If you’re reading this, chances are you’re considering taking the plunge and opting for a more permanent solution to dieting to help you on your weight loss journey. But with so many options available, how do you decide which weight loss surgery is best for you?
In this article, we’ll break down the different types of weight loss surgeries, their pros and cons, and the overall health benefits so you can make an informed decision. So, get ready to say goodbye to unwanted pounds and constant attempts to lose weight, and hello to a healthier, happier you!
First, let’s start with a quick rundown of the most common types of successful weight loss surgeries available. We’ll explain the pros and cons of the different procedures, so you can better understand which option might be best for your specific needs.
The most common types of weight loss surgery are:
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- Gastric bypass
- Mini gastric bypass
- Gastric banding
Now, we know that the thought of weight loss surgery can be daunting, but the potential health benefits can be life-changing. It helps you lose excess pounds and maintain a healthy weight — and it may also improve or reverse certain health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure. Plus, many of our patients tell us weight loss surgery has improved their mental health, relationships, and self-esteem.
If you want to find out which weight loss surgery may be the best fit for you, we hope the following information will help. But if you need any further advice, simply fill out our contact form to find out more about which bariatric surgery is the best option based on your individual health and weight loss requirements.
Sleeve Gastrectomy: What You Need to Know
If you’ve been thinking about weight loss surgery, you’ve probably come across sleeve gastrectomy, also more commonly called gastric sleeve surgery. During surgery, the size of your stomach is reduced by around 80%. This limits the amount of food you can eat and helps you feel full faster. A sleeve gastrectomy also removes the part of the stomach that produces ghrelin — the hunger hormone — reducing hunger pangs.
Here’s what you need to know to decide if a gastric sleeve procedure is the best weight loss surgery for you:
What Happens During the Procedure?
Sleeve gastrectomy involves removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving a narrow “sleeve” that looks a bit like a banana. This procedure is usually performed laparoscopically, meaning the surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a camera and surgical tools to perform the surgery.
Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery the Best Weight Loss Surgery for You?
- Long-term weight loss: Patients who undergo sleeve gastrectomy typically lose 60% of excess weight within 12 months of the procedure and continue to lose more weight up to two years post op.
- It improves health conditions: Sleeve gastrectomy has been shown to improve or resolve many obesity-related health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
- It’s less invasive than other procedures: Compared to other weight loss surgeries, sleeve gastrectomy involves fewer incisions and less rearrangement of the digestive system.
- Contraindications: This procedure places you at a higher risk of a hernia. It is also inadvisable if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or issues with persistent acid reflux.
Gastric Bypass vs Mini Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass and mini gastric bypass are two popular weight loss surgeries. Both procedures involve creating a small stomach pouch to which the small intestine is rerouted. However, there are some differences between the two procedures that patients should consider.
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass surgery is one of the most well-known weight loss surgeries that has helped many people to achieve a healthier lifestyle. It involves dividing the stomach into two parts and rerouting the small intestine to the smaller upper pouch, which stores any food consumed, while the lower stomach is bypassed.
A full gastric bypass generally results in greater weight loss than a mini gastric bypass, and it is widely considered the most successful weight loss surgery procedure. Long-term studies have also shown that a gastric bypass has a high success rate in reversing obesity-related health problems. However, it is a more invasive procedure and may lead to a higher risk of ulcers and dumping syndrome, a condition that can cause symptoms such as nausea and vomiting after eating. This can be controlled with proper nutrition and by following your nutritional program.
Is Gastric Bypass Surgery the Best Choice for You?
- Rapid weight loss: Gastric bypass surgery is known for its ability to produce rapid weight loss.
- Improvement in health conditions: Gastric bypass surgery can improve or even resolve health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, acid reflux, and more.
- Long-term weight loss: Studies have shown that patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery are more likely to maintain their weight loss in the long term.
Mini Gastric Bypass
Mini gastric bypass weight loss surgery is a newer and less invasive procedure that reduces the size of the stomach, creating a longer, narrower stomach tube to which the small intestine is rerouted, bypassing the upper intestine and around 200 cm of the bowel. This procedure has a lower risk of complications. Another advantage of a mini gastric bypass is that it is reversible which is not the case with a full gastric bypass.
However, a mini gastric bypass may lead to acid reflux or bile reflux, which can cause discomfort and other health issues. Like a gastric bypass, a mini gastric bypass may also lead to dumping syndrome.
Ultimately, the decision between a gastric bypass and a mini gastric bypass should be made after consulting a qualified bariatric surgeon. Both procedures have pros and cons, and the best option depends on the patient’s needs, health status, and weight loss goals.
