Weight Loss Surgery Procedures
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric Sleeve procedure, otherwise known as the vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), is a weight loss procedure which permanently removes up to 85% of the stomach. Gastric sleeve uses, is the reduction – not suppression – in appetite. By removing 85% of the stomach, the stomach’s ability to produce Ghrelin – a hormone which induces hunger and appetite in people – is significantly reduced. These two benefits allow gastric sleeve patients to lose 70-85% of their excess weight.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric Bypass is a restrictive and malabsorptive weight loss surgery that is reserved for patients with severely high BMIs. Gastric bypass is an extensive weight loss procedure as it requires significant patient dedication. Because of the high expected weight loss and the risks of the surgery, gastric bypass is recommended only to people with high BMIs and several co-morbidities.
Mini Gastric Bypass
With the Mini Gastric Bypass surgery, the process involves the same results of the regular gastric bypass surgery just with a faster and less invasive process. The procedure is done laparoscopically where a surgeon staples a new stomach into a tube shape. A portion of the small intestine is joined to this new tube which bypasses up to six feet of the small intestine. Recovery takes just one week with a one-day hospital day.
Gastric Balloon
The gastric balloon is a non-surgical bariatric procedure that uses a balloon to restrict the food intake of patients. Typically a deflated balloon is inserted by feeding it down the esophagus. After the balloon is inflated with saline or gas to its capacity. The balloon usually lasts for 6 to 12 months before being removed and patients can expect to lose between 20 and 30 pounds on average.
Duodenal Switch
Duodenal switch surgery is both a restrictive and malabsorptive bariatric surgery procedure. During the procedure, the surgeon reduces the size of the stomach and sews up the remaining section rerouting it directly to the small intestine. The smaller stomach size limits the food a patient can consume and the rerouting limits the calories that are absorbed by the body. It’s important to note this means that nutrients aren’t absorbed as well leading to the need for daily nutritional supplements for a lifetime. The recovery time for this bariatric surgery is between two to three weeks. Patients generally stay in the hospital just two days following surgery.
Gastric Band
Gastric Banding is a restrictive procedure that uses an implant to reduce the size of the stomach. Unlike, gastric sleeve, gastric banding has considerable more side effects and complications.