Weight-loss surgery has certainly become a popular option for those who need to lose a lot of weight. However, not every type of surgery is right for every person. Here is a brief rundown of the types of weight-loss surgery commonly available.
In general, there are two types of weight-loss surgery: Restrictive and combined restrictive/ malabsorptive surgery.
Restrictive weight loss surgery reduces how much food the stomach can hold. Those who have restrictive weight loss surgery are thereby forced to eat less and thus lose weight.
Common types of restrictive weight loss surgery include laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, in which two-thirds of the stomach is removed; and LAP-band surgery, in which a silicone band is placed around part of the stomach to create a pouch to hold food. When the pouch section of the stomach is filled, the patient feels full and eats less.
Combined restrictive/ malabsorptive weight loss surgery is designed to reduce the amount of food the body can absorb from the intestines. This type of weight-loss surgery includes:
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery involves creating a pouch in the stomach and bypassing part of the small intestine. The patient eats less and absorbs fewer calories and nutrients. Patients of this method may need to take additional vitamins over time to make up for the missing nutrients from their food.
Biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch is a weight-loss surgery in which more of the stomach is removed and more of the intestine is bypassed. This surgery is usually only performed in the most extreme cases because it is more difficult and needs more post-surgical care.
Weight loss surgery is not cheap. Costs can range from $17,000 to $30,000, including pre-op testing, x-rays, hospital costs and doctor bills. In addition, more surgery may be needed such as liposuction or breast augmentation, thus adding to the cost. Medicare and some other insurances cover weight loss surgery if the doctor can show the medical need for it.
Weight-loss surgery is not magic. Those who have the surgery must still commit to a reasonable diet and exercise program in order to prevent regaining the weight. It’s also important to remember that these procedures are serious medical procedures: There are always risks of infection, pain, bleeding and hernias. While the morbidity rate from weight-loss surgery is generally thought to be less than 1 percent, some experts feel that rate may be higher, especially for older patients.
That’s not to say that you shouldn’t consider weight-loss surgery. It is an excellent option for those who need to lose a large amount of weight for medical reasons, such as diabetes or heart problems. Patients lose on average 60 percent of their extra weight. (That is, if you need to lose 100 pounds, weight loss surgery will automatically take 60 of them.)
If you are seriously considering weight-loss surgery, ask your doctor for referrals and go online to find more information. Read it all carefully before making this very serious decision. Weight-loss surgery is a life-changing procedure that warrants a serious look.
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