Excessive weight is a widespread problem. For some people, this is just a cosmetic issue that can be solved with a healthy diet and physical activity. For other people, excessive weight can become a life-threatening issue that takes a toll on overall wellbeing. iN this case, obesity requires an integrated approach to diet, sports, and weight loss surgery.
There are several types of weight-loss surgeries that include restrictive surgery, malabsorptive surgery, and implanting an electrical device. Restrictive surgeries help to slow down digestion, shrink the size of the stomach, and reduce the portions you can eat. Malabsorptive surgery also decreases your stomach and includes removing the part of your digestive tract. This decreases your body’s ability to absorb calories.
Implanting an electronic device is the newest surgical option that can aid in weight loss. This device interferes with nerve signals between your brain and stomach. This helps to decrease your appetite and calorie intake.
Below are 4 types of weight loss surgery. Compare their advantages and disadvantages to choose the right one for you.
1. Vagal blockade
The vagal blockade is a type of surgery that involves the implantation of a pacemaker-like device that sends electrical impulses to the vagus nerve. This nerve sends signals to your brain that the stomach is full. The electric device can be operated with the help of remote control outside your body.
This procedure is the least invasive and takes up to an hour under general anesthesia. The device has a battery that needs to be reprogrammed if it completely drains. Vagal blockade can cause unpleasant side effects that include nausea, vomiting, heartburn, problems swallowing, and chest pain.
2. Gastric banding
Gastric banding is a type of restrictive surgery. During the procedure, your doctor uses a special band to split your stomach into two sections. These two sections include a larger lower section and a smaller upper. Upper and lower sections remain connected with a small channel. In this way, the foods from the upper part get to the lower slower. This allows patients to eat about one cup of meal to feel full.
This surgery is generally safer than others. Recovery is fast and after the procedure, you get only a small scar. Over time, you can get a gastric band removed or adjusted according to your preferences. But this type of surgery cannot offer you the same weight loss results as other surgeries. This is an option for long-term weight loss.
3. Sleeve gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy is another type of restrictive surgery. During the surgery, the doctor removes about 75 percent of your stomach and remains only a narrow sleeve connected to the intestines. This type of weight-loss surgery is preferred for people with obesity or other serious health conditions. Other surgeries can be too risky for them. Sleeve gastrectomy doesn’t affect how your body absorbs foods and is unlikely to cause nutrient deficiency.
The biggest disadvantage of this procedure is its permanent effect. It is impossible to restore the removed part of your stomach. The common risk of sleeve gastrectomy includes sleeve leaks, blood clots, and infections. For this reason, it is important to choose an experienced specialist to prevent these issues.
4. Gastric bypass
Gastric bypass surgery combines restrictive and malabsorptive approaches. During the procedure, the surgeon divides your stomach into two parts isolating them from each other. The doctor connects the upper part of the stomach directly to the intestine. In this way, the food you eat goes directly to the intestine, bypassing part of the stomach and the small intestine. This allows your body to absorb fewer calories.
This procedure can help you lose weight in the short term dramatically. The patients usually lose about 50 percent of the weight in the first 6 months. The process of weight loss can last up to 3 years. This helps to quickly relieve obesity-related health conditions as well. Because this method changes the way your body absorbs foods it can cause nutrient deficiency. For this reason, you will have to be very careful with your diet and take supplements.
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