I am not one of those that talk bad about other types of weight loss surgeries. I chose the VSG Gastric Sleeve for me and the lifestyle that I want to lead. Most surgeons offer free seminars so that you and your near and dear can hear all the pros and cons of each procedure and then choose which is right for you. Here are some little details on the three different surgeries that are offered for weight loss.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass:
This surgery has been around the longest. It is a three step process and is the most complicated surgery. But a very good one, and one that most insurances will cover. Some do not cover the VSG Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Banding.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a procedure that alters the path food takes in the digestive tract, effectively preventing the body from absorbing a large amount of calories.
The procedure involves stapling off a section of the lower stomach to reduce its size and ability to absorb calories. Then, the small intestine is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion of the intestine is connected to the stomach to allow bile and pancreatic fluid to enter the stomach for digestion. The upper portion is reconnected to a lower area of the smaller intestine, creating a Y-like shape.
The procedure takes approximately four hours and is performed laparoscopically for a quick recovery time with very little scarring.
Sleeve Gastrectomy This is the newest of the three. The majority of the stomach is removed and left in a sleeve like shape. Basically it is the shape and size of a banana. This can also be the first step to a two step surgery if your doctor feels like it might be too dangerous to do the Gastric bypass right away. It is irreversible and is a big decision to make.
Adjustable Gastric Lap Band This is where they insert a band around the upper part of your stomach. It is filled with saline via the port that is accessible just under the abdominal wall. It may take a little while to get the right adjustment (The Green Zone). Saline can also be taken out by the same process. It is reversible and the most popular of the WLS.
The gastric Band is a relatively safe and effective weight-loss procedure that works by limiting the amount of food an individual can consume.
An adjustable band is used to create a smaller stomach chamber that holds significantly less food, causing the patient to get fuller faster. This forces the patient to reduce the amount of calories consumed, resulting in loss of weight. The Gastric Band is inserted into the abdominal area laparoscopically and moved into place before it is clasped into position around the stomach. The band can be adjusted at any time to suit the needs of the patient.
I would do some research on a surgeon before you settle. The internet is a wonderful tool to use to find out ratings of your surgeon or any good or bad press. Beware of deals and Doctors doing commercials for cheap surgeries. This is not something that you want to buy at a discount or on clearance. Trust your gut instincts. There is a wonderful site that I am a member of that really helped me to research and be able to ask questions to other WLS patients. It is called BariatricPal here is the link check it out! http://www.bariatricpal.com/page/index.html
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