Posted on 22nd January, 2024 at 6:23:51 AM
Introduction
Bariatric Surgery aims to treat obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, and many other weight-related diseases.
For many decades, bariatric operations have been refined and are regarded as among the best-studied treatments in modern medicine, says Dr Mainak Pal, a bariatric surgery doctor in Kolkata.
There are different weight-loss surgery procedures, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The following section lists and explains the procedures to help the patients make informed decisions regarding their weight loss surgery.
Types of Bariatric Surgery
Sleeve Gastrectomy
The Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy involves surgical staplers to remove 80% of the stomach. As the stomach size reduces, it holds less food and liquid, reducing the amount of food consumed. The surgery increases fullness, decreases hunger and allows the body to maintain a healthy blood sugar level and reduce weight.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)
The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, popularly known as gastric bypass, is the most common bariatric surgery in Kolkata and effectively treats obesity and other weight-related diseases.
The procedure involves the division of the stomach into a smaller top portion (pouch), about the size of an egg. The surgeon bypasses the larger part of the stomach and it no longer stores or digests food after the surgery. The small intestine is also dissected to be attached to the smaller stomach pouch to allow food to pass. The segment of the small intestine which empties the bypassed or larger stomach is connected into the small bowel approximately 3-4 feet downstream.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Complex procedure compared to sleeve gastrectomy or gastric band
It causes more vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Risk of small bowel complications and obstruction
Risk of developing ulcers, especially with the use of NSAID or tobacco
Causes a feeling of sickness after eating or drinking, especially sweets
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)
BPD-DS, surgery involves the creation of a tube-shaped stomach pouch similar to the sleeve gastrectomy. The procedure is identical to the gastric bypass, where the small intestine is not used.
Following the creation of the tube-shaped stomach, the first portion of the small intestine is dissected from the stomach. A surgeon then connects a portion of the small intestine to the outlet of the newly created stomach. Foods that patients eat then travel to the smaller portion of the stomach and into the latter part of the small intestine.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Intragastric Balloon
The procedure involves placing a silicone balloon filled with saline in the stomach. This facilitates weight loss by making patients feel fuller and limiting food intake.
Advantages
Disadvantages
One-third of people experience abdominal pain and nausea. It can be managed by oral medication
Risk of balloon deflation
It can cause acute pancreatitis or ulcers.
