7 Types of Weight Loss Surgery ...

Not everyone can be successful at dieting, and there are now various types of weight loss surgery that those with a serious weight issue are able to consider. Some are last resort, and pretty risky in themselves and usually for the very obese, while others are for milder, yet persistent weight issues. Also, some are elective, while others may be recommended by your doctor. They have some pretty scary medical names and although some of these names have passed into common usage, we don’t necessarily understand what they actually mean. Here are some of the most common types of weight loss surgery.

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Adjustable Gastric Band

Most types of weight loss surgery are known as bariatric surgery, but they fall into three categories: restrictive, malabsorptive, and other. The adjustable gastric band is the most common of the restrictive group. In this procedure a band – similar to a tire’s inner tube – is inserted into the stomach and inflated, basically shrinking the size of the stomach, limiting the amount of food it can hold. It also enables a slower release of food from the gullet into the stomach. It is a reversible procedure, usually carried out by keyhole surgery in about an hour.

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

This is another of the restrictive forms of weight loss procedures. The operation takes about two hours and is non-reversible. The stomach is stapled, reducing it to a long thin tube, with the excess being removed. The severely reduced stomach area can no longer consume highly fatty foods, meaning weight loss is fast and considerable.

Gastric Bypass

The last of the restrictive types of bariatric surgery is the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. In this procedure the stomach is reduced to the size of an egg and connected directly to the jejunum (the middle of the small intestine), which bypasses the duodenum. The small size of the stomach means the patient feels full after eating a small meal.

Billopancreatic Diversion

This is one of the malabsorptive types and one of the most effective surgical procedures for weight loss but is reserved for the morbidly obese (BMI over 60). In the first of a two-stage process, 70% of the stomach is removed. This reduces the production of ghrelin, the hunger hormone, resulting in reduced appetite. In stage two, the intestines are re-routed so that food and digestive juices from the stomach follow different paths, only to meet at the base of the small intestine, providing better management of the digestive process and controlling fat/calorie absorption and hunger.

Intragastric Balloon

In this procedure, a balloon is inserted into the stomach and inflated, restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold. The balloon is inserted via the mouth using an endoscope (a slim, flexible telescope) and can be removed after several months.

Gastric Stimulation

This weight loss surgery is a fully reversible procedure. A gastric stimulator is implanted into the abdomen where it sends electrical impulses to the stomach, initiating a ‘full’ feeling. The implant works in a similar way to a heart pacemaker. There are two types. One disrupts motility – i.e. it slows down the natural digestion process so food takes longer to clear from the stomach. The other type is called enteric nervous stimulation. This mimics the usual natural digestive process, extending the full feeling and slowing down the onset of hunger.

Post Weight Loss

The last of the types of weight loss surgery is not about losing weight itself. Many morbidly obese people who successfully lose a lot a weight are left with large amounts of excess skin. Skin stretches and grows as weight is gained, but it cannot shrink in the same manner. A surprisingly large quantity of excess skin can be removed by skilled cosmetic surgeons.

All these types of weight loss surgery don’t sound very appealing, do they, but for some they are the most effective way of dealing with a serious weight problem. The good thing is that no-one can simply walk in to a clinic and ask for them. They are highly controlled procedures and a long process of consultation (and maybe even some weight loss beforehand) is usually in order. Is it something you think you would ever consider?

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

@Luisa Marie good for you for making healthy changes! Wish you all the best with the surgery and recovery! :)

Natasha- I am giving the most truthful helpful advice anyone could give. It is about self control and desire to change. Is it easy... No. But is it doable... Yes. I bought into the popular idea that I couldn't overcome this on my own. That my weight somehow was just out of control and I was trying but just never successful. As lovingly as possible I want everyone to know that it is possible and there's nothing that can stop you but you. Honestly it boiled down to me wanting to play with my kids without being out of breath or wanting to sit down after a few minutes. I saw the light after struggling for years thinking I wasn't the problem, my body or weight was. So, one day I decided enough is enough no more pity party for me and I started walking. Not far at first but now am running in marathons. So put one foot in front of the other quit making excuses for being over weight because it is your fault. if you don't put fatty bad food in your mouth it can't make you fat. It's real simple... No magic pill or operation just hard work and self control. This may seem harsh but it's the truth and sometimes it's not always easy to hear. I wish all of you the very best

I'm looking into lapband cause I have narcolepsy loosing weight naturally isn't easy with an off sleep pattern

Freaky ! I love food! But I want a flat stomach! Wah!

@michelle I disagree, though you're entitled to your opinion. I had the gastric sleeve 2 years ago, lost and kept off the 100lbs loss - it's one of the the best decisions I have ever made. For some, it's not about self control. Good for you that you were able to loose the weight on your own but instead of knocking people for having surgery to loose weight, encourage them and share the strategies you were able to use to do it on your own. I'm sure you have had and continue to have struggles with weight - we all do -but it's the motivation or self and others that get people through. Thanks!

@Ashley if you have gone through an eating disorder, it may take time and learning to love and accept yourself and listening to your body. That is easier said than done but you are not stuck. It is such a hard thing and many people don't understand. I wish the best for you on your path

I just wish I could loose this weight. Whatever it takes I've been through so many eating disorders and now I feel stuck with this "fat weight" god bless all of you

I'm actually starting the process for weightloss surgery is very scary I been very heavy since I was a kid n the decision made was not based in trying to look good but actually better my health and trying to live a healthier life. I have given it a lot thought this surgeries aren't a solution but mainly a tool to help those who really need it. I have tried many things but with very little or no success for a number of reasons I am looking forward to my surgery! And the charges that's will come with it.

I had laparoscopic RNY gastric bypass surgery in June of 2008. Starting weight was 247, weight on surgery day was 243 and I fluctuate between 118-125 now. I was at 128 on my wedding day in 2009 and going through separation and divorce has kicked my weight down a bit more. It truly is all about portion control because I eat almost all of the same things but not nearly as much as I consumed before. Sacrificing portion over the food itself has been my saving grace!

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