How To Decide Which Bariatric Surgery To Have

Which Bariatric Surgery Should I Get?

How Do I Decide Which Bariatric Surgery I Should Have?

To decide which bariatric surgery to have, it's important to understand the differences between the four main types: gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Consider factors such as your health goals, medical history, and potential risks associated with each procedure. Consult with a qualified medical professional who can provide personalized advice and recommendations based on your specific situation. Prepare for the consultation by having a list of questions and being transparent about your medical history and lifestyle habits.

 

Types of Bariatric Surgery

There are four main types of bariatric surgery:

  1. Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y): In this procedure, a small stomach pouch is created, and the small intestine is connected to this new pouch. This limits the amount of food you can eat and reduces the absorption of nutrients, resulting in weight loss.
  2. Sleeve gastrectomy: The surgeon removes a large portion of the stomach, leaving behind a smaller, tube-like structure. This reduces the stomach's capacity, leading to a feeling of fullness with smaller amounts of food.
  3. Adjustable gastric banding: A silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch. The band can be adjusted to control the size of the opening between the pouch and the rest of the stomach.
  4. Biliopancreatic diversion with Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS): This complex procedure involves removing a large part of the stomach, similar to sleeve gastrectomy. The surgeon also reroutes the small intestine to bypass a significant portion of it, reducing nutrient absorption.

How Bariatric Surgery Aids Weight Loss

Bariatric surgeries help individuals lose weight through three primary mechanisms:

  1. Restriction: By reducing the stomach's size or creating a smaller pouch, the amount of food that can be consumed at one time is limited, leading to a reduced calorie intake.
  2. Malabsorption: Some procedures, like gastric bypass and BPD/DS, involve altering the small intestine's configuration, which reduces the absorption of nutrients and calories.
  3. Hormonal changes: Certain surgeries, such as sleeve gastrectomy, affect the production of hunger and satiety hormones, leading to a decreased appetite and increased feelings of fullness.

Short-term and Long-term Differences between the Four Types of Bariatric Surgeries

Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y)

  • Surgery time: 1.5 hours
  • Hospital stay: 2–3 days
  • Recovery time: About 2–4 weeks
  • Not reversible, in most cases

Short-term differences: Gastric bypass often leads to rapid weight loss in the first few months. Patients may experience side effects like nausea, vomiting, and difficulty eating large meals. Nutritional supplementation is usually required due to the malabsorptive aspect of this surgery.

Long-term differences: Gastric bypass offers significant and sustained weight loss, averaging around 60-80% of excess weight. However, patients must adhere to strict dietary guidelines and may require lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation. The procedure is not easily reversible, and potential complications include dumping syndrome and bowel obstruction.

Sleeve gastrectomy

  • Surgery time: About an hour
  • Hospital stay: 2–3 days in hospital
  • Recovery time: 2–4 weeks
  • Not reversible
  • Decreased risk of dumping syndrome

Short-term differences: Sleeve gastrectomy results in relatively rapid weight loss, typically reaching 50% of excess weight within six months. Early side effects may include nausea, vomiting, and a temporary aversion to certain foods, making the adoption of appropriate nutrition and bariatric foods crucial.

Long-term differences: Patients can expect to lose around 60-70% of their excess weight within two years. Although the stomach's capacity is permanently reduced, there is less risk of malabsorption compared to gastric bypass. Long-term complications may include acid reflux, strictures, and weight regain.

Adjustable gastric banding

Short-term differences: The initial weight loss with gastric banding is slower compared to other procedures, with a gradual loss of 25-35% of excess weight in the first year. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Long-term differences: Gastric banding typically leads to a total loss of 40-60% of excess weight over time. The procedure is reversible and adjustable, allowing for more personalized weight loss management. However, the long-term success rate is lower compared to other surgeries, and patients may experience band slippage, erosion, or need for reoperation.

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS)

Short-term differences: BPD/DS is associated with rapid weight loss in the first few months, similar to gastric bypass. Patients may experience diarrhea, foul-smelling stools, and nutritional deficiencies, requiring close monitoring and supplementation.

Long-term differences: BPD/DS results in significant and sustained weight loss, averaging 70-90% of excess weight. It is particularly effective in treating obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes. However, due to the complexity of the procedure, there are higher risks of complications, including malnutrition, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and bowel issues. Lifelong nutritional management is crucial for patients undergoing this surgery.




Type of Surgery Short-term Differences Long-term Differences
Gastric bypass
(Roux-en-Y)
Rapid weight loss, nausea, vomiting, difficulty eating large meals, nutritional supplementation required Significant and sustained weight loss (60-80% of excess weight), strict dietary guidelines, lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation, not easily reversible, potential complications include dumping syndrome and bowel obstruction
Sleeve gastrectomy Relatively rapid weight loss, nausea, vomiting, temporary aversion to certain foods Weight loss of 60-70% of excess weight within two years, less risk of malabsorption, long-term complications may include acid reflux, strictures, and weight regain
Adjustable gastric banding Slower initial weight loss, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing Total loss of 40-60% of excess weight over time, reversible and adjustable procedure, lower long-term success rate, potential complications include band slippage, erosion, or need for reoperation
Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) Rapid weight loss, diarrhea, foul-smelling stools, nutritional deficiencies, close monitoring and supplementation required Significant and sustained weight loss (70-90% of excess weight), effective in treating obesity-related conditions, higher risks of complications, lifelong nutritional management necessary



Seeking Expert Advice

Preparing for the consultation

  • Questions to ask your surgeon: Prepare a list of questions about the procedures, risks, recovery process, and any other concerns you may have.
  • Information to provide during the consultation: Be transparent about your medical history, weight loss goals, and lifestyle habits to help your surgeon make the best recommendation for you.

