Types of Surgery

How to choose the type of bariatric surgery

The choice of bariatric surgery depends on several factors, including:

Medical history: Your doctor will consider your overall health, including any medical conditions, prior surgeries, and current medications, to determine if you are a good candidate for bariatric surgery.
Body Mass Index (BMI): Your BMI will be calculated to determine the severity of your obesity and whether you are eligible for bariatric surgery.
Weight loss goals: Your doctor will work with you to determine your weight loss goals and whether a particular procedure will help you reach them.
Personal preferences: Your doctor will discuss the different types of bariatric surgery with you and help you determine which procedure is the best fit for your lifestyle, eating habits, and personal preferences.
Availability of resources: Your doctor will consider the availability of the different types of bariatric surgery and the expertise of the surgical team in performing the procedure you have chosen.

It’s important to discuss all of your options with your doctor and have a thorough understanding of the potential risks and benefits of each procedure before making a decision.

Type of bariatric surgery, advantage and disadvantage of each procedure

There are several types of bariatric surgery, including:

Roux-en-Y / Mini Gastric Bypass: This procedure involves creating a small stomach pouch and re-routing the small intestine to it. The advantage of this procedure is that it leads to significant weight loss and has a low risk of malnutrition. The disadvantage is that it’s a complex procedure and can cause long-term digestive problems such as diarrhea and malabsorption.
Sleeve Gastrectomy: In this procedure, the stomach is reduced to about 15% of its original size by removing a large portion of it. This procedure leads to less weight loss than gastric bypass but is less complex and has a lower risk of malnutrition. The disadvantage is that it’s a permanent procedure and can’t be reversed.
Adjustable Gastric Banding: This procedure involves the placement of an adjustable band around the upper portion of the stomach to create a small pouch. The advantage is that it’s a reversible procedure and has a lower risk of complications compared to other bariatric surgeries. The disadvantage is that it leads to less weight loss and has a higher risk of band slippage or erosion.
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS): This procedure involves removing a portion of the stomach and re-routing the small intestine to reduce calorie absorption. The advantage is that it leads to significant weight loss and improvement in obesity-related conditions. The disadvantage is that it’s a complex procedure and has a high risk of malnutrition and long-term digestive problems.

It’s important to note that bariatric surgery is not a cure for obesity and requires a lifetime commitment to healthy lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet.

“Today, more than ever before, the health risks associated with obesity are widely recognized. We are concerned about how heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, and even sleep disorders are often the consequences of excessive weight.
We understand that losing weight can be very challenging, and while many people can succeed in achieving some weight loss, sustaining that weight loss or maintaining optimal weight is often difficult, and for some, impossible.”

Considering yourself with obesity for bariatric surgery, you need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of bariatric surgery

Advantages:

Weight loss and improved health indicators, including decreased blood sugar levels, better cholesterol and increased mobility
Reduced risk of serious medical conditions associated with obesity, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
Increased self-confidence due to improved physical appearance and greater ability to participate in activities that had formerly been difficult or uncomfortable for them.
Better quality of life due to reduced physical pain from joint problems related to the excessive weight prior to surgery.

Disadvantages:

Risk of complications during the procedure or afterwards, including infection, bleeding or adverse reaction to anesthetic agents used for sedation during surgery.
Potential for long-term vitamin deficiencies due to restriction of certain nutrients in our diet after the operation has taken place and as part of long-term postoperative care instructions from your doctor.
Difficulty with consuming enough calories while eating small meals throughout the day which can lead to feeling lethargic or experiencing higher levels of fatigue throughout the day than usual.
Possible psychological issues related to changes in body image or adjustment to a new lifestyle following bariatric surgery

Possible side effects or complications of bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery is a serious procedure that can lead to significant weight loss, but also carries potential risks and complications, including, but not limited to:

Acute bleeding
leakage from stapler line causing intra-abdominal sepsis
Wound Infection
Blood clots
Pulmonary and urinary complications
Bowel obstruction
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Abdominal hernias
Dumping syndrome
Small bowel obstruction
Malnutrition
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Marginal ulcers (ulcerations of stomach or intestine tissue that occurs close to the surgical staple line

Cost of bariatric surgery

The cost of bariatric surgery can vary widely depending on several factors, including:

Type of procedure: Different types of bariatric surgery have different costs, with some procedures being more complex and therefore more expensive.

Location: The cost of bariatric surgery can vary greatly depending on where you live and the availability of bariatric surgery facilities in your area.

Insurance coverage: Insurance coverage for bariatric surgery can vary widely, with some insurance plans covering the entire cost of the procedure and others covering only a portion. Your doctor or insurance provider can help you determine your insurance coverage.

Out-of-pocket expenses: Even if your insurance covers the cost of the procedure, you may still be responsible for out-of-pocket expenses such as copays, deductibles, and post-operative care.

On average, bariatric surgery can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on the type of procedure, your location, and your insurance coverage. It’s important to discuss the cost of the procedure with your doctor and insurance provider to determine what expenses you will be responsible for.

Prepare yourself for bariatric surgery

1. Talk to your doctor: Before having any kind of surgery, it is important to talk with your doctor and make sure that bariatric surgery is the right decision for you. Be sure to ask questions about potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

2. Get a physical checkup: Your doctor will want to check your current health status and conduct any necessary tests before clearing you for surgery. It is also essential to get all necessary vaccinations prior to the procedure.

3. Follow preoperative instructions: Your doctor will give specific instructions on what you should or shouldn’t do before the procedure, such as avoiding certain foods and medications. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully in order for your body to be ready for the surgery.

4. Quit smoking if necessary: If you currently smoke, your doctor may advise you to quit for several weeks before undergoing bariatric surgery in order reduce risk factors that can lead to postoperative complications.

5. Eat healthy foods: Give your body the nutrients it needs by following a balanced diet that includes lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes while limiting processed foods and saturated fats prior to surgery.