What We Need to Know About Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery also known as Bariatric surgery is actually different types of procedures done to people who are overweight. It is done either by reducing the size of the stomach with the use of a gastric banding which is a kind of implanted medical device, removing a portion of the stomach termed as sleeve gastrectomy or by resecting the small intestines to a small stomach pouch or popularly known as gastric bypass surgery.

How It Works:
From the definition above, we now know that weight loss surgery has different types but the most common and popular are the Gastric Banding and the Gastric Bypass.

Gastric Bypass is a popular procedure and it is done by sectioning off a part of the stomach and the bypass is being attached to the small intestines. This procedure is risky as there are possible side effects a patient may occur after this such as cramping, infection and anemia but these side effects can be very much avoided by making sure to avoid indulging too much on food after the procedure is done. It is important that a new diet plan is handed out to these patients in order for them to get used to eating in smaller food portions.

The Gastric Binding on the other hand is done by attaching a silicone band to the upper part of the stomach which may actually be adjusted in order to give space for bigger servings of food. Because it is not permanent, the surgery is less risky.
Pros

• People who are extremely overweight are allowed to undergo this type of procedure
• Gives quick weight loss result
• FDA-approved

Cons

• Serious risks are involved in the surgery
• It is only for patients who meet the requirement
• Because some of the surgical procedures are permanent, there may be issues that a

patient may have to deal with for the rest of his/her lifeA weight loss surgery may seem like the answer to every overweight person's prayer but it is not for everyone because there are certain medical standards that both patient and doctor need to follow for safety purposes. Because these procedures are surgeries, there is that risk that goes along with it which needs to be taken into seriously. Although the FDA approves of it, still it is important that patients really understand about it to prepare themselves for the big changes that will occur after the surgery happens.

By Nikole Dy