The Pros and Cons of Bariatric Surgery

In recent years, bariatric surgery has become an increasingly popular option for those seeking weight loss solutions. However, like other surgeries, there are potential risks and it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. Let’s take a look at several different types of bariatric surgeries and the pros and cons of each.

Gastric Bypass

There are many different types of weight loss surgery. One of the oldest and most common is gastric bypass, in which food is diverted from a large portion of the stomach and the first part of the intestines. This prevents both overeating and reduces absorption of any food that is consumed.

One of the biggest advantages of gastric bypass surgery is that it has the quickest and most dramatic results of any weight surgical loss solution. Some patients lose over half of their body weight within the first six months after the surgery, and significant weight loss can continue for up to two years. This means that there can also be rapid relief for weight related conditions such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and even diabetes. Plus, the results from gastric bypass surgery tend to be more or less permanent.

However, there are a few downsides to having gastric bypass surgery. For one, it is a permanent procedure that cannot be reversed. The effects of gastric bypass surgery last for a lifetime. For another, gastric bypasses make it much more difficult for the body to absorb nutrients; while absorbing fewer calories is desirable for weight loss, the reduction in essential vitamins and minerals can cause significant bodily problems unless supplements are added to their daily diet.

In addition, gastric bypass is a major form of surgery, which requires a great deal of time to recover. Patients are also potentially susceptible to complications. Issues such as infections, blood clots, or slow healing can occur, all of which may require treatment at an emergency room such as GTEC.

Gastric Banding

Another common type of weight loss surgery is gastric banding. This process involves an inflatable band being placed around the stomach. The band can be adjusted to change the size of the stomach, causing patients to eat less and feel fuller faster.

One significant benefit of gastric banding is that it is not permanent. The results of the procedure can be adjusted by changing the size of the band, or even completely reversed by having the band removed. Additionally, gastric banding patients tend to have fewer dietary restrictions and lifestyle complications than those who opt for gastric bypass.

On the other hand, gastric banding does not produce results that are as rapid as some other bariatric surgeries. Weight loss and relief from obesity-related conditions can take significantly longer with a gastric band. Also, the fact that a foreign device is left within the body means that a number of complications can arise; gastric banding patients can be prone to infection as well as serious issues caused by the band slipping or leaking. In these cases severe pain might result, which can only be remedied by having another surgery so that the band can be adjusted or removed entirely.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

A third common type of bariatric surgery is sleeve gastrectomy, also called a gastric sleeve. In this procedure, most of the stomach is removed, and the remaining stomach is stretched out to form a sleeve-like shape.

There are a number of advantages to having a gastric sleeve surgery. For one, this procedure does not have the potential complications of a gastric band, and is less risky than a gastric bypass. In fact, some patients that are too obese to undergo gastric bypass without complications may have a gastric sleeve surgery first, and then the bypass later. Generally, patients with a gastric sleeve can lose thirty to fifty percent of their weight in the first year.

There are downsides to this surgery, however. For one, part of the stomach is removed, making this surgery irreversible, although the stomach sleeve can be stretched out by poor dietary choices. Also, this surgery involves stapling the cut part of the stomach together, and serious problems can occur after the surgery if those staples leak.

Potential Problems

Any weight loss surgery can be subject to complications such as infections or trouble healing. If you have recently undergone weight loss surgery and experience sudden abdominal pain, bleeding, vomiting, or other unexpected symptoms, then it is imperative that you go to an emergency room for immediate medical assistance. Golden Triangle Emergency Center provides prompt, professional treatment with short wait times in a comfortable, state-of-the-art environment.