Obesity Surgery

Weight loss surgery is growing in popularity as a fast weight loss solution for morbidly obese patients. According to the American Obesity Association, the most effective treatment for morbid obesity is obesity surgery. The risks of the various types of morbid obesity surgery are thought to be outweighed by the benefits of achieving significant weight loss when other weight loss efforts have failed.

Surgical procedures can help patients achieve rapid weight loss in two ways: they can either restrict the amount of food allowed into the stomach, or restrict the amount of nutrients that can be absorbed from the food. Some procedures offer a combination of both methods.

Types of Obesity Surgery

There are three types of obesity surgery: restrictive surgery, malabsorptive surgery, and combined restrictive and malabsorptive surgery.

In restrictive obesity surgery, bands or staples are used to restrict the amount of food that a person can comfortably ingest by making the stomach smaller. A stomach "pouch" is created. An example of restrictive surgery is the LAP-BAND® system.

Malabsorptive surgery makes the small intestine smaller, changes where it connects to the stomach, or both. These changes limit the amount of food that is absorbed; thus the surgery is called "malabsorptive." An example of the combined technique is the Biliopancreatic Diversion procedure.

Combined restrictive and malabsorptive surgery is comprised of a restrictive obesity surgery (making a stomach pouch) and a bypass (the malabsorptive surgery), in which part of the small intestine is bypassed. The small intestine is where most of the body's digestion and absorption of food take place. An example of the combined technique is the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure.

Morbid obesity surgery may be performed in an "open" procedure, with a major incision made, or with laparoscopy (using a long, narrow tube with a light and camera at the end, inserted through a small incision).

Are You Considering Obesity Surgery?

Morbid obesity surgery is a serious choice for an obese person, one not to make lightly or in an emotional moment. However, chronic obesity problems have made life an unhealthy and unpleasant journey for many people, and morbid obesity surgery has greatly improved the health and lives of thousands of patients. The various types of obesity surgery each have a distinct set of possible complications that should be taken into account. Consulting with an experienced and qualified obesity surgeon to determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for obesity surgery is a recommended preliminary step.

A Permanent Weight Loss Solution

Weight loss surgery can offer a permanent weight loss solution to patients who are morbidly obese and have struggled unsuccessfully with other weight loss methods. Because the majority of bariatric surgical procedures permanently modify the patients' stomachs and intestines, their bodies can no longer tolerate large portions of food. This enables the patients to achieve permanent and sustainable weight loss. Patients interested in bariatric surgery should consult a weight loss doctor for information.

Locate an Obesity Surgeon to Discuss Your Options

If you are suffering from morbid obesity or obesity-related health problems and you think that morbid obesity surgery might be the appropriate course to take, it's advisable to talk about your concerns and your medical history with an obesity surgeon. You can find an experienced and compassionate obesity surgeon in your area with DocShop.