The decision to get weight loss surgeries is certainly not an easy one. On top of that, you will have to choose the best method as per the pros and cons and risks associated with it. So, here’s offering you some help in that regard.
Adjustable Gastric Banding
In this type of surgery, the surgeon takes an inflatable band to separate the stomach in two parts that are connected by a small channel. The upper pouch can hold no more than half to one cup of soft food before feeling full.
Pros
- A simple and safe solution
- Leaves a small scar
- Faster recovery
- Surgically removing or adjusting the band is possible
Cons
- Lesser weight loss than other surgeries
- Greater chances of some weight gain
Risks
The most common side-effect is vomiting after eating in excess quantities too fast. Also, the band might leak, get loose, or slip, leading to more surgeries.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
In this restrictive weight loss surgery, the surgeon takes out nearly 75 percent of the stomach. A narrow sleeve or tube is left that is connected to the intestines.
Pros
- A low-risk surgery for the sick and obese
- Does not impact the body’s ability to absorb food
- Possible to undergo gastric bypass after a year
Cons
- An irreversible surgery, unlike the gastric banding procedure
Risks:
Some of the common risks are blood clots, sleeve leaking, and surgical infections.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery is the combination of both malabsorptive and restrictive surgeries. The stomach is divided in two halves, but the upper portion connects to the lower part of the small intestine and not the lower portion. Thus, there is fewer calorie absorption in the body.
Pros
- Dramatic and swift weight loss within six months
- Improvements in health problems like heartburn, high BP, and arthritis
- Positive long-term results in keeping the weight off
Cons
- Affects the natural ability to absorb food
- Loss of iron and calcium might cause anemia and osteoporosis
- Need to maintain extreme caution in terms of diet
- Dumping incompletely digested food in the intestines
Risks
Gastric bypass is riskier because it’s more complex. Apart from the usual risks or blood clots and infections, it also comes with the risk of hernias that might need more surgeries to repair.
Gastric Balloon
It is a kind of restrictive weight loss surgery where deflated balloons are put in the stomach. The balloons are filled with saline after this, which creates the sense of fullness to curb hunger. It is not meant for people with liver failure or bowel disease.
Pros
- No surgery or hospital stay is necessary
- A temporary process that helps at least ten percent weight loss in a short time
Cons
- Possible vomiting, nausea, and stomach ache after placing the balloon
Risks: Intragastric balloons can lead to serious complications like intestinal obstruction, perforation of the esophagus or stomach, and so on. Spontaneous overinflation of the balloon with fluid or air can be life threatening.
Your doctor is the best judge of the kind of weight loss surgical procedure that’s suitable for you. So, if they suggest a method, ask them why the process is suitable for you.
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