Weight Loss Surgery: Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass, or Lap Band?
Excess weight is often more than a cosmetic concern. Individuals who are classified as medically or morbidly obese are likely to suffer from health problems or be at higher risk of conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
Weight loss improves a person’s overall health while allowing them to feel more confident about their appearance, but losing weight through diet and exercise alone is difficult. Weight loss surgery encourages significant weight loss in a short amount of time. Individuals working with Tijuana Bariatrics in Tijuana, Mexico, can consider gastric sleeve vs. gastric bypass vs. LAP-BAND®, to determine which surgical technique is best suited to their unique needs and desires.
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass is one of the most successful weight loss surgery techniques. During a gastric bypass procedure, the stomach is divided into two separate pouches. The upper pouch is drastically restricted, so that it can only hold approximately one cup (or less) of food. After reducing the size of the upper stomach, the small intestine is rerouted so that it connects to the smaller pouch of the stomach. This bypasses the larger stomach pouch, and allows fewer calories and nutrients to be absorbed by the body.
Gastric bypass is a complex procedure, but the Tijuana Bariatrics network of physicians offer laparoscopic techniques that make the procedure minimally invasive. These techniques allow alterations to be made through a series of small incisions, rather than one large incision. Smaller incisions mean a lower risk of complications, less bleeding, and a faster recovery time.
Gastric Sleeve
Gastric sleeve surgery reduces the size of the stomach and encourages rapid weight loss without altering the digestive route (as is done in gastric bypass surgery). During a gastric sleeve procedure, a large portion of the stomach is surgically removed. Remaining stomach tissues are stapled shut to create a smaller, thinner stomach, which resembles the shape of a tube, or sleeve. After alterations are made, the stomach is only about 15 percent of its original size. This procedure allows individuals to feel full faster, so that they eat less, and thus take in fewer calories.
Lap-Band
Lap-Band is another popular weight loss surgery technique. Lap-Band surgery does not actually alter the size of the stomach, nor the digestive route. Instead, during a Lap-Band procedure, an inflatable silicone ring is placed around the top portion of the stomach. The ring reduces the size of the stomach pouch so that patients feel full faster and consume less food. The Lap-Band ring is completely adjustable. It can be inflated or deflated as needed, and can even be removed completely. This technique is less invasive than most other weight loss surgeries, and offers a significantly faster recovery time.
Weight Loss Results
Each of the abovementioned weight loss techniques has a proven record of success. Through bariatric surgery, individuals can lose weight faster and more effectively, with many people losing up to 70 percent of their excess weight. And with proper aftercare, the weight is lost for good, so that individuals can enjoy a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Contact Tijuana Bariatrics
Each weight loss surgery technique offers its own benefits and drawbacks. To determine which procedure is best suited for their unique needs and desires, patients should consult with one of the bariatric surgery physicians in the Tijuana Bariatrics network. To schedule a consultation, contact our clinic online.
