Bariatric Surgeries When Diet and Exercise is not Enough
Many people have been unsuccessful at weight loss with diet and exercise. Bariatric surgeries provide several options when diet and exercise are not enough to achieve weight loss goals. These surgical procedures help patients achieve weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach. The stomach reduction lessens the amount of food that can be eaten and thus, enables the weight loss.
Bariatric surgeries provide three options for patients. One option is gastric bypass surgery in which the surgeon uses staples on the upper part of the stomach. The stapling separates the upper stomach and reduces the amount of food that can be eaten. The smaller intestine is then connected to the smaller stomach pouch by rerouting.
Lap-Band surgery is a second type of bariatric surgery. This process uses a rubber band that is tied around the top of the stomach. It creates a small stomach pouch and the result is that you get full very quickly. The food travels from the small stomach pouch to the lower stomach. From there, the food travels to the rest of the digestive tract.
Gastric sleeve surgery is the third form of bariatric surgeries. The surgeon uses a laparoscopic tool that gives a picture guide of the stomach. Small incisions are used for the laparoscopic tool to help the surgeon accomplish the procedure.
Although there are three options for bariatric surgery, consultation with a doctor is necessary to find the one that is best suited for you. It is best to consult with a doctor who specializes in this type of surgery. The doctor will evaluate your medical history to assess any condition that will complicate surgery.
One common criterion to be a candidate for any of the bariatric surgeries is that you are significantly overweight. Another criterion for bariatric surgeries is that your excess weight causes medical problems for you. Prepare for the consultation with additional questions you may have for the doctor.
