Bariatric Surgery
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Corpus Christi and South Texas
Bariatric surgery is a set of procedures designed to combat obesity in adult patients.
This type of procedure is often undertaken by individuals who have struggled with excessive mass and are unable to achieve or sustain a healthy body weight, but it is not to be undertaken lightly. If you are interested in learning more about any of the potential bariatric procedures and their effects, request a consultation with Dr. Hérve Gentile in Corpus Christi, Texas to discover all the available options.
Contents
What is Bariatric Surgery?
The various types of bariatric procedures are designed to induce weight loss in one of two ways. The first is to limit the amount of room in the stomach for food; the second causes a condition called malabsorption, wherein certain nutrients cannot be properly absorbed by the body during the digestive process. Either of these methods – or a combination of the two – alters the way food is metabolized and stimulates weight loss in the individual.
Types of Bariatric Surgery
There are multiple approaches when it comes to bariatric surgery, each designed to address the individual’s specific physical issues and desired outcome. The most common techniques, listed below, vary in terms of their respective benefits and drawbacks and are tailored to fit each person’s own situation.
Gastric Band
The adjustable laparoscopic gastric band, also known as the lap-band, is a small inflatable pouch made of silicon. During the procedure the doctor will create a minor incision near the navel to insert a laparoscopic camera into the stomach, and then several additional small incisions through which he will introduce the band into the abdomen. The gastric band is placed around the top of the stomach and adjusted according to the patient’s internal physical features.
The gastric band placement surgery is recommended for patients suffering from obesity with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher.
Gastric Bypass
The surgery essentially divides the upper stomach into two separate compartments, followed by reconnecting the small intestine to both sections. The division can be done by either placing a sort of “wall” between the two desired segments, or by splitting them apart completely. This method decreases the size of meals consumed by the individual, and somewhat reduces the absorption of calories and some other nutrients into the body. In the long run, gastric bypass retrains the hormones in order to promote fullness and curb the feeling of hunger. Experts say this surgery has dramatic long-term effects and could bring about the loss of up to 80% of a patient’s extra poundage.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy method actually removes a part of the stomach, reducing the remaining organ to about 15-20% of its original size. It was initially used in conjunction with gastric bypass surgery in cases of severe obesity where the risk of morbidity was considered significantly higher than most. It is now becoming more and more popular among surgeons addressing morbid obesity.
Biliopancreatic Diversion
Biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) likewise functions by reducing the size of the stomach, then reattaching the small intestine to the newly reduced organ. It is reconnected in such a way that a large portion of it is circumvented; this way food empties directly from the new stomach tube into the last quarter of the small intestine.
Unlike the previous procedures, BPD/DS allows patients to eat as much as they like. But because whatever food is consumed bypasses a majority of the small intestine, where enzymes and bile would normally break down the meal, the amount of nutrients and calories absorbed by the body is radically lowered.
Candidates for Surgery
Bariatric surgery is known to be the most effective method for weight loss in morbidly obese patients. However, that does not mean this set of procedures is the right choice for everyone. During your consultation, Dr. Gentile can help you decide whether you are a good candidate if any for one of these procedures.
Bariatric surgery may be a fantastic option for patients who suffer from one or more of the following:
- Obesity (BMI of 35 or higher)
- Morbid obesity (BMI of 40 or higher)
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea as a result of obesity
Other health factors that may disqualify patients from undergoing weight loss surgery include:
- Heart conditions
- Blood clots
- Liver disease
- Kidney stones
- Certain medications
- Smoking and alcohol habits
- Binge-eating disorder
Consultation
Dr. Herve Gentile will evaluate you to see whether you are going to be a candidate for bariatric surgery. During your initial consultation he will discuss your medical history, your health status and current condition to assess whether you should choose proceed one of these methods. He will also address and answer your questions regarding procedures that correct the sagginess which will result form the loss of fat. Bariatric surgery and the reconstructive procedures to return your body to a more normal shape are life-changing decisions that should not be decided upon lightly.
Preparing for Reconstructive Plastic Surgery following Bariatric Surgery
Patients who are better prepared will have less danger of complication during and after surgery, and are likely to lose more weight down the road according to studies.
In the months leading up to the operation, patients will need to adjust their dietary and exercise habits according to the doctor’s particular recommendations. Individuals who do not permanently change their health patterns – which means eating healthier and becoming more physically active – ahead of time will not get the most out of the surgery and will be further endangering their bodies. It is necessary to stop smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages well before the surgery date as well, and altering any prescription or over-the-counter medications deemed unsafe by the doctor.
The Procedure
Both Reconstructive and Bariatric surgery are performed under general anesthesia so the patient is not conscious. The procedure can take several hours and patients generally remain in the hospital or facility for up to five days. A majority of bariatric procedures are performed laparoscopically, meaning the doctor will only need to make small incisions in the abdomen, leading to a shorter healing period However, reconstructive surgery is generally performed as outpatient and therefore not only you get to go home the same day but the recovery is much quicker.
Recovery
The period of recovery for bariatric surgery is a crucial time that will massively impact the procedure’s outcome and overall health.
Results
Bariatric surgery is designed to produce weight loss over time, so results will not be visible immediately and will vastly depend on your new habits following the procedure.
Optimal results will be dictated by patient’s’ commitment to proper diet and exercise. In many cases, though, it is possible to shed 50% or more of your excess body weight within two years. The more closely you follow counsel regarding nutrition and physical activity, the better your chances will be of reaching your target weight and gaining enormous confidence in your body. Note that reconstructive procedures cannot be undertaken before 18 months have lapsed from the bariatric procedure to determine if your weight has stabilized. The most common reconstructive procedures requested are a tummy tuck with breast surgery (most often a lift).
Cost
Bariatric surgery is an extremely individualized set of procedures that must be tailored to each patient’s physical issues. The cost of a weight loss operation is likewise variable and will depend on a multitude of situational factors.
