What Methods Are Used in Obesity Surgery?
Restrictive Methods
These methods reduce the volume or capacity of the stomach, thereby limiting calorie intake and ensuring early satiety. They include Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB), Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG), Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG), and Gastric Balloon.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
This is a surgical method for treating obesity, used for individuals with comorbidities or patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher. During the procedure, 85% of the stomach is removed, and the remaining portion is reshaped into a tube-like structure. The primary goal of this surgery is to limit the amount of food the stomach can hold.
However, sleeve gastrectomy alone is not a weight-loss method. Postoperative patients must follow a strict diet and exercise program. If they adhere to the prescribed lifestyle changes, they can lose 65-80% of their excess weight within the first year.
Gastric Balloon
The gastric balloon is a non-surgical weight loss method for overweight patients. This procedure involves inserting an air-filled balloon into the stomach via an endoscopic procedure, reducing the stomach’s available space and leading to earlier satiety.
However, patients cannot lose weight solely due to the gastric balloon. As with other bariatric methods, patients must follow an appropriate diet and exercise plan.
The gastric balloon procedure is performed under sedation in the endoscopy unit under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. The patient does not feel anything during the procedure and is discharged within 3-4 hours after the operation.
Malabsorptive Bariatric Methods
These methods reduce calorie intake by limiting nutrient flow and bypassing the absorption site. Examples include Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD) and Jejunoileal Bypass.
Combined Methods
These procedures both limit food intake and reduce absorption. Examples include Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) and Duodenal Switch (DS).
In addition to surgical intervention, successful results in obesity treatment can also be achieved with endoscopic methods. Patients concerned about the risks of surgery may prefer gastric balloon placement or endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty.
Gastric Bypass
Many methods are used in obesity surgery, but gastric bypass is the most common. It is widely used to treat obesity-related diseases, including Type 2 Diabetes.
Gastric bypass is a procedure that simultaneously limits food intake and prevents its absorption. Since the patient’s stomach volume is reduced after surgery, their desire to eat also decreases, making weight loss more manageable.