My Fit Foods Bariatric Meal Options
When it comes to bariatric surgery, there are several different types that you need to know about. Before you can decide to go ahead with your weight loss surgery, it’s important to know your options, how they work, and which weight-related issues they’re designed to help.
Here’s a breakdown of the various forms of bariatric surgery procedures, courtesy of our experts.
Gastric Bypass
A gastric bypass surgery is the most traditional form of the procedure. It consists of creating a small pouch near the top portion of your stomach, out of your stomach tissue.
This section is separated from the rest with a series of surgical staples. Then, the surgeon divides your small intestine into two segments, connecting one to the new, smaller stomach pouch. The end results make your small intestine into the shape of a Y, which is why (pun intended) this surgery is also called a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
By the end of this surgery, your stomach is smaller and unable to hold as much food as before, and part of your small intestine is bypassed. This means it won’t absorb as many nutrients from your food as previously and you will be eating far fewer calories. The combination of both makes gastric bypass very effective, which is why it remains one of the top options for bariatric surgery.
Gastric or Lap Band Procedure
Although the gastric band or lap band has fallen out of favor, thanks to some of the newer, more effective surgical procedures, it’s still performed. This procedure is much less invasive than the others and has a solid track record of helping people lose weight, although at a slower pace than the options that bypass part of the intestines.
The gastric band, also known as the lap band,is essentially an adjustable gastric banding made of silicone that goes around part of the stomach, making it smaller in size. The band is adjustable and fits around the upper section of the stomach.
A healthcare provider can make it take up a larger or smaller portion of the stomach by doing a simple procedure in their office once the surgery is done and the patient has recovered. This requires much fewer small incisions or recovery times.
This bariatric surgery is more customizable and less invasive than the others, but it’s not without its issues. Over time, the band can stretch, allowing the stomach to get bigger and hold more food, negating its entire purpose. However, this is still one of the go-to options for those who want a simple bariatric procedure.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
For something a little simpler, there’s a sleeve gastrectomy. This is one of the most popular forms of bariatric surgery because it requires fewer intestinal bypasses and fewer incisions. As a result, recovery times are easier and often much quicker.
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The sleeve gastrectomy consists of removing part of your stomach. Once around 80 percent of your stomach has been removed, the remaining parts, which resemble a sleeve, hence the procedure’s name, are sewn together.
There aren’t any other surgical interventions that make up this procedure other than to reattach (if necessary) the small intestine to the stomach. No part of the intestines is bypassed at all.
Although a less complicated procedure may seem to have a lower chance of success, the opposite is true. The new, smaller stomach produces fewer of the hormones that signal hunger, as well as holds a lesser amount of food as well.
It even works to stabilize your metabolism. The end results are weight loss, better blood sugar regulation, and not having the urge to eat as much food.
BPD-DS
With a name so long that it’s commonly referred to as its initials, the BPD-DS (which stands for Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch – say that five times fast) is one of the newer bariatric surgery options. This procedure starts like a typical gastric sleeve surgery, with around 80 percent of the stomach removed and the remaining parts of the organ shaped into a sleeve that holds much less food.
However, the difference here is that part of the small intestine is bypassed, around 75 percent of it. The remaining portion of the small intestine is attached directly to the stomach. This means that not only are you required to eat less food, but your digestive system will absorb a lot fewer nutrients.
Some of the downsides to this procedure include that it can be tricky to ensure that your body gets all of the nutrients that it needs since so much of the small intestine is bypassed (and thus becomes malabsorptive). There’s also a slightly longer recovery period, as many surgical interventions take place during the procedure. This option also often requires a longer hospital stay.
However, this is the most effective option for those who really need to lose weight and better regulate their blood sugar.
Loop Duodenal Switch
Speaking of newer procedures, there’s also the loop duodenal switch. Also known as Stomach Intestinal Pylorus Sparing Surgery, or SIPS for short, the experts are still studying this bariatric surgery, but those who’ve had it know how well it works.
For the loop duodenal switch, a gastric sleeve procedure is done. As previously explained, this removes 80 percent of the stomach, leaving behind a smaller sleeve-shaped stomach sewn properly back together.
At this point, the small intestine is then separated from itself at the duodenum (hence the procedure's name.) This portion of the small intestine, starting with the duodenum, is attached to the stomach, bypassing the initial part of this organ.
The procedure forms a loop out of the small intestine and simplifies the surgery because it doesn’t require a second surgical connection of the small intestine, like the gastric bypass. This makes for a slightly shorter recovery time. Plus, since less of the small intestine is bypassed, additional nutrients get processed by the body, making it a little less drastic.
Who Is a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
Not everyone can have bariatric surgery. It’s limited to people experiencing obesity according to the Body Mass Index. This means that you need to have a BMI of 40 or more to qualify or, depending on the bariatric program, have a BMI of 35 and a major health condition related to your weight, like type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
While weight loss surgery is no longer seen as the easiest option or a last resort for those desperate to lose excess weight, it remains a procedure only available to those whose weight and medical conditions qualify them for it.
Before your doctor allows you to get bariatric surgery, you first need to meet with them to discuss your options. There are plenty of screenings to go through, and you need to be dedicated to lifestyle changes after the surgery. Your health must also be fairly good despite your weight, as the surgery can be quite invasive.
Things To Keep in Mind
After having bariatric surgery, you’ll go through a series of diets as your stomach, and the rest of your digestive system heal. Before you can go for those healthy, bariatric-patient-designed meals, you’ll have to go through a series of clear liquid, liquid, and semi-solid diets as your body gets used to your newly arranged digestive system.
In addition, you’ll have to start incorporating physical activity, beginning very slowly and building things up over time. Fueling your workouts with bariatric-approved protein powder is also something you may find yourself doing, as you may have difficulty getting enough macronutrients and micronutrients after your surgery.
This will depend on whether or not you’ve had part of your intestines bypassed. After this type of surgery, it is also common to experience side effects such as vomiting, reflux, and abdominal pain. But don’t worry; these symptoms can be managed with diet and lifestyle changes.
My Fit Foods Bariatric Meal Options
Rest assured, though, that everything you have to go through pre- and post-op is worth it. Ultimately, you’ll feel better, have more energy, and see your weight decrease as you get healthier.
The Different Types of Bariatric Surgery
As you can see, many different types of bariatric surgery are available. You can choose a more traditional weight loss procedure, like the gastric bypass, something simpler, like the gastric sleeve or lap band procedure, or even one of the newer options, such as BPD-DS and the loop duodenal switch.
It all comes down to the one your bariatric doctors and surgeons think is best for you. All of these procedures have a good track rate of success and can benefit your health in many different ways.
Have additional questions about bariatric surgery? Contact us to learn more!
Sources:
What Are the Three Different Types of Weight Loss Surgeries | OSF HealthCare
About Author: Mario Mendias
