Best Weight Loss Surgery in 2023
Weight loss surgery has been proven to be an effective treatment for people who have morbid obesity. Learn more about the different types of weight loss surgeries available today.
Are you Struggling to lose and keep weight off?
Losing weight is never easy. If you are overweight or obese, you may have tried every diet and weight loss program out there with no success. You may be considering weight loss surgery as an option to help you lose weight and improve your health.
How to know if you are obese or not?
To answer this question, you should calculate your body mass index (BMI):
By using this formula
Weight in Kg divided by the square of the height in meter
Or use the BMI calculator
Underweight below 18
Normal between 18.5-24.9
Overweight 25-29.9
Obese over 30
Morbid or severe obesity
-BMI 35-39.9 if is associated with one or more comorbid conditions like diabetes, hypertension…etc.
-BMI of more than 40
What are the comorbid conditions associated with obesity?
There are many weight-related health problems:
- Type II diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High blood fat
- Osteoarthritis
- Sleep apnea syndrome
- Ischemic heart disease
- Cancers (cancer colon, cancer uterus, and ovaries, breast cancer)
- Gallbladder stones
- Cerebrovascular stroke
Who needs weight loss surgery?
Patients with severe (morbid) obesity are candidates for weight loss surgery.
What is the weight loss surgery options?
The truth is that the answer will be determined by your specific circumstances. There are numerous medical procedures that can induce weight loss, both with and without surgery, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. All of them have the potential to help patients lose weight and improve their health and self-esteem, but many are better suited to some people than others.
Based on your medical history, your doctor will recommend the procedure that is most likely to produce the results you require. However, it's still a good idea to go into a consultation knowing exactly what each type of weight loss surgery entails and the benefits of each. In this article, we will attempt to assist by discussing the various procedures.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery, also known as surgical weight loss, is one of the few weight loss treatments with a track record of success. Any surgical procedure on the stomach or intestines to induce weight loss is referred to as bariatric surgery.
The term "bariatric surgery" refers to a variety of procedures. Gastric sleeve surgery is the most common procedure in the United States (sleeve gastrectomy). Gastric bypass surgery is the second most common bariatric procedure, and lap band surgery is the third most common procedure in the United States. Another very effective, albeit less common, procedure is the duodenal switch.
Bariatric surgery also includes newly FDA-approved procedures such as gastric balloons.
What are the types of weight loss surgery?
Sleeve gastrectomy
A surgeon removes approximately 80% of the stomach, resulting in a long, banana-shaped pouch.
Advantages.
- Greater weight loss than an adjustable
- No alterations to the intestines - No foreign objects implanted in the body - short hospital stay
Disadvantages.
- Completely irreversible procedure.
- Patients are at risk to develop vitamin and iron deficiency.
- A higher risk of surgery-related complications than a
- The patient may develop hiatus hernia or gastroesophageal reflux disease after the procedure
Gastric Bypass.
Roux-en-y gastric bypass reduces the size of the stomach by dividing it into two sections: upper and lower. The upper segment of the stomach is then connected to the small intestine, bypassing the lower part of the stomach, and leaving it unused.
Advantages.
It not only reduces the amount of food you can consume, but it also shortens the length of the digestive tract, making it more difficult to obtain calories from your meals. As a result, the pounds tend to fall off quickly. Approximately half of the weight lost by most patients is lost in the first six months.
Suitable for obese patients with esophageal reflux as it doesn’t increase their reflux like gastric sleeve
It is the preferred procedure for obese patients with associated diabetes, as this procedure may result in either a cure for diabetes or the use of fewer medications.
Disadvantages.
- Difficult to reverse
- Because your body will no longer absorb nutrients as effectively as it once did, you may become malnourished. Anemia (inadequate iron) and osteoporosis (inadequate calcium) may become more common than gastric bypass.
- A higher risk of operative-related complications.
Duodenal switch.
It involves a combination of gastric sleeve and gastric bypass in the same operation.
Advantages.
Over a two-year period, the average weight loss with a duodenal switch is 80% of excess weight. That is significantly greater than the average weight loss from other bariatric surgery, which is 50% to 60%.
Disadvantages.
- A totally irreversible procedure
- Greater risk of vitamin and minerals e.g. iron malabsorption
- Patients are more prone to develop gallbladder stones.
Adjustable Gastric Band .
The surgeon uses a band to divide the stomach into two much smaller sections: a small upper pouch and a larger lower pouch. Patients can no longer eat as much or as quickly as they used to because they are still connected by a tiny passage that slows the emptying of food. Most people can only eat half a cup of food before feeling full.
Advantages.
This procedure is a minimally invasive procedure that is much simpler and safer than a gastric bypass and requires less cutting, resulting in a shorter recovery period. The bands can also be adjusted to further restrict or expand stomach size.
- less post-operative complication than other procedures
- The lowest risk of vitamin or iron deficiency
Disadvantages.
- Less weight loss than other weight-loss surgeries
- Frequent doctor visits to adjust the band; some people may not be able to adjust to the band.
- Future surgery to remove or replace all or part of the band system is a possibility.