Take Away Gastric Bypass vs Mini Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass surgery has a long-standing history, with over 50 years of successful operations. Additionally, if you suffer from acid reflux, gastric bypass surgery may be a better choice for you.
Gastric Banding: Is It Right for You?
We couldn’t leave out gastric banding as we often get calls requesting that procedure. However, we have decided not to arrange surgery for gastric bands at Be Slim Bariatrics (BSB), as we feel there is too high a risk of later complications and the need for additional surgery.
What Is Gastric Banding?
Gastric banding, also known as lap band surgery, is another popular weight loss procedure involving placing an adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach. This creates a small pouch that can only hold a limited amount of food, which helps you to feel full sooner and eat less.
Is Gastric Banding Right for You?
Gastric banding can successfully help you lose weight if you have a BMI of 30 or higher, and have struggled with weight loss through diet and exercise. It is also easily reversible by simply removing the band (although this will require additional surgery). One of the main advantages of gastric banding is it is a minimally invasive procedure with a relatively short recovery time.
However, it is generally less effective than other weight loss surgeries. Additionally, numerous studies report gastric bands having very high failure rates and needing additional surgery to replace bands that corrode or adjust bands.
What Are the Risks of Weight Loss Surgery?
Weight loss surgery is a significant medical procedure that can help individuals struggling with obesity improve their health and quality of life. However, like any invasive procedure, weight loss surgery carries some risks that patients should be aware of before deciding.
Surgical Risks
There are risks associated with surgical procedures, including:
- Infection can occur at the incision site or in the abdomen, and it can be minor or severe enough to need IV antibiotics or additional surgery.
- Bleeding can result from all surgeries; in some cases, a blood transfusion or further surgery may be required.
- Blood clots are a potential risk after any surgery. They can form in the legs or lungs and are potentially life-threatening.
Long-Term Risks of Weight Loss Surgery
- Nutritional deficiencies may occur, and certain types of weight loss surgery will affect how your body absorbs certain nutrients from your food. To ensure your body gets the proper nutrition, you may need to take daily vitamin and mineral supplements for the rest of your life.
- Gallstones are associated with rapid weight loss, and, in some cases, patients may need to have their gallbladder removed.
- Complications following weight loss surgery — such as leaking. This is rare and according to research occurs in less than 2.5% of patients — may require additional surgery. You may also need to convert a gastric sleeve or mini gastric bypass to a full gastric bypass if you have subsequent problems with acid reflux.
- Incisional hernias may happen following any bariatric surgery involving incisions in the abdominal wall to access the stomach or intestine. These incisions weaken the abdominal wall, and incisional hernias may occur when the intestine or other abdominal tissue pushes through the incision site. However studies indicate incisional hernias are not common and only affects 2.4% of patients.
While these risks may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that when weight loss surgery is performed by experienced board-certified bariatric surgeons, they are significantly reduced. Proper operating facilities will reduce the risk of infection, and the correct aftercare will mean any complications can be resolved swiftly.
But even with the best care, there is always a possibility of complications, such as an incisional hernia, which may happen many weeks or months after your procedure. This is why it’s essential to choose a reputable company committed to providing lifetime support following your weight loss surgery.
Am I a Good Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?
Weight loss surgery can be life-changing, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re considering weight loss surgery, you must understand the criteria that make you a good candidate.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
One of the main factors to consider is your BMI. Generally, weight loss surgery is recommended for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 or higher if they have obesity-related health issues such as type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea.
Previous Attempts at Weight Loss
Weight loss surgery is not a quick fix or an easy way out, and it’s important to have attempted to resolve weight loss issues through diet and exercise first. It’s important to view it as a tool to aid weight loss, not a cure-all solution.
Overall Health
You’ll need to undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure you’re healthy enough to undergo surgery, this may begin by filling out a health form to identify any potential risks or complications. You may need to lose some weight before bariatric surgery if you have other obesity-related health problems that may make the procedure higher risk.
Ultimately, the decision to undergo weight loss surgery should be made in consultation with a qualified bariatric surgeon. Together, you can determine if weight loss surgery is the right choice for you and which bariatric surgery best suits your individual needs and health goals.
At BSB, we believe the key to a healthier lifestyle starts with bariatric surgery in Mexico — and that’s why we offer lifetime support for all our patients. We ensure you get access to safe surgical services at state-of-the-art hospitals staffed by board-certified surgeons. On top of that, if you’re considering surgery but don’t know how to finance it, we provide financing support for weight loss surgery, so you don’t need to wait any longer to live your best life.
