Different types of obesity surgery

Obesity surgery is only performed for severe chronic obesity that cannot be treated with diet and exercise control alone. This surgery is done on the stomach and / or intestine. Severely obese people who have tried all other means of weight reduction are good candidates for obesity surgery. The main goal of this surgery is to reduce food intake, which ultimately reduces weight. Some surgeries disrupt the way food is digested and absorbed. These calories and vitamins prevent them from being absorbed and therefore the tendency to gain weight is reduced.

Under normal circumstances, the food you eat moves through the digestive tract and the digestive juices and enzymes present help absorb calories and other nutrients. When food reaches the stomach, strong acids help the digestion process. Food passes into the small intestine and is then digested by bile and other pancreatic juices. Iron and calcium are generally absorbed here. Other nutrients are gradually absorbed by the small intestine. The other food particles that are not digested in the small intestine pass into the large intestine and are eliminated from there.

In obesity surgery, food intake itself is restricted. Along with the surgery, the patient also receives a diet and exercise routine that must be followed for life. There are four different ways this surgery is done.

Here are some ways this surgery is done:

1. A small bracelet-like band is placed around the upper part of the stomach. The size of the opening is controlled with a circular balloon inside the band. The balloon is inflated or deflated with a saline solution according to the patient’s requirements. This mainly reduces food intake and therefore promotes weight loss.

2. The second method creates a small pouch similar to the previous one and food is delivered directly from the pouch to the small intestine. The stomach, large intestine, and duodenum are no longer in contact with food. Therefore, the way the intestine absorbs food is also altered.

3. In another method, a large part of the stomach is actually removed. Therefore, the patient feels full earlier and eats less. Food is also redirected so that a large part of the small intestine is bypassed. This method is known for its quick results.

4. In the last method, most of the stomach is removed. This greatly reduces the generation of the hormone that stimulates the appetite.

These changes are for life. Therefore, always remember that once you have opted for this surgery, there will be a lifetime commitment in terms of diet, nutrition, exercise, and general lifestyle change. Doctors will prescribe additional vitamins and minerals. Make sure you don’t skip them. They are essential because most of the intestines bypass and this causes poor absorption of food.

In general, this surgery could help you maintain a healthy weight, as long as you follow the rules and follow all the instructions given by your doctor religiously.