Bariatric Surgery Resource Page

Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is for the morbidly obese who have tried every possible way to lose weight and have had little to no success. Lap Band surgery and Gastric Bypass surgery, or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass are the most common and less invasive Bariatric surgeries for obesity. In both methods of weight loss surgery (WLS), Bariatrics are accomplished by using cameras and slender instruments with 3 to 4 small incisions, called a laparoscopic procedure. The size of the stomach is reduced and the Bariatric patient must limit their intake of calories after the selected Bariatric surgery. Being obese can lower the quality of one's life and can cause a multitude of health problems that can lead to an early death so in some cases drastic measures are needed.

Obesity can affect every system in the body, how the brain functions, and a person's emotional state. Some of the diseases associated with being overweight are: diabetes, heart disease, cancer, gallbladder disease, acid reflux disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, depression, and so on. Obesity can cause joint problems that can lead to knee and hip replacement surgery. Most people who are overweight are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and emotional problems causing great intrapersonal distress. People who consider Gastric Bypass surgery (RNY) alternatives usually do so after they have been obese for several years and have exhausted efforts to lose weight through conventional means and choose a weight loss surgery (WLS).

Complications can arise any time a Bariatric patient is cut on including but not limited to infection, and pneumonia. The difference between Lap Band Bariatric surgery and Gastric Bypass Bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) is the way that the stomach is reduced. Gastric Bypass Bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) involves creating a smaller stomach, bypassing several feet of small intestine and connecting it to a lower section of small intestine causing less absorption of food. The Lap Band Bariatric procedure puts a band around the stomach to restrict food intake, causing the stomach to slowly empty into the intestines.

Bariatric procedures are less invasive today than years ago because many Bariatric physicians use a laparoscopic method when performing the Bariatric surgery. With only 3 to 4 small incisions instead of 1 major large incision, recovery time is faster with fewer complications. Gastric Bypass Bariatric surgery (RNY) alternatives that Bariatric patients can consider include the Lap Band Bariatric surgery procedure, or a duodenal switch Bariatric procedure. More complications are associated with the duodenal switch Bariatric method, because this Bariatric procedure actually includes removing most of the stomach, making it a more permanent method of weight loss surgery that is nonreversible.

After Bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery (WLS), the Bariatric patient must stay on a Gastric Bypass diet or liquid diet for approximately two weeks to gradually introduce solid foods into the system. Daily caloric intake shouldn't exceed 800 calories for the first 18 months or so on the Gastric Bypass diet. Exceeding Gastric Bypass diet caloric intake can cause nausea, vomiting, and rupture of the stomach as a worst-case scenario. After 18 months Gastric Bypass diet calories can be increased to 1200 per day. Bariatric surgery patients may experience some intolerance to foods, such as dairy and products high in sugar and fiber. A Bariatric surgery patient must decide if the procedure is worth the risks. For a person who has health problems related to obesity, side effects of the Bariatric surgery will probably be few compared to the ill effects that remaining overweight will have.

Physicians performing Bariatric surgery for effective weight loss surgery will usually insist that the Bariatric patient continues with long term care to insure the success of the program. The Bariatric patient must be willing to make lifestyle changes that aid weight loss including eating healthy, maintaining Gastric Bypass diet caloric controls and exercise. Monitoring a post-Bariatric surgery patient having health problems is important because post-Bariatric medications may have to be adjusted as weight loss takes place. Most Bariatric physicians recommend counseling and being part of a Bariatrics support group in order to ensure success from these types of weight loss surgery.

A Bariatric support group can make a difference when major lifestyle changes are taking place. Making major changes in eating habits can take some adjustments for the person who has never been disciplined in that area. Talking with other Bariatric patients who have had or have considered Lap Band surgery or Gastric Bypass surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) can bring comfort and provide the realization that one is not alone but that others are going through the same thing. Being able to share with others who understand Bariatrics or weight loss surgery (WLS) can help alleviate some of the stress associated with Bariatric surgery as well as with the common issues associated with being overweight or obese.

Doctors who perform Bariatric surgeries will usually recommend Lap Band surgery over Gastric Bypass surgery (RNY) for obese patients who have a body mass index below 40. Morbid obesity is best tackled through Gastric Bypass surgery (RNY) because it is possible to lose more weight. Bariatric patients usually have rapid weight loss with Gastric Bypass surgery and slower but steady weight loss with Lap Band surgery. Another important consideration between the two Bariatric procedures is the time span that they have been available. Gastric Bypass surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) has been around for a while and many Gastric Bypass patients have had great success with it. Lap Band surgery is a new technology with fewer complications associated with it. Some Bariatric surgery clinics advertise a free initial diagnostic Bariatric consultation. Provided are highly qualified Bariatric surgery sponsor affiliates for further and more specific information on the differing types of Bariatric surgery. Do as many searches as possible on this site to answer your specific Bariatric or weight loss surgery (WLS) questions and personal needs about Bariatric surgery alternatives. Good luck!!!