The different types of bariatric surgery | A critical analysis

Weight loss surgery or bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery is a medical procedure done on the digestive system to help lose weight. Usually, bariatric surgery is done by reducing the size of the stomach using different methods. There are different types of bariatric surgery procedures. If done successfully, bariatric surgery can be beneficial and useful to treat Obesity and bring back the handsome and happy life again.

Why is Bariatric surgery necessary?

Someone who’s body mass index BMI is 30 or more is considered obese. Bariatric surgery helps the obese person by reducing the size of the stomach and restrict the craving for eating. Obesity is not directly considered fatal, but it is the leading cause of many life-threatening diseases like:

1. Heart diseases
2. Diabetes
3. High blood pressure 
4. Digestive issues 
5. Psychological problems
6. Digestive issues

Obesity can be a life-threatening problem if not look after and is a significant cause of death around the globe. But it does not mean bariatric surgery should be your first choice. Bariatric surgery should be considered when no other options like dieting and exercise work.

Different types of Bariatric Surgery

The main procedure of any Bariatric surgery is to reduce the size of the stomach and restrict the craving of food intake. Bariatric surgeon can treat obesity using different types of bariatric surgery procedures; some of them are:

1. Gastric Banding or Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
2. Sleeve Gastrectomy or Gastric sleeve surgery
3. Gastric Bypass or Laparoscopic Roux-Y gastric bypass
4. Duodenal Switch or Biliopancreatic diversion

Gastric Banding:

Gastric banding is done by placing a band on the top portion of the stomach and dividing the stomach into two parts. A small channel connects both parts of the stomach. This technique will help by slow down the stomach hence help to reduce food intake. Gastric Banding is considered the safest bariatric surgery because the band surgeon places on the stomach can be easily removed.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery is the most common type of bariatric surgery. In Gastric sleeve, surgery surgeon remove about 70% to 80% of the stomach and leave an only small portion of it. By reducing the size of the stomach food craving, the hormone is also reduced. This procedure only affects food intake by lowering it; it does not affect the absorption of nutrients.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric Bypass surgery is a type of bariatric surgery in which the surgeon will create a small pouch in the stomach then connect this pouch directly to the small intestine. After gastric bypass surgery is done, eaten food will go into the little pocket of the stomach and straight to the small intestine. This procedure is difficult to reverse but can be done.

Duodenal Switch Surgery

Duodenal switch surgery is performed in two steps. The first surgeon will perform gastric sleeve surgery and reduce the size of the stomach. After reducing the size, the stomach is connected to the small intestine. This kind of procedure is irreversible once done.

The safest type of bariatric surgery

Every type of bariatric surgery has its own pros and cons; mostly, your surgeon will determine which type you needed according to your condition. As all type of surgeries can be risky, that’s why bariatric surgery should be your last option.

1. Gastric banding: This option is considered to be the safest option of bariatric surgery and easily reversible. Weight loss is less than others, and in the long term, it can be ineffective.
2. Gastric Sleeve Surgery: Commonly considered the safe and simple option and is also very useful.
3. Gastric Bypass Surgery: This procedure is beneficial for quick weight loss and has long term effects. It is helpful for anyone suffering from Obesity-related issues. There is a risk of hernia and nutrient deficiencies.
4. Duodenal Switch Surgery: This is much complicated and risky procedure than other types of bariatric surgery. This kind of approach is usually avoided.