How to Decide Which Weight Loss Surgery Option is Best for You

young woman thinking about surgery

Have you considered bariatric weight loss surgery, but are not sure which option is right for you? Several important factors go into choosing the right weight loss option. If you have tried several dieting and exercise regimes and none have worked for you, weight loss surgery might be a great option.

Weight loss surgery is about more than just how you look in the mirror. It’s about enjoying a healthy lifestyle and improved quality of life. Weight loss surgery can also improve some preexisting health conditions, such as mobility, sleep patterns, energy levels, and overall health.

Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery

The most well-known weight loss procedure is probably gastric bypass surgery. SmartShape’s Mini Gastric Bypass is a less complicated version of traditional gastric bypass that produces the same weight loss results. Studies have shown that on average, a patient who has the Mini Gastric Bypass procedure will lose up to 75% of their excess weight and that most of that loss will occur in the first year. The surgery separates around 25% of the stomach from the rest of the stomach and reroutes your intestines, allowing your body to absorb fewer calories.

Mini Gastric Bypass patients should be prepared to take an active part in reducing their weight permanently. You might be a candidate if you:

  • Have a BMI of 35 or above.
  • A diagnosis of Type II diabetes.
  • Are prepared to make changes in your eating and exercise habits.
  • Prefer a procedure with minimal ongoing intervention or adjustments.
  • Do not drink alcohol in excess or have a history of illegal drug dependence.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Contrary to Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve weight-loss surgery does not reroute the intestines. It removes a portion of the stomach to make a smaller cavity for food absorption. This surgery is a good option for those who would like a permanent solution to overeating. The Gastric Sleeve procedure may be the right solution if you:

  • Have a BMI of 30 or higher
  • Are prepared to make changes in your eating and exercise habits
  • Prefer a procedure with minimal ongoing intervention or adjustments
  • Do not drink alcohol in excess or have a history of illegal drug dependence

After Gastric Sleeve weight-loss surgery, studies have shown that a patient will lose up to 70% of their excess weight on average. Most of that loss will occur in the first year.

LAP-BAND Surgery

Lastly, Lap-Band surgery is a laparoscopic procedure that introduces a flexible band around the top section of the stomach, restricting the amount of food that will travel through it. This restriction helps you feel full faster and slows the amount of food traveling through your stomach. Unlike Gastric Bypass and Gastric Sleeve surgeries, this procedure does not reroute, staple, or remove any of your organs. It is also the easiest weight loss surgery to reverse. Recovery is typically much gentler on the patient than other weight-loss surgical options.

The Lap-Band surgery may be the right solution if you:

  • Have a BMI of 30 and above, especially if there has been a diagnosis of Type II diabetes.
  • Are prepared to make changes in your eating and exercise habits.
  • Prefer a procedure that does not make permanent changes to your body.
  • Do not drink alcohol in excess or have a history of illegal drug dependence.

Several other factors help determine whether you are qualified for bariatric surgery, including your specific weight and medical history. The bariatric surgeons and specialists at SmartShape can assist you in deciding which procedure would be best for you. To learn more about each of our surgical weight-loss options, contact us today to arrange a complimentary consultation with our leading bariatric surgeon.

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