Weight Loss Surgery

[ClaudiaJ]

Honestly, I am surprised not to find any thread in this section. So I thought I'd be making one.

Most often, patients find it hard to decide which procedure to choose - lap band surgery or gastric bypass surgery. This is indeed a difficult decision-making and patients should really do a research regarding this before deciding which procedure to take. There are a lot of factors to consider here - the risks, the duration of healing and how the procedure is done are just some of it.

Here is a brief comparison between gastric bypass and lapband surgery:

Gastric Bypass

-time tested
-operation is complex, it involves multiple areas of the abdomen
-Rapid weight loss over 3-6 months, settling at final weight 10-16 months after surgery
-Mineral absorption deficiency, requires long-term supplements
-Dumping syndrome (intolerance to sugars and some carbohydrates)
-Not reversible
-No significant hardware in body

Lap band

-a new technology
-Simpler operation, gives lower risk around surgery (less chance of death or prolonged hospitalization)
-Slow and steady weight loss, settling at final weight around 2 years after surgery
-Possible deficiencies due to decreased intake, long-term supplements also recommended
-No Dumping syndrome
-Sort of reversible
-Long term (non-reactive) plastic material in body
-lap band must be adjusted for best success

With these comparisons some of you may be encouraged to get the lap band or the gastric bypass. But you should also know that some factors about your body, eating habit, health conditions, etc. are significant in choosing which procedure you should take. For example, if you are a heavy snacker or has a sweet tooth, you may have less success with lap band surgery because it requires tremendous commitment and self control.

There can also be instances where you're left with no other choice. This could happen when certain insurance companies will only pay for a specific procedure or certain medical conditions contra-indicat with certain procedures.

In choosing which procedure to take, it is very much advisable to do a research first. Consult your surgeon as well to know which procedure is most recommended for you and to discuss the pros and cons of each procedure.

Whichever procedure you decide to take, you should be well-motivated to lose weight and should have self-control. Losing weight is not just for vanity's sake but most importantly for achieving a healthier body.