Obesity Surgery

Obesity Surgery

Obesity surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is designed to help individuals with severe obesity achieve significant weight loss when other methods such as diet and exercise have not been successful. At our clinic, we offer several types of obesity surgery to suit the individual needs of our patients.

1. Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass)

Gastric bypass is one of the most commonly performed bariatric surgeries. It involves creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach and rerouting the small intestine to this pouch. This reduces the amount of food you can eat and limits the absorption of calories and nutrients.

Advantages:

• Significant and sustained weight loss.
• Can help resolve conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
• Provides long-term weight management.

Considerations:

• More complex than other weight loss surgeries, requiring a longer recovery period.
• Can lead to nutritional deficiencies, so lifelong supplements may be needed.

2. Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve)

In this procedure, a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a tube-like structure shaped like a sleeve. The smaller stomach size restricts food intake and reduces hunger by lowering the production of the hunger hormone ghrelin.


Advantages:

• Effective weight loss with less risk of complications compared to gastric bypass.
• Does not require rerouting of the intestines, so digestion remains relatively normal.
• Improves or resolves conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

Considerations:

• Irreversible procedure since part of the stomach is permanently removed.
• Potential for long-term vitamin deficiencies.

3. Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap-Band)

The adjustable gastric band involves placing an inflatable band around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small stomach pouch. The band can be tightened or loosened over time by adjusting the saline solution inside the band, allowing for more or less food restriction.


Advantages:

• Reversible and adjustable, allowing for customization based on patient needs.
• No cutting or removal of stomach tissue.
• Shorter recovery time compared to other surgeries.

Considerations:

• Weight loss is slower compared to other bariatric procedures.
• Requires regular follow-up visits to adjust the band.
• Possible complications, such as band slippage or erosion, may require additional surgery.

4. Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)

This procedure combines both a sleeve gastrectomy and an intestinal bypass. It reduces the size of the stomach and reroutes a large portion of the small intestine, leading to significant calorie and nutrient malabsorption.


Advantages:

• One of the most effective surgeries for long-term weight loss.
• Allows for larger meals compared to gastric bypass, while still limiting absorption.
• Highly effective in resolving obesity-related conditions, particularly type 2 diabetes.

Considerations:

• High risk of nutrient deficiencies, requiring lifelong supplementation.
• More complex surgery with a higher risk of complications and longer recovery.
• May result in gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea or bloating.

5. Intragastric Balloon

The intragastric balloon is a non-surgical procedure where a saline-filled balloon is placed inside the stomach through endoscopy. The balloon partially fills the stomach, making the patient feel full more quickly, which reduces food intake.


Advantages:

• Non-invasive and reversible procedure.
• Can be removed after six months or longer, depending on patient needs.
• Suitable for patients who want to lose weight but are not candidates for surgery.

Considerations:

• Temporary solution; once the balloon is removed, patients need to maintain healthy habits to keep the weight off.
• May cause nausea, vomiting, or discomfort after placement.
• Less dramatic weight loss compared to other bariatric surgeries.

6. Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)

This newer, non-surgical procedure involves using an endoscope to place sutures inside the stomach, reducing its size without any incisions. It mimics the effects of a gastric sleeve but does not involve removing any part of the stomach.


Advantages:

• Minimally invasive with a faster recovery time.
• Effective weight loss and fewer risks compared to surgical procedures.
• Reduces hunger and portion size.

Considerations:

• Still a relatively new procedure, so long-term data on effectiveness is limited.
• Weight loss may be less substantial than with surgical options.
• Requires strict lifestyle and diet changes to maintain results.