass procedures, gastric sleeve surgery does not reroute the intestines. This means there’s a lower risk of experiencing dumping syndrome.
- By removing the portion of the stomach that produces ghrelin, the consequent decrease in hunger and food cravings can make it easier to make healthy choices and resist unhealthy snacks.
- Improvement in obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and other health conditions associated with obesity.
- Boost in energy levels, confidence, and a happier, healthier life.
Risks:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — disruptive to your daily life but usually treatable with diet changes. However, if symptoms persist, you may need revision surgery to change your gastric sleeve to a full gastric bypass to resolve it.
- Unfortunately, rare complications such as leaks could call for additional surgical procedures to correct the issue.
- Increased risk of developing a hernia
Gastric sleeve surgery is an effective and transformative procedure that can result in significant weight loss and resolution of various obesity-related health issues such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. It has brought about remarkable improvements in the lives of countless BSB patients.
Gastric Banding Surgery
Gastric banding surgery (also called a gastric band) has become popular in the U.S. as it is the least expensive of all bariatric surgery procedures.
However, at BSB, we do not offer gastric banding as it has almost a 40% failure rate within five years, and the band may require frequent adjustments.
Benefits
- This is a less invasive procedure compared to other weight loss surgeries and has a slightly lower risk of surgery-related complications. It is also reversible, as the band can be removed.
- The silicone band can be adjusted to accommodate the patient’s weight loss progress, allowing for a personalized weight loss journey. However, this does require additional surgical procedures.
- Gastric banding surgery does not involve the removal or alteration of any part of the stomach or intestines, making it a more reversible procedure.
Risks
- Band slippage or erosion, which will require revision surgery to resolve.
- Vitamins and nutrient deficiency — daily supplements are required to prevent this.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Persistent acid reflux.
- Nausea or vomiting after eating
- Associated surgical risks such as infection or blood clots
Intragastric Balloon Surgery
Intragastric balloon surgery is the most minimally invasive weight loss procedure. It involves inserting a deflated balloon into the stomach, which doesn’t require “surgery” as the balloon is swallowed or inserted through the mouth using an endoscope.
Once inserted, the balloon is filled with saline solution to create a feeling of fullness and limit food intake. The balloon can only remain in place for six months, and once removed, you will generally need to eat more food to feel full. This often leads to weight regain, which is why we don’t provide this procedure at BSB.
Benefits
- Intragastric balloon surgery does not require incisions or sutures, meaning you can generally resume normal activities the day after the procedure.
- It can be a good option if you are not eligible for other weight loss surgeries due to medical conditions or health issues.
Risks
- Intragastric balloon surgery is a temporary solution and should be removed after six months. Failure to remove the balloon can lead to serious complications, such as infection or bowel obstruction.
- The balloon may deflate or migrate, which can cause bowel obstruction, blockage, or perforation.
- Weight regain is relatively common once the balloon is removed.
Overall Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
Each type of weight loss surgery procedure has its unique advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of surgery depends on several factors, including the patient’s weight, medical history, and lifestyle.
Overall, bariatric surgery can lead to significant weight loss and improve or resolve many obesity-related health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. However, it’s important to understand that this is a life-changing decision that requires commitment, discipline, and a willingness to make significant dietary and lifestyle changes following bariatric surgery.
Risks of Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery can be life-changing, but like any surgery, it comes with some risks. You may experience infections, bleeding, or blood clots, to name a few. Also, you will need to take vitamin and mineral supplements and have a balanced diet to avoid long-term nutritional deficiencies.
If you choose gastric sleeve surgery, you may also experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which can be unpleasant. In rare cases, you might also experience serious complications like bowel obstruction or leaks, which require revision surgery.
While these risks are rare, it’s important to keep these risks in mind when considering if weight loss surgery is right for you. With proper planning and information, you can make the best decision for your health and well-being.
Why You Should Choose Be Slim Bariatrics (BSB) For Weight Loss Surgery
If you are considering any bariatric surgical procedure, it is critical to ensure you choose a great healthcare provider. At BSB, we are here to help remove the stress and worry from your weight loss surgery.
Don’t let the high cost of bariatric surgery in the U.S. hold you back any longer. At BSB, we offer lifetime support following your weight loss surgery in Mexico. You will have a personalized nutrition program and access to a nutritionist. Plus, you will have a dedicated, friendly patient coordinator who is happy to answer any of your concerns before or after your surgery.
Our focus is on providing an effortless medical journey — BSB’s exceptional board-certified surgeons operate within state-of-the-art hospitals that meet or exceed American standards of care! We can also help you to arrange bariatric financial support. So start your weight loss journey today and discover a healthier, happier you.
