Diet Blog

Weight loss surgery basically involves the removal of large parts of the patient’s stomach and intestine to induce weight loss. This form of surgery is also called bariatric surgery and it is the bariatric surgeon who is qualified for performing this surgery. The mini gastric bypass is surgery that is rather simple and inexpensive. This is why it is widely used and is the safest form of bariatric surgery. This is a procedure that takes about half an hour while the patient needs a maximum of one day’s hospitalization.

Though bariatric surgery involves reduction of food intake, there is no hindrance with the absorption of food. However it is important that the patient follow guidelines and restrictions that the surgeon prescribes after the surgery. Different surgeons may offer different guidelines, which have to be followed by the patient. It is usually the patient who learns to eat slowly, eat less and avoid drinking too much fluids who gets best results.

Weight loss surgery where digestion is altered

Some forms of weight loss alter the digestive process. In such cases, the food remains in an indigested and incomplete absorption to be eliminated with the stools. Surgeons are working on avoiding this situation too.

It is mandatory for the patient to sign a consent form before the operation stating that they are ware of the risks involved with the operation. Bariatric surgery is an effective means of helping obese people reduce weight and live healthier and better lives. However it is important that the operation be conducted in a reputed clinic by a competent surgeon.

The first operation that was widely used was intestinal bypass where weight loss is caused through malabsorption. Here patients eat large amounts of food which is poorly digested or passed along quickly to facilitate slow absorption of calories by the body. The disadvantage with this procedure is the loss of essential nutrients and its side effects which were unpredictable and fatal. This is why this form of surgery is no longer performed.

Present forms of Bariatric Surgery

Today, surgeons use techniques which determine weight loss by limiting the amount of food the stomach can hold. This restriction is combined with modified gastric bypass so that calorie and nutrient absorption are reduced and new eating habits adopted. There are two forms of weight loss surgery:

The restriction of food intake: this is done through gastric banding, gastric bypass and vertical banded gastroplasty where food storage in stomach is limited by closing off or removing parts of the stomach.

The poor digestion and absorption of food: in such cases, a direct connection is made from the stomach to the lower segment of the small intestine while bypassing the duodenum and parts of the jejunum.

Though bariatric surgery helps in weight loss, its effects will be truly realized only on adapting of a healthier lifestyle after the surgery. There will be immediate weight loss after the surgery; but with a good diet and exercise this weight loss will continue through life to give a slimmer person. It is up to the doctor to decide on the best bariatric surgery for the patient on weighing their health conditions and options.