What are the options?:
There are two different types of weight loss surgery: restrictive and malabsorptive. Restrictive surgeries, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery and gastric banding, limit the size of the stomach and slow down digestion. Malabsorptive operations, such as sleeve gastrectomy and duodenal switch, change how a person takes in food, removing part of the digestive track to make the body absorb fewer calories. Some of these procedures can be performed through a single laparoscopic (minimally invasive) procedure.
In gastric bypass surgery, 5 percent of the stomach is used to create a new gastric pouch at the bottom of the esophagus. The rest of the stomach is then sealed off and the small pouch is connected to the small intestine. The smaller stomach will still absorb the needed nutrients, but the brain will get signals of fullness much faster, resulting in a smaller portion of food consumed. Gastric banding is a similar surgery except the band is adjustable with a specialized needle to meet the patients weight-loss goals.
In vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery, 85 percent or more of the stomach can be removed. It is an alternative to gastric banding for lower-weight patients and may be a safer option for higher-weight patients. Duodenal switch also results in part of the stomach being removed.
Barbara Hess friends did a double-take when they saw her six months after her weight-loss surgery. Weighing in 80 pounds lighter, she looked like a new woman.
They couldnt believe it, Hess, of Graham, said. Youve known these people for years and years and they dont recognize you.
Hess understands their shocked faces because she still does not recognize her new body.
You get a picture of yourself as a fat person, Hess said, explaining that when she brings size medium clothes into the dressing room she immediately thinks those will not fit her. It takes a while to grow on you that youre thin.
