Losing weight is one of the major problems to almost half of the world population. Finding more obese people looking for solution has become a norm today. And it doesn’t choose; it affects younger kids, teenagers, adults and even the elderly.

If you are one of those looking for better and more effective ways to cut out excess weight then you might have come across the term bariatric surgery. Dr Westmoreland is one of the many professionals you can always get the best consultations, advice, and options when it comes to bariatric surgery.

Bariatric Surgery Defined

Bariatric surgery is a series of medical treatments and procedures, mostly performed on obese patients. It is one of the few long term weight loss solutions. It mostly involves altering the levels of gut hormones to control hunger and satiety, which in turn leads to a new set hormonal weight.

There are multiple different methods and types of bariatric surgeries. Some of them are life-long solutions, others need a series of doctor’s and specialists’ appointments, others can be reversed if by any chance you decide otherwise, while other bariatric procedures cannot be reversed.

Types Of Bariatric Surgeries And How They Work

This type of surgical weight loss is performed in different ways. You can always set an appointment with Dr Westmoreland, or your doctor to find the most suitable for you. Here are some of the most common types;

Gastric Sleeve

This is also referred to as vertical sleeve gastrectomy. The procedure involves the surgeon removing most parts of your stomach and leaving a small banana shaped part, which is then stitched together with staples. The main purpose of this type of surgery is to only allow you to get fuller faster by a smaller portion of food.

Basically, only a small amount of food can fit in your stomach after the surgery. It may also affect bacteria and hormones in your gastrointestinal system, which affect metabolism. Gastric sleeve surgery cannot be reversed for the simple reason that the part of your stomach removed is removed permanently. 

Gastric Bypass

This is also referred to as Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. The patient undergoes a procedure in three steps; first, the doctor staples the stomach that divides your stomach and creates an upper pouch section. He then divides the small intestines into two; the lower part is attached to the lower pouch of your stomach.

This will have most of the food you eat bypass your stomach so your body only gets to absorb fewer calories. In the last step, the doctor connects the upper section of the small intestine further down to a new section in the lower part to allow proper digestion of food. This type of surgery is difficult to reverse. However, for medical necessities, the surgeon can do it.

Adjustable Gastric Band

A surgeon also creates a pouch on your upper stomach in this type of surgery. Like the above discussed surgeries, this is also to help you eat less, feel fuller faster, and therefore absorb fewer calories. It needs several follow-up appointments after the surgery. 

Unlike Gastric Bypass and Gastric Sleeve, Adjustable Gastric Band is less popular. This is because it has been associated with multiple complications and effects. It is also less effective compared to the other types. 

Benefits Of Bariatric Surgery

The primary purpose of undergoing a bariatric surgery is to find effective medical solution to weight problems and obesity. But besides helping with weight loss, there are other multiple advantages that come with bariatric surgery.

It also helps improve and boost cardiovascular health. This is directly related to the weight lost during the surgery or rather the weight loss achieved. It also relieves stress, depression, and anxiety caused by body image social stigma. It helps relieve emotional stigma as well. 

Last modified: May 2, 2021