Years ago, if you were considering weight loss surgery, your choices were fairly limited. The primary procedure for bariatric surgery was a traditional gastric bypass. But advances in the field of bariatric surgery have come in leaps and bounds in the last decade or so. Today, people have more choices than ever when it comes to finding the procedure that is right for them.
When combined with a comprehensive treatment plan such as what we provide at Weight Loss Specialists of North Texas, weight loss surgery often helps people experience long-term health benefits and enjoy a greater quality of life. Many of our patients find their related conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, diminish or even disappear after weight loss surgery.
Advantages of Minimally Invasive Surgery
There are so many great things about minimally invasive surgery that it’s hard to know where to start! Shorter recovery time, less discomfort, shorter hospital stays, a few small incisions versus a larger scar, less trauma to tissues, muscles and organs. The list is lengthy, indeed!
At Weight Loss Specialists of North Texas, we are passionate about helping our patients reclaim their lives through a minimally invasive approach – whenever possible – that allows them to resume their normal lifestyle within days after surgery.
Advantages aside, we also recognize that not everyone qualifies for or is interested in surgery. We have options for all sizes of people reaching for their weight loss goals.
Bariatric Surgery Options
Weight loss surgery falls under two main categories:
- Malabsorptive Weight Loss Surgery
- Restrictive Weight Loss Surgery
Let’s look at the malabsorptive surgical options first. These procedures will generally result in greater weight loss than the restrictive options. They do, however, come with a higher risk of vitamin deficiency so supplements must be taken. Malabsorptive surgical options are ideal for people with Insulin-dependent diabetes or BMI over 45-50.
Malabsorptive Weight Loss Surgery options include:
- Gastric bypass – Gastric Bypass is one of the most successful, studied and employed weight loss surgery procedures around the world. Typical patients undergoing this surgery can expect a 15-20 point reduction of their BMI.
- Duodenal Switch – The biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) is a well-established weight loss surgical procedure that results in excellent weight loss and long term resolution of health conditions associated with obesity. This surgery tends to produce greater weight loss when compared to other procedures. Patients could lose from 60-85% of excess body weight.
Restrictive Weight Loss Surgery options include:
- Sleeve Gastrectomy – During a sleeve gastrectomy (sometimes called gastric sleeve, restrictive vertical gastroplasty, or vertical sleeve gastrectomy) the stomach is divided vertically and a large portion of it removed using a minimally invasive approach. The remaining stomach is a long tube and can hold between 1 and 5 ounces. The surgery helps patients lose weight by restricting the amount of food (and, therefore, calories) that can be eaten at one time. The sleeve gastrectomy can be performed in a variety of ways including a robotic approach, single-incision approach and laparoscopically.
- LAP-BAND – The LAP-BAND procedure, which is not commonly used anymore, involves placing an adjustable silicone band around the top part of the stomach, limiting the amount of food eaten at one time. The LAP-BAND does not require large incisions or changes to the digestive system, making it the most minimally invasive choice in bariatric surgery.
You’ve Got This. We’ve Got You.
At Weight Loss Specialists of North Texas, we recognize that weight loss is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Treatment plans are as unique as the individuals who come to us for help. One way we set ourselves apart is by offering multiple options for safe and lasting weight loss. We can combine different elements to customize a weight loss plan designed specifically for you, your needs, goals and preferences.
Dr. Folahan Ayoola further differentiates the practice from other weight loss surgery practices by performing all types of weight loss surgery. Instead of offering just one or two procedures, we offer several!
(side note: If you’ve had bariatric surgery before and it failed, come see us!)
