Losing excess weight and keeping it off long-term can be challenging with diet and exercise alone. If you’ve tried losing weight with conventional methods such as these without long-term success, bariatric surgery may be your next best solution.

Here’s more about the different types of bariatric surgeries and how to contact Advanced Laparoscopic Associates when you’re ready to discuss your treatment options.

Who’s a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is often a lifelong commitment. To be eligible for this surgery, you must have already tried losing weight with exercise and diet and be ready to implement a series of healthy lifestyle changes.

Other bariatric surgery requirements include:

• A body mass index (BMI) of 35 or greater
• At least one obesity-related health condition
• At least six months of supervised attempts to lose excess weight

Medical Concerns

After confirming your candidacy for bariatric surgery, your doctor will perform a medical exam to identify any unknown obesity-related conditions—including those that could increase the risk for surgical complications. Heart disease, kidney disease and liver disease are some of several conditions for which you may be tested.

You may not be cleared for bariatric surgery if you have any blood-clotting disorders or conditions that make it risky to use anesthesia.

Behaviors and Mental Health

A mental and behavioral health assessment is a standard screening tool used to determine whether a patient is ready for bariatric surgery. Most bariatric surgeries cannot be reversed—meaning it’s important that you remain committed to practicing healthy behaviors for life after surgery and that you have realistic expectations surrounding what surgery can and cannot do for you.

Your bariatric weight-loss team will talk to you about your motivation to implement and embrace certain lifestyle changes and about the weight-loss methods you have tried in the past. You may also be asked about your eating behaviors, drug and alcohol use and about whether you have any mood disorders.

The Types of Bariatric Surgery and What’s Involved

Several types of bariatric surgery are available—each of which works in its own unique way to help you lose excess weight.

Gastric Sleeve

Also known as sleeve gastrectomy, gastric sleeve surgery involves removing about 80% of your stomach to leave behind a smaller stomach pouch about the size of a banana. Gastric sleeve is a restrictive type of weight-loss surgery. It helps you lose weight by limiting the amount of food you can eat in one sitting.

Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass is both a restrictive and malabsorptive weight-loss surgery. It restricts the amount of food you can eat in one sitting and reduces the number of calories your body absorbs from the foods you eat. This surgery involves stapling a portion of your stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch and re-routing part of the small intestine.

Duodenal Switch and SADI

Duodenal switch and single anastomosis duodenal switch (SADI) work highly similarly to gastric bypass surgery, except these surgeries bypass a longer part of the small intestine to help you lose more weight. These weight-loss surgeries are generally recommended for people with a BMI of 50 or greater.

LAP-BAND

LAP-BAND is one of the only available reversible bariatric procedures. Also known as gastric banding, it involves placing a small silicone band over the upper part of your stomach so you can eat less in one sitting. The band is filled with saline solution, which can be adjusted at any time to help you lose more weight.

Pre-Surgery Expectations

Before your bariatric surgery, your weight-loss team will work with you to develop a healthy meal plan and exercise regimen. You will be educated about the best foods to eat to help you lose weight and also receive treatment for any mood disorders or eating disorders that may interfere with your weight-loss goals.

Post-Surgery Expectations

After your bariatric surgery, your provider will talk to you about properly caring for your incisions and the stages in which you’ll reintroduce foods to your smaller stomach. Adhering to your post-surgery instructions will help you experience a safe, healthy recovery and get started right away on the path to weight loss and a healthier you.

Advanced Laparoscopic Associates offers a wide range of bariatric surgeries. If you need help losing excess weight, contact us today to request an appointment and discuss your treatment options.