How is bariatric surgery performed?
Under general anesthesia, most weight-loss surgery is performed laparoscopically, which requires only small incisions. The surgeon can insert thin tools and a small scope attached to a camera that projects images onto a video monitor through these incisions. Laparoscopic surgery is less dangerous than open surgery and may result in less pain and scarring. Laparoscopic surgery may also result in a faster recovery.
For some people, open surgery, which involves a single large cut in the abdomen, maybe a better option than laparoscopic surgery. If you have a high level of obesity, have previously had stomach surgery, or have other complex medical problems, you may require open surgery.
What should I expect before bariatric surgery?
You will meet with several healthcare professionals before surgery, including an internist, a dietitian, a psychiatrist or psychologist, and a bariatric surgeon. The internist will inquire about your medical history, conduct a thorough physical examination, and order blood tests. If you smoke, you should try to quit at least 6 weeks before your surgery.
- The dietitian will help you get ready for how your life will change after surgery by outlining what and how much you can eat and drink.
- The psychiatrist may assess you to determine whether you are prepared to face the challenges of weight-loss surgery.
- The surgeon will explain the procedure in greater detail, including how to prepare for it and what type of follow-up you will require.
Before and after surgery, these healthcare professionals will also advise you to become more active and follow a healthy eating plan. Losing weight and bringing your blood glucose levels closer to normal before surgery may reduce your risk of complications.
Some weight-loss surgery programs offer pre- and post-surgery groups to answer questions about the procedure and provide support.
What should I expect after bariatric surgery?
You will need to rest and recover after surgery. Walking and moving around the house may aid in your recovery. Begin slowly and listen to your doctor's advice about the types of physical activity you can do safely. Increase your physical activity as you become more comfortable.
You will most likely be put on a liquid diet following surgery. Over the course of several weeks, you will transition to a soft diet that includes foods like cottage cheese, yogurt, and soup. You will eventually resume eating solid foods. Your doctor will advise you on which foods and beverages you should consume and which you should avoid. You must eat small meals and chew your food thoroughly. To ensure that you get enough vitamins and minerals, you will need to take dietary supplements prescribed by your doctor.
How much weight can I expect to lose after bariatric surgery?
The number of pounds lost following weight-loss surgery varies depending on the individual and the type of surgery. According to one study, people who underwent adjustable
Your weight loss results may vary. Remember that achieving your goal is dependent not only on the surgery but also on maintaining healthy lifestyle habits.
What are the other alternatives to surgery for weight loss?
An endoscopic gastric balloon can be a good alternative to surgery in patients with moderate obesity (body mass index between 30 and 35).
Should I Have My Gallbladder Removed during weight loss surgery?
Gallstones can develop in 30-50% of patients who undergo weight-loss surgery. Following bariatric surgery, patients are at increased risk of developing gallstone complications, such as biliary colic, acute cholecystitis, acute pancreatitis, and bile duct stones.
Gallstone formation after weight loss surgery is common; however, symptomatic gallstone disease requiring cholecystectomy after bariatric surgery is uncommon, with the highest rates after gastric bypass (6.1%- 10.6%), followed by gastric Sleeve (3.5%-6.1%), and the lowest rates after adjustable
The incidence of cholecystectomy after bariatric surgery is highest in the first three months after surgery and is usually related to weight loss during this time.
To avoid postoperative complications, longer operation time, and technical difficulty, current evidence does not support removing the gallbladder during bariatric surgery unless the patient has symptomatic gallbladder stones.
Why does weight loss surgery fail?
Weight loss surgery is a major decision and commitment that should not be taken lightly. Unfortunately, many people are unable to adhere to the post-surgery lifestyle changes needed for successful weight loss. Without proper diet and exercise, patients may find that they regain the weight they lost after the surgery. In some cases, the underlying cause of obesity such as psychological issues or hormonal imbalance can remain unaddressed and prevent long-term success. Additionally, some patients may experience complications from the surgery itself, such as infections or nutritional deficiencies which can lead to inadequate weight loss or failure of the procedure altogether. Overall, weight loss surgery is a serious endeavor with risks associated with it and must be approached with caution and care for successful results.
Which weight loss surgery is the cheapest?
The cheapest weight loss surgery depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of procedure, the location of the facility where the surgery is performed, and any additional costs associated with the procedure. Laparoscopic gastric banding is typically one of the most affordable options due to its minimally invasive nature and shorter recovery time. It involves placing a silicone band around the upper part of your stomach that limits how much food you can eat at one time. This procedure usually requires only one or two short hospital stays and has minimal risks associated with it. Gastric bypass surgery may also be an option for some individuals, although it is typically more expensive than laparoscopic gastric banding due to its more complex nature. Ultimately, patients should discuss their options with their doctor to determine which weight loss surgery best suits their individual needs and budget.
Summary
Weight loss surgeries are life-saving operations that help patients to avoid many obesity-related life-threatening comorbidities e.g., diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and sleep apnea syndrome. I hope I answered your questions and I will leave you now with a subtitled video about the golden secrets of weight loss.