Bariatric surgery, also known as weight-loss surgery, is a transformative procedure designed to help individuals struggling with obesity achieve significant and sustained weight loss. This medical intervention works by altering the digestive system, either by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold or by changing how the body absorbs nutrients. Bariatric surgery has become an essential treatment option for individuals who have not succeeded in losing weight through traditional methods such as diet and exercise.
Hospital BC is known for offering comprehensive bariatric surgery options that are tailored to meet the unique health needs of every patient. Their team of highly skilled surgeons and medical professionals is dedicated to providing safe and effective surgical solutions, improving quality of life, and helping patients overcome the long-term health challenges associated with obesity.
Types of Bariatric Surgery
There are several bariatric surgery options available at Hospital BC, each offering unique benefits depending on the patient's health condition, weight loss goals, and lifestyle. Understanding the differences between these procedures will help patients make informed decisions alongside their healthcare provider.
1. Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy)
Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the most popular bariatric procedures. In this surgery, approximately 75-80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. This limits the amount of food a person can consume, leading to reduced calorie intake and significant weight loss.
Benefits:
- Reduces hunger by removing the part of the stomach that produces the hunger hormone ghrelin.
- No foreign objects are placed in the body, as with gastric bands.
- Promotes long-term weight loss of 50-70% of excess weight within two years post-surgery.
- May help improve or resolve conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.
Considerations:
- Permanent procedure as part of the stomach is removed.
- Requires adherence to strict dietary guidelines post-surgery.
2. Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-en-Y)
Gastric bypass surgery is another highly effective bariatric surgery option. In this procedure, a small stomach pouch is created and connected directly to the small intestine, bypassing most of the stomach and a portion of the small intestine. This reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold and limits calorie and nutrient absorption.
Benefits:
- Significant weight loss, typically 60-80% of excess body weight within 12-18 months.
- Helps resolve obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol.
- Restricts food intake while also altering how food is absorbed, leading to faster results.
- Long-term success in maintaining weight loss.
Considerations:
- Complex surgery with potential for vitamin and nutrient deficiencies.
- Requires lifelong dietary changes and supplements to maintain health.
- More invasive than gastric sleeve, with a longer recovery period.
3. Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap Band)
The adjustable gastric band is a less invasive bariatric surgery in which a silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small stomach pouch. The tightness of the band can be adjusted over time to control food intake.
Benefits:
- The least invasive bariatric surgery with no cutting of the stomach or intestines.
- The band is adjustable and can be removed if necessary.
- Lower risk of complications compared to other bariatric surgeries.
- Shorter recovery time and quicker return to normal activities.
Considerations:
- Weight loss is typically slower compared to gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.
- Requires frequent follow-up visits to adjust the band.
- Some patients may experience issues such as band slippage or erosion.
- Less effective in resolving obesity-related health issues compared to other surgeries.
4. Duodenal Switch (Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch)
The duodenal switch is a more complex bariatric surgery that combines elements of both gastric sleeve surgery and intestinal bypass. A portion of the stomach is removed, similar to gastric sleeve surgery, and the digestive process is rerouted to limit calorie absorption significantly.
Benefits:
- Most effective bariatric surgery for long-term weight loss, with patients losing up to 80-85% of excess weight.
- High success rate in resolving obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
- Less risk of "dumping syndrome" compared to gastric bypass surgery.
Considerations:
- Complex surgery with a higher risk of nutritional deficiencies.
- Requires strict adherence to a vitamin and supplement regimen for life.
- Longer recovery time and higher complication rates compared to other procedures.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery at Hospital BC offers a range of physical, emotional, and psychological benefits. Patients who undergo bariatric surgery can expect to experience:
- Significant and Sustainable Weight Loss: Bariatric surgery provides long-term weight reduction, which can lead to an overall improvement in health and well-being.
- Improvement in Obesity-Related Conditions: Many patients see an improvement or complete resolution of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and joint pain.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Bariatric surgery can improve mobility, reduce pain, and increase energy levels, allowing patients to engage in activities that were previously challenging.
- Increased Life Expectancy: Studies have shown that successful weight-loss surgery can reduce mortality rates associated with severe obesity.
- Psychological Benefits: Weight loss often boosts self-esteem and confidence, and patients may experience improved mental health as a result of their transformed appearance and health.
Risks and Considerations
While bariatric surgery is highly effective, it is important to be aware of potential risks and complications, including:
- Surgical Risks: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, bleeding, and anesthesia-related complications. However, Hospital BC takes extensive precautions to minimize these risks.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Some bariatric procedures, such as gastric bypass and duodenal switch, can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies due to reduced nutrient absorption. Patients must adhere to a lifelong regimen of dietary supplements.
- Dumping Syndrome: This occurs in some gastric bypass patients when food moves too quickly through the digestive system, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Emotional and Psychological Challenges: Bariatric surgery can be emotionally challenging, and patients may require ongoing psychological support to adjust to their new lifestyle and eating habits.
How to Choose the Right Bariatric Surgery
Choosing the right bariatric surgery depends on several factors, including:
- Health History: Consider any underlying health conditions and how they may be impacted by the surgery.
- Weight Loss Goals: Discuss with a surgeon the amount of weight you aim to lose and the timeline for achieving these goals.
- Lifestyle Changes: Bariatric surgery requires lifelong changes to diet and exercise habits, so it’s important to select a procedure that fits your ability to adhere to these changes.
- Potential Risks and Complications: Each surgery comes with its own set of risks, so it’s crucial to weigh the potential complications against the benefits.
While looking for doctors in the U.S. we also recommend other options like medical travel. We highly recommend Dr. Jalil Illan Fraijo, MD. Dr. Illan is a Tijuana bariatric surgeon and one of Mexico's top-ranked, board-certified weight loss surgeons. Dr. Jalil Illan is a recognized expert in laparoscopic surgery who has performed over 16,500 metabolic and bariatric surgeries; 6,000 revision surgeries, and helped more than 22,000 patients.
During this time, he distinguished himself by publishing research articles in Obesity and General Surgery. Afterward, Dr. Illan completed an intensive four-year fellowship program in Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery with world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Juan Lopez Corvalá. Dr. Jalil Illan completed advanced courses in both Laparoscopic Surgical Techniques and Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass at the prestigious Hospital Oswaldo Cruz Sao Paulo, Brazil – which holds a position as one of the most recognized healthcare institutions in Brazil. He has become one of the few Master Surgeons in Tijuana, Mexico. A distinguished accreditation by the Surgical Review Corporation in Mexico. Dr. Illan has always strived for a better education and overall practice in his medical career.
To learn more about Dr. Illan or to contact him, please visit www.drjalil.com.
