These advancements allow patients to have a better overall experience with less pain, less scars, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and a faster recovery. These operations are extremely safe, with chances of complication are lower than common operations such as gallbladder removal, hysterectomy, and hip replacement.

Types of Bariatric Surgery

1. Sleeve gastrectomy
2. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
3. Adjustable Gastric Band (AGB)
4. Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch
5. Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy

Let’s take a look at each of these surgeries, how they work and the benefits of each of them.

1. Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

The Laparoscopic Sleeve gastrectomy is referred to as the “sleeve” surgery and is performed by removing a large portion of the stomach The remaining stomach is the size and shape of a banana.

How is it done?

• The stomach is isolated from the surrounding organs and blood vessels
• The stomach is segregated into two portions and separated by putting staples
• The larger portion of the stomach is stapled away, allowing only the smaller portion to function
• The portion of the stomach that secretes the “hunger hormone” is removed and hence early satiety is achieved thereby you feel fuller soon.
• This procedure reduces the volume of food intake and a progressive reduction in body weight

Advantages

1. The surgery is simple and can be performed in a shorter duration
2. Suited for patients with certain high-risk medical conditions
3. It is often performed as the first step for those struggling with morbid obesity
4. Sometimes it is used as a bridge to other bariatric surgical procedures
5. Brings about a tremendous transformation in terms of weight loss and improves health

2. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Often called the “gastric bypass”, this surgery has been performed laparoscopically for over three decades now. It is very effective as a surgical treatment for obesity.

How is it done?

• The initial step is to divide the stomach into a smaller portion (pouch)
• The other larger part of the stomach is bypassed and can no longer take part in digestion
• Along with the stomach, the small intestine is also divided and connected to the new gastric pouch to allow food to pass.
• The part of the small intestine that empties the larger stomach area is connected to the small intestine resulting in a connection that looks like the letter Y.
• Eventually, the acids and digestive enzymes secreted from the bypassed stomach and the initial regions of the small intestine will mix with the food and be processed.
• The new pouch holds less food and only a few calories are taken in
• The modified digestive process decreases hunger and satiety is reached sooner helps in weight reduction

Advantages

• Progressive and long-lasting weight loss can be achieved
• Prevents the remission of comorbidities associated with being overweight
• It is a very time tested and standardized technique of bariatric surgery

3. Adjustable Gastric Band (AGB)

The Adjustable Gastric Band is a silicone device that is placed to limit the amount of food a person can eat.

How is it done?

• The band is placed and secured around the top part of the stomach creating a small pouch above the band.
• Food goes through the stomach normally but is limited by the smaller opening of the band.
• The size of the band can be adjusted by administering fluid injections beneath the skin.

Advantages

• It has a very low probability of complications after the surgery.
• Patients will be able to go home on the day of surgery
• The band can be adjusted or removed according to the need

4. Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)

The Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch or BPD-DS involves the creation of a tube similar to the sleeve gastrectomy.

The Procedure

1. After creating the sleeve-like stomach, the start portion of the small intestine is separated.
2. A part of the small intestine is then connected to the newly created pouch through which the food passes and reaches the following part of the intestine.
3. The decrease in calorie absorption brought about eventually causes a reduction in body weight.

Advantages

• The results are convincing enough to improve obesity
• You feel hungry a lot sooner
• It influences the bowel hormones to cause less hunger and more fullness sooner
• It is the most effective procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity

5. Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SADI-S)

The Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy or SADI-S is a recent advancement in bariatric surgery

How is it done?

• The surgery is similar to the sleeve gastrectomy but makes a smaller tube-shaped stomach.
• The first part of the small intestine is divided just beyond the stomach.
• A particular loop of the intestine is connected to the stomach.
• The food goes through the pouch and then the small intestine.
• A healthy nutritional level is maintained

Advantages

• Brings about persistent and long-term weight loss and remission of metabolic disorders.
• The process is simpler and easier than gastric bypass or BPD-DS
• An excellent choice for a patient who has already had a sleeve gastrectomy and is seeking further weight loss

6. Laparoscopic bariatric surgery

It is the surgical treatment of obesity. You will need to consult with the surgeon before deciding if it is right for you.

Bariatric surgery: A life-changing decision

Bariatric surgery is the best option for those who wish to lose weight, as it can produce sustainable weight loss in people who are obese and who fail to attain long-term success with other weight loss methods. There are many types of bariatric surgeries, and the most common among them are gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Bariatric surgery helps reduce the stomach’s storage capacity, which, in turn, limits food intake and helps you feel full much sooner. The expert surgeon will determine if you are the right candidate for bariatric surgery and which option will be best for you.

Benefits associated with bariatric surgery 

Bariatric surgery is considered the best weight loss surgery because it encompasses many procedures for reducing appetite and food consumption to improve health. The surgery has many potential positive benefits that are much greater than weight loss:

• Weight loss is one of the benefits that can be attained by major weight loss because the surgery diminishes appetite and greater satiety when eating. About 92 percent of bariatric surgery patients lose more than 50 percent of extra weight, with a limited risk of regaining it again. 
• Bariatric surgery reduces the risk of cardiac diseases because obesity is strongly linked with heart disease, and weight loss reduces the risk.
• Overweight people are more likely to have diabetes or have the onset of diabetes. Bariatric surgery helps to cut body weight and helps patients enter the diabetic stage.
• The surgery helps enhance joint function, as carrying extra weight can be hard on joints. Patients with successful bariatric surgery report a reduction in chronic pain and improved joint function.
• Bariatric surgery helps restore a healthy body weight and decreases sleep apnea symptoms, a respiratory disorder. 

One of the benefits of bariatric surgery is that it also improves the mental health of patients, as they may be less prone to depression and anxiety and more likely to pursue life-positive activities. Bariatric surgery at Handa Nursing Home takes you on the path towards a healthier, longer, and more fulfilling life. The surgery is not just a cure for obesity but also an effective tool to help you lose weight. The long-lasting success of bariatric surgery depends on the patient’s ability to follow the proper guidelines regarding diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes post-bariatric surgery.