Health Guide / WAYS TO LOSE WEIGHT

WAYS TO LOSE WEIGHT

There are various types of weight loss surgery. They're all typically performed under general anaesthesia (while you're asleep) with keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery, but they work slightly differently.

A surgeon performs keyhole surgery by making small cuts in the tummy and inserting a flexible viewing tube to see inside while performing the operation.

Main types of weight loss surgery

• Gastric band;

A gastric band is a band that is wrapped around the stomach to form a small pouch at the top.

Because it takes less food to fill the pouch, you don't need to eat as much before you're satisfied.

The band is linked to a small device that is worn beneath the skin (usually near the middle of the chest). This is done so that the band can be tightened following surgery.

Typically, the band is tightened for the first time about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. This is accomplished by injecting the device with a salt water solution through your skin with a needle. Anaesthesia is usually not required for this procedure.

To get to, the band will need to be tightened several times.

• Gastric bypass;

A gastric bypass is a surgical procedure in which surgical staples are used to create a small pouch at the top of the stomach.

The pouch is then connected to your small intestine, bypassing the remainder of your stomach.

This means that it takes less food to feel full and that you absorb fewer calories from the food you eat.

• Sleeve gastrectomy

A sleeve gastrectomy involves removing a large portion of the stomach, making it much smaller than it was previously.

This means you won't be able to eat as much as you could before surgery and will be full sooner.

• Intra-gastric balloon

An intra-gastric balloon is a soft balloon filled with air or salt water that is passed down your throat and into your stomach via a thin tube (known as a gastroscopy).

This means you won't need or be able to eat as much before feeling satisfied. However, it is only a temporary measure, and the balloon is usually left in place for no more than 6 months.

• Biliopancreatic diversion

A biliopancreatic diversion is similar to a gastric bypass, except that the stomach pouch is connected further along the small intestine.

This means you'll absorb even fewer calories from the food you eat. However, it has more side effects than a gastric bypass and is therefore less commonly used.

• Primary obesity surgery endolumena

Obesity surgery at the outset Endolumena is a new method for shrinking your stomach. A tube known as an endoscope is inserted into your stomach.

The endoscope is then passed through by a surgeon, who uses it to gather your stomach into folds to make it smaller.

Obesity surgery at the outset Endolumena is not currently covered by the NHS, so you will have to pay for it.

Which type of weight loss surgery is best?

Weight loss surgery of any type can help you lose a significant amount of weight, but each has advantages and disadvantages.

As an example:

You usually lose weight faster after a gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy than after a gastric band. More people tend to achieve significant weight loss with a gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy than with a gastric band. Gastric bands are removable, so the operation can be reversed if it causes serious problems. Complications are generally higher for a gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.

If you're thinking about having weight loss surgery, talk to your surgeon about the various techniques to see which one is best for you.

Make an appointment at Deva Hospital for obesity treatment and easy ways to lose weight.