Weight-loss surgery has been available since the 1960s, but has become much more popular. Several laparoscopic options exist, and with guidance from a doctor, a patient can choose which is best for their particular situation. Like all surgery, there are risks, and it is important to understand those as well as the benefits. Not everyone is a candidate for laparoscopic gastric bypass, and deciding to have the surgery should happen only after you have tried other weight-loss options.
Current Options
As weight-loss surgery has become increasingly popular, the number of surgeries has risen. Obesity often is coupled with other health-threatening conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancer and stroke.
Until recently, gastric bypass was most often performed for patients suffering extreme obesity. However, the far less intrusive form of laparoscopic surgery has become much more popular. This newer surgery is done with a series of small incisions and is thus much less intrusive than traditional gastric bypass. With this approach several inch-long incisions are made into the abdomen so that video equipped instruments allow doctors to observe the operation using TV monitors.
Side effects can include gallstones, hernias, and nutritional deficiencies, so patients must thoroughly consider whether this is the right option for them to lose weight.
Weight loss surgery can save lives endangered by severe obesity, as long as it is performed by qualified and experienced surgeons.
Kinds of Surgery
Several options exist, and each should be considered. A gastric sleeve reduction can be done to substantially reduce appetite. By removing one-third to three-fourths of the stomach, the patient is left with a tube-like effect resembling a sleeve.
Unlike the gastric bypass, no small bowel intestinal surgery is done, and the digestive tract stays intact, allowing for absorption of all nutrients from food.
Gastric bypass has been the most common surgery for weight loss and can now be done with a laparoscope. It creates a small upper stomach pouch restricting food intake to one or two ounces at a time, and bypasses most of the stomach and a small portion of the upper intestines. Since no stomach or intestine is removed during this surgery it can result in greatly improved patient recovery and far less chance of wound infection or hernia.
For the most intractable forms of obesity a new Adjustable Lap Band surgery is now available. It also limits appetite and like all weight loss surgery must be accompanied by a careful eating and exercise regime. For most people that requires working with a doctor or nutritionist on a a regular basis. This is considered an option when all else has failed. As a result many insurance companies require patients to run the gamut of weight-loss options before they consider the LAP-BAND procedure. Insurance companies may also require patients to document their dieting before approval for this surgery.
Patients who are either 80 pounds (women) or 100 pounds overweight (men) are considered the appropriate candidates for most kinds of weight-loss surgery.
Range of Results
The good news is that there is immediate reduction in appetite following surgery. First patients can take only liquids, proceed to soft foods, and finally to regular foods.
In the first six months after surgery, you will have to eat very small meals during the day since the stomach pouch has been greatly reduced. Patients can expect to lose 50 percent to 60 percent of the excess weight within about two years. A strict regime of diet and exercise can keep most of that weight off long-term.
Post surgical risks include leaking at one of the staple lines in the stomach. Normally this would be treated with antibiotics. Another risk is weakness in the incision resulting in a hernia. In some cases, emergency surgery could be required to repair these conditions.
Long-term Success
Following surgery, a clear diet program should be combined with exercise to maintain health and your weight loss. Your doctor will work with you to set up such a program.
There are many options without having to spend hours on gym machines.
Aerobic exercise, as well as engaging in strength, flexibility, and balance exercises, should be part of every program. Aerobic activities increase energy levels and are good for your heart, lungs, circulation, and muscles. Recommended aerobic exercises include walking, hiking, swimming, cycling, dancing and skating. The most important thing is to find something that you enjoy or can at least motivate yourself to do regularly. Many everyday tasks like gardening, vacuuming, washing the car, and mopping floors are also excellent flexibility exercises.
Getting Support
Increasingly patients who have gastric surgery are able to join support groups afterwards with others who share their experience. Often these are set up through a doctor's office. Having a group of peers to talk about the long-term issues for maintaining weight loss is an excellent way to follow-up your surgery. Such groups exist for many conditions and are usually very helpful as an ongoing network.
