Different Types of Weight Loss Surgery, Which One to Choose?

Nearly 30% of people around the world are overweight and the figures are continuously rising each year. Obesity is one of the alarming causes of life-threatening diseases. However, o the brighter side many people are trying their best to stay fit through exercises and physical activities. But for many people losing weight can be a really difficult especially if they are overweight.

Just like the world, Australians are also struggling to lose their weight. Therefore, many people prefer getting general weight loss surgery in Melbourne. However, you must know that weight loss surgery should always be an option if no other weight loss methods, behavior therapy, and diet plan has worked for you in the past. Moreover, weight loss surgeries should always be considered as last resort or option when planning to lose weight. You must also consult your doctor to know whether or not you qualify the criteria’s to undergo a weight loss surgery.

Are you planning to get a Weightloss Surgery in Melbourne? Then you must know the different types of weight loss surgeries. Let’s discuss here.

Gastric Band Surgery

In case of gastric band surgery, a band is placed around the stomach. Therefore the food that is eaten only fills up the small pouch that is created with the band. Since the pouch is small you eat less and don’t feel hungry all the time. The band can be easily adjusted even after the surgery. The band has to be adjusted a few times after the surgery to make sure everything is going well.

Gastric Bypass

In case of gastric bypass a small pouch is created using surgical staples. The pouch is then connected with the small intestine; therefore, the food is digested in the small pouch which further moves through the small intestine. Thus the quantity of food intake is less and you consume fewer calories.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

In sleeve gastrectomy, a large part of the stomach is removed in order to reduce the size of the stomach. Therefore you do not have to eat more to feel full. The quantity of food intake is less thus you consume fewer calories without feeling hungry.

Intra-gastric Balloon

In intra-gastric balloon surgery, a small balloon is passed through the mouth into your stomach. The balloon is either filled with air or salt water. This type of surgery also reduces the amount of food you intake and thus you do not feel hungry over and over again. However, this particular weight loss solution is not permanent and usually, the balloon is removed after a few months.

Biliopancreatic Diversion

                                        

In the case on Biliopancreatic surgery a diversion is made in the stomach that connects all the way to the small intestine. First of all, a small pouch is made in the stomach and then it is further connected with the small intestine. Thus you will feel fuller without eating much. This type of surgery is less preferred as compared to gastric bypass as it has many side effects.

Types of Weight Loss Surgery to Prefer

The goals behind weight loss surgery are to provide you maximum weight loss. However, not all of the above-mentioned surgeries are the same and hence their benefits and differences.

Usually in case of sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass person tends to lose weight faster than other types of surgeries.

• The weight loss process is a little slow in case of lap band or gastric band surgery.
• When it comes to complications in case of gastrectomy and gastric bypass the risks are higher.
• Gastric bands or lap bands can be removed at any point of time after the surgery.

If you are planning to get a weight loss surgery done then make sure to consult your doctor and ask which surgery is best-suited for you.

What Kind of Diet is Best Suited After a Lap Band Surgery?

Are you planning to undergo a lap band surgery any time soon? Have you gone through a lap band surgery? If the answer for both the questions is yes then for you taking care of the diet should be the utmost priority. When you undergo a gastric band surgery it relatively reduces the size of your stomach by closing a part of your stomach with a band and as a result, you feel full even after eating less. As a result, your calories intake is very less.

You shall always remember that after the lap band surgery diet will progress in stages. After the surgery for a month you will not be allowed to eat any solid food, then in the second month you will be recommended pureed food, later soft food is recommended. After 6 months post the surgery your diet can be normal consisting of healthy food. But, it is strongly recommended to consult your doctor as well as a dietician for after lap band surgery diet.

However, there is general information on what your diet should be like.

Liquid Diet

It is strongly recommended to be on a liquid diet for 2 weeks after the surgery. You can drink liquids like water, herbal tea, broth, juices, and jellies. Make sure to drink slowly.

Slowly and steadily, you will be on a full liquid based diet. This is the point when you shall focus on having the right amount of protein, vitamins and other essential nutrients required by the body for proper functioning otherwise you may fall sick. You can also have a milk-based liquid diet; try to include broth, curd, soups, and natural juices in your diet at this point.

Pureed Diet

Pureed liquid diet shall be started around 3rd to 4th week after lap band surgery. At this point in time, you can eat pureed as well as blended food. However, at this point in time, you still need to avoid eating solid foods. 

Try to eat in fewer portions for about 4-5 times in a day this would put less pressure on the stomach. Eat slowly, drink lots of water but avoid drinking it before and after the meals.

Soft Food Diet

After 5-6 weeks you can now slowly move towards having a soft food diet. This diet primarily consists of food that can be mashed and is easily chewable. You can include rice, minced meats or chicken, eggs (boiled or scrambled), boiled or sautéed vegetables, fruits, and mashed potatoes.

Normal Diet

Six months after gastric band surgery you will be recommended to be on a normal diet however the time may vary from person to person depending upon your progress reports. You can slowly switch to a normal diet and have three meal plans that are nutritious, balanced and contains solid food as well. Make sure to eat your food slowly and chew it properly it will aid in better digestion. Do not overeat as it may result in discomfort and vomiting. 

Try to eat proteins as by now your body is more likely to be a deficit on proteins which are much needed by the body to function properly. Make sure to avoid eating snacks and sticks to the three meals also drink lots of water.

FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions) For Lap Band Surgery

Before you head towards lap band surgery you need to know what is Lap-Band surgery. The Lap-Band is an adjustable silicone band placed around the top part of the stomach during a laparoscopic surgical procedure designed to restrict food intake. During the time of surgery, a small device called a port is placed under the skin of the abdomen. Normally, lap band surgery is less invasive than open incision surgery because it is performed by placing the instruments and a camera through several small incisions in your abdomen.  Lap band surgery risks are less and patients often discharged the same day.

These are few FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) that are listed below. These questions will help you get a clear picture.

• How does the Lap-Band Promote Weight Loss?

The lap band surgery restricts the amount of your food intake to your stomach and it also extends the feeling of being fully satisfied after eating a small amount of solid food.  The success of this procedure depends on how motivated you are to change your eating behaviors. You need to eat three small high protein and low carb meals daily. Eating too fast or too much might cause you vomiting. You should not take any fluid with meals because it will cause the stomach empty quickly. You should also avoid high-calories beverages such as non-diet sodas, fruit juice, milkshakes, and smoothies.

• How does the Surgery Differ from Gastric Bypass?

The lap-band procedure requires no stapling or cutting of the stomach and no surgery on the intestine. No intestine and no intestinal bypass are done so there is no change in the number of calories and nutrients absorbed in the intestine. Normally, lap band patients do not experience any dumping syndrome after consuming high-sugar foods or beverages. The tightness of the Lap-Band is adjusted to suit your individual situation and it can be removed if you want to.  The Lap-Band procedure takes about one hour and usually, you have to stay one night in the hospital.

• How much Weight can I Expect toLose?

A weight loss of 2-3 pounds a week is possible during the first year of your surgery and it also depends upon the person’s commitment to new eating habits and regular exercise.  Weigh loss usually is a slower rate after gastric bypass surgery. The average weight loss in lap band surgery was approximately 40% excess weight.

• What are the Risks?

Lap- Band surgery carries the same risks as other laparoscopic surgical procedure but the risk is much less than gastric bypass surgery.  If the band needs to be removed or replaced it also additional surgery but there are few problems that occur after lap band surgery. Surgical techniques have been improved to reduce the risk of complications.