Any weight loss surgery for dummies guide, has to start by saying that weight loss surgery should only be seen as a last resort. Going under anaesthetic is a risk every time you are knocked out and there are (believe it or not) easier ways to lose weight than going under the knife. These kinds of invasive surgeries can often lead to more complications and problems in the future.
There are many weight loss surgeries available out there, and this weight loss surgery for dummies guide hopes to address the most common of those. Some of the most common weight loss surgeries are: Stomach Stapling, Gastric Bypass surgery and Liposuction.
Stomach Stapling
Stomach stapling or Vertical Banded Gastroplasty surgery works by using both a band and staples in order to create a small stomach pouch. At the bottom of this pouch is a hole about one-centimetre in diameter, through which food can pass. Stomach stapling is considered a restrictive technique for controlling obesity – the pouch severely limits the amount of food a patient can eat at any one time and slows down the passage of food.
Stomach stapling generally works better when combined with a malabsorptive technique – where part of the digestive tract is bypassed, which reduces the body’s ability to absorb calories and other nutrients. When these two techniques are combined, they are called a Gastric Bypass.
Gastric Bypass surgery
Gastric Bypass surgery is considered to be any surgery that divides the stomach into a small upper pouch and a larger lower pouch. The small intestine is then re-arranged so that both pouches remain connected to it. This operation is considered in the case of morbidly obese patients (those with a BMI over 40), as well as people who suffer from Type-2 diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea.
The weight-loss that results from a gastric bypass is generally quite dramatic and can reduce the chance of other health conditions quite markedly. It is also noted that the long-term rates of mortality for gastric bypass patients is reduced by up to 40%. It is important to remember though that complications are common and death related to this surgery within one month occurs in 2% of patients.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery that is used to remove fat from various areas of the human body (most often the stomach, thighs and buttocks). It is up to the patient as well as the doctor, how much fat will be removed. Some people only remove a little, which is often referred to as liposculpture, rather than full liposuction.
Whatever weight loss surgery you choose, it must be a well thought-out decision. There are many other ways to lose weight that are a lot less risky – the use of weight loss dietary supplements and dieting is considered to be worthwhile before attempting these sorts of procedures.