Guide to Effective Weight Loss Surgeries in 2021

Weight Loss Surgeries

In the US alone, the costs for obesity-related illnesses and care were about  $190 billion in 2021. According to the American Obesity Association, about half of the total population is obese or overweight. At present, up to 41% of adults meet these criteria. 

If people understood just how effective weight loss surgery is for reducing excess weight, many people would doubtless seize the opportunity. This article discusses procedures that will help obese patients avoid serious health risks such as cardiovascular disease – but just how effective are the various treatment options that are currently available?

Let’s find out!

Effective Weight Loss Surgeries

Needlescopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

This procedure is similar to gastric sleeve (also called gastrectomy) and lap band. The difference is that the stomach is drained not by a small opening but rather through tiny openings with a tube while this procedure is done with either an endoscope. For those patients that want a weight loss surgery that is less invasive, Needlescopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is the given choice especially by qualified surgeons such as Dr. Feiz in LA.

A study that was published in the “Journal of American Medicine” (JAMA) showed that people who underwent this procedure lost an average of 41% of excess weight, which is comparable to results achieved with gastric bypass surgery.     

Gastric Bypass Surgery 

This innovative surgical method involves dividing the stomach into a small upper section and a larger lower portion. This surgery is effective for weight loss because the digestive process is altered, allowing patients to feel full more quickly and eat less.

It also connects to an area further down in the intestines (called the jejunum) to allow food to bypass a section of the stomach and part of the intestine (called the duodenum). This causes fewer calories and nutrients to be digested and absorbed by the body.

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LAGB)

The LAGB was the first of the laparoscopic banding options. This is an adjustable band that consists of an inflatable silicone ring which is placed around the upper stomach near the esophagus, creating a small pouch. A connection is made between this pouch and a band that is positioned on the outside below the skin. This can be tightened to create a smaller outlet for food, and it can also be adjusted when needed.

Because this type of bariatric surgery is adjustable, it can be adjusted over time as patients lose weight. It provides decent results in terms of reducing stomach volume – about 50% less food can be eaten.

Sleeve Gastrectomy (Vertical sleeve gastrectomy)

Also known as a vertical gastric sleeve, this type of bariatric surgery is done using an endoscope from the esophagus. The stomach is divided vertically and only a small portion at the top is left where food can enter. It is actually somewhat similar to the lap band in that it uses an inflatable ring.

This type of surgery is also adjustable – but unlike the LAGB, no tubing is required nor are there any foreign objects left behind after surgery. Although both procedures provide excellent results with weight loss, this procedure does not limit the intake of food as the LAGB does. Because vertical sleeve gastrectomy involves removing a large amount of the stomach, it also reduces nutrients and calories that can be absorbed when food enters.

“Surgery has been shown to be very effective at inducing and maintaining substantial long-term weight loss,” said lead author Dr M. Samuel Preston of the department of sociology, University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, US. 

Now that we have discussed the types and the effectiveness of bariatric surgeries, let’s look at some frequently asked questions. 

FAQs 

  1. How much weight do you lose in a month with gastric sleeve surgery?

Generally, the average weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery is between 30 and 50 lbs. The percentage of weight loss, however, varies by individual. Some people may lose more than 60 lbs following this procedure, while some patients may lose less than 20 or even no weight at all.

It is important to keep in mind that the specific amount of weight you lose after gastric sleeve surgery is not necessarily representative of the amount of weight you will lose in the following months. The reason for this variance in weight loss results is because there can be significant fluctuations in your daily water intake, which ultimately affects how much weight you may see on the scale. 

Keep in mind that it is unlikely that you will experience no change in weight after gastric sleeve surgery. Although some people may not notice any changes on the scale, they will likely begin to feel more energized and experience improved cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Again, it is important that you communicate with your doctor or surgeon if you are concerned about how much weight you have lost following this procedure.

  1. What qualifies a person for weight loss surgery?

The criteria for those who can undergo bariatric surgery depend on several factors such as age, fitness and health status. The general requirements include:

  • Age of 18 years or above.
  • Body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above. BMI is body weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters.
  • Morbid obesity, meaning that it is unsafe for the individual to lose weight on their own, due to high risk factors such as diabetes or hypertension.