Introduction

Obesity or heavy weight is a common problem all over the world. More than 38 per cent of the global population is overweight or obese due to a poor lifestyle of the people or sometimes genetic problems. The high prevalence of the problem does not make it any less harmful. Obesity makes your body prone to various chronic diseases, occasionally life-threatening as well.

Thus, advancements in the healthcare industry have introduced bariatric surgery. It is a group of surgical procedures designed to help people lose weight by altering their digestive system. The surgery is performed by highly trained, expert surgeons at the specialist Bariatric Surgery Hospital in India, Park Hospital, to help people avoid various medical conditions associated with heavy weight and improve the overall quality of life of the patients.

Pros and Cons of Different Types of Bariatric Surgery

Weight loss surgery or Bariatric surgery is a significant and impactful decision. It can help you to lose weight and contribute to lowering the risks of various medical issues associated with obesity. If you have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or suffer from a weight-related medical condition, and your BMI of 35 or higher, you may be a good candidate for bariatric surgery.

However, before undergoing surgery, one should know every crucial aspect, including its pros and cons, to make an informed decision and maintain a healthy lifestyle after the surgery. Here's an overview of the different types of bariatric surgery and their pros and cons, according to Park Hospital, the best bariatric surgeon in India.

Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass)

Gastric bypass surgery, also called Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, is a kind of bariatric surgery that separates the stomach into two parts, including the stomach pouch. The upper part of the stomach is then connected directly to the lower part of the small intestine. This alters the digestive system and limits the amount of food you can eat or drink comfortably, limiting your nutritional and calorie intake.

Pros:

1. It causes significant weight loss as results show that the Patients can expect to lose 60-80% of their excess weight within the first year.

2. Improvement or resolution of obesity-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.

3. Changes in gut hormones may reduce appetite and improve satiety.

4. An effective way to ensure long-term weight loss and reduce the risk of weight-related conditions.

Cons:

1. The procedure is more complicated and takes longer to be performed.

2. There are higher risks of a blockage in your bowel (bowel obstruction) or ulcers.

3. Since it affects the nutritional intake, your body may only sometimes get as many necessary vitamins and nutrients.

4. You might develop dumping syndrome, which means You may feel sick after eating or drinking certain things.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

The procedure of gastric sleeve surgery, or sleeve gastrectomy, at a Bariatric Surgery Hospital removes most of the stomach from the body, leaving only a small portion of the upper stomach, mostly the size of a banana. It reduces the amount of food you can eat to lose weight and reduces hormones, too, to prevent the patient from feeling hungry frequently.

Pros:

1. It is a less invasive procedure with a shorter recovery and hospital stay.

2. Less prone to causing a long-term nutritional deficiency than the other procedures.

3. It facilitates effective weight loss, with patients losing an average of 50-70% excess weight within the first year.

4. It is safer for high-risk patients than other procedures.

Cons

1. It is an irreversible procedure, as once the part of the stomach is removed, it cannot be reversed.

2. It can increase the risks of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in some patients.

3. It can cause or increase the risks of heartburn (acid reflux).

4. It is not that effective in improving the metabolism or how the body stores and processes energy.

Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap-Band)

The complex procedure of the LAP-BAND® (Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding) can be quite effective if performed under the guidance of the Best Bariatric Surgeon in India. In this procedure, a band containing an inflated balloon is placed across the upper part of the stomach, which limits the amount of food you can eat comfortably, thus making you feel fuller quickly.

Pros:

1. This is the least invasive kind of bariatric surgery as there is no cutting or stapling of the stomach.

2. The band is adjustable and can be tightened or loosened to manage any discomfort and control food intake. It can also be removed if necessary.

3. There is a lower risk of nutritional deficiencies than others.

Cons:

1. There are band slippage, erosion, or infection risks, which will require additional surgery.

2. Regular follow-up appointments and doctor visits are required for band adjustments.

3. It causes a higher risk of complications or re-operation than some options.

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)

According to the specialists at the acclaimed Bariatric Surgery Hospital, Park Hospital, this is a more invasive surgical procedure that removes about 70 per cent of the patient's stomach and gallbladder. This procedure reroutes and shortens the path of food through the small intestine, thereby reducing the number of calories and nutrients your body can absorb.

Pros:

1. It is the most effective bariatric surgery, providing patients with 70-80% excess weight loss.

2. It works to maintain the pyloric valve, thereby reducing the risk of dumping syndrome.

3. It ensures long-term control of diabetes.

Cons

1. It is a more complex and high-risk surgery with the potential for severe complications and more extended recovery periods.

2. It facilitates a higher risk of long-term nutritional deficiencies and an increased need for lifelong supplementation.

3. It requires strict adherence to dietary guidelines and regular medical follow-ups.

Park Hospital: Becoming The Best Bariatric Surgeon in India

With expertise in the industry, Park Hospital provides effective bariatric or weight loss surgery to help people prevent or reduce the risks of various weight-related diseases and lead a healthy life. We also contribute to boosting the confidence and self-esteem of the patients by providing a healthy weight and an enhanced look. To add value to patients' lives, we have a team of highly trained surgeons and advanced equipment to reduce complications or risks and achieve the desired outcomes.