What Is the Safest Form of Weight Loss Surgery?

Weight loss surgery, or bariatric surgery, is a last resort for those who have tried to lose weight in traditional ways. They might have tried diet and exercise, which is always the first step in trying to lose weight. They could also have tried different forms of diet and gone to nutritionists to get help with their weight loss. 

Types of Weight Loss Surgery

There are all sorts of bariatric surgeries that will allow you to lose weight.  But they all have their benefits and risks. 

Gastric Bypass Roux-en-Y surgery

This is a surgery that is done in two parts. The first part is when the surgeon creates a smaller stomach by partitioning a small part of the stomach. They then cut the small intestine and attach it to the new small pouch. Food can go directly from this small piece of the stomach into the lower part of the small intestine. This bypasses the biggest part of the stomach, allowing the patient to feel a lot fuller quicker. 

The big part of the stomach is still there and still creating digestive juices that aid in the digestive process, but you can’t use it to store more food. It allows you to lose weight with the use of malabsorption and also through the use of hormonal changes because of the surgery. 

There are several pros and cons to this type of weight loss surgery. Roux-en-Y surgery allows for substantial weight loss while remaining reversible without inserting foreign objects. However, a surgery this big requires serious commitment and a lifestyle change. It also opens you up to malabsorption of nutrients.

Laparoscopic Duodenal Switch

This surgery is another procedure that is done in two steps. During the first part of the surgery, the surgeon will remove a big part of the stomach. They leave the valve that allows food into the small intestine intact. However, the surgeon does close a middle section of the intestine and attaches the last part directly to the first part of the small intestine. 

This bypasses a big part of the intestines and the food has a limited amount of time to absorb. This doesn’t give your body much time to turn food into fat. Since the stomach is small the patient also will only be able to eat a limited amount of food. 

The rest of the bypassed intestine will allow bile and digestive juices to still flow and aid in digesting your food. It enables massive weight loss without inserting foreign objects. Individuals need to seriously consider whether this is for them, as this operation removes a large part of the stomach. People will require more nutrients and a slow return to regular eating habits. 

Gastric Sleeve 

During this surgery, the biggest part of the stomach gets sectioned and removed from the body. What remains is a small piece of the vertical stomach that resembles a shirt sleeve. This is one of the most popular weight loss surgeries that is available at the moment. This is a newer, very effective surgery that allows you to lose a lot of weight. 

There are many reasons for individuals to go with gastric sleeve surgery. This reduces the amount of food being consumed while normalizing nutrient absorption and reducing appetite hormone production. This allows people to absorb enough nutrition while being hungry less often. People have to be aware of is that this surgery permanently removes a part of the stomach.  

Gastric Band Surgery 

This is when a surgeon will take a type of band and place it over the top of the stomach. It reduces the size of the stomach and you can’t consume as much food as you used to. 

However, this one is not as effective as some of the other surgeries, and in many ways, it has fewer rewards. Even though it is not invasive, it implants a foreign object that could be rejected. Self-control is essential, as it is not as limiting compared to other surgical types.

Though the risks are many, there are benefits to this procedure. The amount of food that can be consumed is physically reduced. Surgery is minimally invasive with a faster recovery period.

Safety Considerations

When it comes to weight loss surgeries, safety is the most important thing. Before we get into the specific surgeries, let's talk about some key things to keep in mind to make sure you're making a safe choice.

First off, before any surgery, it's crucial to have a thorough check-up. This means looking at your overall health, medical history, and lifestyle. This helps the doctors figure out if you're a good fit for the surgery and how they can make it work best for you.

Equally important is the experience of the surgeon. Think of your surgery as a big deal, like a commitment to a new and healthier life. You want a surgeon who not only knows what they're doing but has done it many times before. Look for someone with lots of experience in the specific surgery you're thinking about. They should not only be good at the technical parts but also know how to handle any issues that might come up.

Now, let's talk about the different surgeries. Each has its own safety concerns. For example, gastric bypass surgery, a common choice, involves changing how your digestive system works. It helps you lose weight, but there's a chance of not getting all the nutrients your body needs. Sleeve gastrectomy is another option where they make your stomach smaller. Knowing the risks and benefits of each surgery helps you make a smart decision.

Remember, safety doesn't stop after the surgery. Going to your follow-up appointments is super important. It's not just a check-up – it helps your doctors keep an eye on how you're doing and catch any issues early. Even though problems after surgery are rare, keeping an eye on things is key. And don't forget, making changes to your diet and lifestyle is a big part of staying healthy after the surgery.

Your own health is a big factor too. Are you the right fit for weight loss surgery? Things like your existing health issues, mental readiness, and commitment to making lifestyle changes all matter. Weight loss surgery is a team effort between you and your healthcare team, and your part is really important.

To sum it up, the safest weight loss surgery is a mix of getting a good check-up before, having a skilled surgeon, and keeping up with your care after. Safety is the top priority throughout your weight loss journey. When you're exploring your options, remember that the safest path might not be the quickest, but it's the one that lasts.

Patient Factors in Safety

Now, let's chat about how you, as a patient, play a big role in making weight loss surgery safe and successful. It's not just about the surgery itself; your health, readiness, and commitment matter a lot.

Firstly, think about whether you're a good fit for weight loss surgery. There are some criteria to meet, and your healthcare team will look at things like your existing health issues. They want to make sure you're in good shape for the surgery and that it's the right option for you.

Your mental readiness is crucial too. Weight loss surgery is a big deal, and being mentally prepared is like having a strong foundation. It's normal to have some worries or doubts, but being open and ready for the changes ahead is a key part of success.

Now, let's talk about your role after the surgery. You need to be committed to making lifestyle changes. Surgery is a tool to help you lose weight, but it's not a magic fix. You'll need to work with your healthcare team to make adjustments to your diet and activity levels. This commitment is vital for long-term success and safety.

Your active involvement in your healthcare journey is a game-changer. Ask questions, share your concerns, and be open about how you're feeling. If there's something bothering you or if you're struggling with the changes, let your healthcare team know. They're there to support you.

In a nutshell, your readiness, commitment, and active participation significantly impact the safety and success of weight loss surgery. Your healthcare team is like your partner in this journey, but you're the one driving the process. So, when you're thinking about weight loss surgery, think not just about the surgery itself, but also about how ready and committed you are to making it a success.

Are you considering bariatric surgery for yourself? Get in touch with our team at the BASS Bariatric Center to see what procedure is the best for you and how to make the most of it.