A Look at the Most Popular Bariatric Surgery Options
As obesity remains at epidemic levels across the United States and elsewhere, bariatric surgery has become a mainstay in helping those who are morbidly obese shed pounds effectively. While many new treatments, both surgical and not, have been introduced in recent years, two main procedures are still the most popular in the United States.
The gastric bypass and the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy have been around for a while, but together account for more than 90 percent of all bariatric surgical procedures performed. Both operations are designed to help people who are deemed dangerously overweight lose pounds while offering long-term maintenance assistance. Although permanent in their effects on the body, the two procedures are favored because of the long track records of proven success they hold.
The two procedures have the same basic aim, but do go about it in slightly different manners:
• Gastric bypass – This procedure involves a two-step process that is designed to alter the stomach and the digestive tract to promote long-term weight loss and maintenance. The first step calls for shrinking the stomach’s holding capacity dramatically and permanent. It also involves reworking the stomach’s connection to the small intestine to lower the amount of calories that may be absorbed by the body. The procedure has been used for more than four decades. Although not without its share of potential side effects, the bypass remains the second most popular weight loss procedure because of the tremendous results it may produce.
• Sleeve gastrectomy – This procedure is now deemed the most popular has been around for more than a decade. It calls for the removal of about 75 percent of the stomach and the reshaping of the tissue that is left in place. Since it also reduces levels of Ghrelin, the “hunger hormone,” it has produced very positive results in many patients. The procedure is deemed slightly less invasive than the bypass, which has led to its uptick in popularity.
Bariatric surgery is deemed a viable weight loss option for people who are considered morbidly obese. These procedures have long track records of success, but do demand enduring commitment from patients. To find out more about these options, consult with a licensed bariatric surgeon.
The gastric bypass and the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy have been around for a while, but together account for more than 90 percent of all bariatric surgical procedures performed. Both operations are designed to help people who are deemed dangerously overweight lose pounds while offering long-term maintenance assistance. Although permanent in their effects on the body, the two procedures are favored because of the long track records of proven success they hold.
The two procedures have the same basic aim, but do go about it in slightly different manners:
• Gastric bypass – This procedure involves a two-step process that is designed to alter the stomach and the digestive tract to promote long-term weight loss and maintenance. The first step calls for shrinking the stomach’s holding capacity dramatically and permanent. It also involves reworking the stomach’s connection to the small intestine to lower the amount of calories that may be absorbed by the body. The procedure has been used for more than four decades. Although not without its share of potential side effects, the bypass remains the second most popular weight loss procedure because of the tremendous results it may produce.
• Sleeve gastrectomy – This procedure is now deemed the most popular has been around for more than a decade. It calls for the removal of about 75 percent of the stomach and the reshaping of the tissue that is left in place. Since it also reduces levels of Ghrelin, the “hunger hormone,” it has produced very positive results in many patients. The procedure is deemed slightly less invasive than the bypass, which has led to its uptick in popularity.
Bariatric surgery is deemed a viable weight loss option for people who are considered morbidly obese. These procedures have long track records of success, but do demand enduring commitment from patients. To find out more about these options, consult with a licensed bariatric surgeon.
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