Understanding your surgeon's recommendation

Listen carefully to your surgeon's advice and ask for clarification if needed. Take time to consider their recommendation before making a decision.


Support Systems and Resources

Having a strong support system throughout your weight loss journey can help you overcome challenges and achieve lasting success. Seek out friends, family, and support groups who can provide encouragement and understanding as you embark on this new chapter in your life.

Attending support groups before you have your surgery can also give you insights into what people have experienced with their specific surgery type. You can also read some stories from real bariatric patients here on our blog: Stories From Real Bariatric Patients


Conclusion

Choosing the right bariatric surgery is a deeply personal decision, and understanding the various procedures, their outcomes, and the lifestyle changes they require is important to think about. By considering factors such as your health goals, medical history, and potential risks, and seeking expert advice, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your needs and expectations.

Remember, bariatric surgery is just the beginning of your weight loss journey. Embrace the support of your medical team, loved ones, and peers who have undergone similar experiences. It's important to keep in mind that this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding your health and well-being.


References

While the information provided in this article is based on general knowledge and research, it is always best to consult with a medical professional for personalized advice. Below are some reputable sources to further your understanding of bariatric surgery:

Bariatric Guides & Information

The Importance of Protein After Bariatric Surgery
Why is Protein Important After Bariatric Surgery

The Importance of Protein After Bariatric Surgery

FDA Approval of Lap-Band 2.0 FLEX
FDA Approval of Lap-Band 2.0 FLEX

FDA Approval of Lap-Band 2.0 FLEX

What Foods Are In A Bariatric Diet?
what foods are in a bariatric diet?

What Foods Are In A Bariatric Diet?

Gastric Bypass Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide
Gastric Bypass Comprehensive Guide

Gastric Bypass Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide

Bariatric Surgery Pros and Cons: Is It Right For You?
pros and cons of weight loss surgery

Bariatric Surgery Pros and Cons: Is It Right For You?

Drinking Caffeine After Bariatric Surgery: What You Need to Know
Drinking Caffeine after bariatric surgery

Drinking Caffeine After Bariatric Surgery: What You Need to Know

What Foods Can You Not Eat Again After a Gastric Bypass?
What Foods Can You Not Eat Again After a Gastric Bypass?

What Foods Can You Not Eat Again After a Gastric Bypass?

6 Bariatric Surgery Scars and How to Deal with Them
how to deal with bariatric surgery scars

6 Bariatric Surgery Scars and How to Deal with Them

Bariatric-Friendly Foods: Essential Nutrition Post-Surgery
Bariatric friendly foods post surgery

Bariatric-Friendly Foods: Essential Nutrition Post-Surgery

How to Choose a Healthy Protein Shake as a Meal Replacement
the best protein shakes as meal replacements

How to Choose a Healthy Protein Shake as a Meal Replacement

Malnutrition: How To Avoid This Risk After Weight Loss Surgery
malnutrition after weight loss surgery

Malnutrition: How To Avoid This Risk After Weight Loss Surgery

Revision Surgeries after Bariatric Surgery
revision surgery after weight loss surgery

Revision Surgeries after Bariatric Surgery

More Info

What is a Bariatric Doctor?
What is a Bariatric Doctor?
November 23, 2023

What is a Bariatric Doctor?

Meal Replacements: 5 Reasons Why You Need Them
Meal Replacements: 5 Reasons Why You Need Them
October 16, 2023

Meal Replacements: 5 Reasons Why You Need Them

21 Bariatric Surgery Inspirational Quotes
Weight Loss Surgery Quotes
October 4, 2023

21 Bariatric Surgery Inspirational Quotes

The 10 Best Protein Shakes for Bariatric Patients
top 10 best bariatric protein shakes
October 4, 2023

The 10 Best Protein Shakes for Bariatric Patients

The Best Bariatric Vitamins: A Comprehensive Guide
best bariatric vitamins guide
October 4, 2023

The Best Bariatric Vitamins: A Comprehensive Guide

5 Possible Reasons For Your Weight Gain After Gastric Bypass
possible reasons for weight gain after gastric bypass surgery
October 3, 2023

5 Possible Reasons For Your Weight Gain After Gastric Bypass

Customer Favorites

Milk Chocolate Shake
Milk Chocolate Shake
Quick View

Milk Chocolate Shake

Price
$14.45
823
Cafe Mocha Shake
Cafe Mocha Shake
Quick View

Cafe Mocha Shake

Price
$14.45
724
Caramel Crunch Bars
Caramel Crunch Bars
Quick View

Caramel Crunch Bars

Price
$14.95
421
Chocolate Brownie Shake
Chocolate Brownie Shake
Quick View

Chocolate Brownie Shake

Price
$14.45
681
Frosted Lemon Meringue
Frosted Lemon Meringue
Quick View

Frosted Lemon Meringue

Price
$14.95
547
Chocolate Chill Mint Shake
Chocolate Chill Mint Shake
Quick View

Chocolate Chill Mint Shake

Price
$14.45
431
French Vanilla Shake
French Vanilla Shake
Quick View

French Vanilla Shake

Price
$14.45
504
BARS - 15g Variety Pack
BARS - 15g Variety Pack
Quick View

BARS - 15g Variety Pack

Price
$14.95
437
Proti Wafer SQUARES
Options
Proti Wafer SQUARES
Quick View

Proti Wafer SQUARES

Price
$14.95
125
Cinnamon Crisp Bars
Cinnamon Crisp Bars
Quick View

Cinnamon Crisp Bars

Price
$14.95
311