Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric or metabolic surgery, offers an answer to numerous health problems caused or exacerbated by obesity. Patients may benefit from pursuing surgical solutions such as the lap band or gastric bypass in North Carolina. After successful weight loss, Jacksonville patients may wish to complete reconstructive surgery to remove excess skin and complete their transformation.
Lose Weight With Gastric Bypass or Lap Band in North Carolina
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass involves sectioning off a portion of the stomach and the small intestine and re-routing food passage. Instead of traveling through the digestive tract as usual, food will move into the reshaped stomach pouch and then directly to a lower portion of the small intestine, bypassing part of the digestive system. The smaller stomach pouch and decreased travel through the intestines increase feelings of fullness and reduce the absorption of calories.
Pros
For over fifty years, surgeons have been refining the procedure of gastric bypass, one of the most frequently performed bariatric surgeries. This prevalence means patients can feel confident knowing that they are receiving a treatment method proven to be reliable. Gastric bypass can also be performed laparoscopically, which offers fewer risks than more invasive procedures. The standardization of surgical techniques and success rate of gastric bypass surgery makes it an excellent choice for patients looking to improve or eliminate health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, heartburn, and obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
Cons
Following this procedure, patients must work carefully with their doctor to keep their nutritional needs met since food will not stay in the digestive tract as long, limiting the absorption of nutrients. Additionally, patients will need to exercise care with their eating habits to avoid dumping syndrome: gastrointestinal discomfort following eating or drinking. However, moderate dietary changes are well worth the results for most individuals.
Lap Band
The lap band, or gastric band, is an adjustable band placed around the stomach to create a smaller pouch for food. This procedure works by limiting the amount of food the stomach can hold and does not affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food.
Pros
Many patients opt for the lap band because it can easily be reversed or modified. No permanent changes are made to the digestive tract, and the recovery time following the procedure is minimal.
Cons
Since the procedure does not alter the body’s nutrient absorption or metabolism, patients must make dietary changes to achieve results. Should patients choose to forgo their healthcare provider’s advice and consume calorie-dense foods, they will not lose weight as quickly as with other procedures. Learn more about how bariatric surgery can improve your health and increase your quality of life. Request an appointment at Carolinas Center for Surgery today and discuss your options with our compassionate care team.
