If you are overweight, the best way to start losing the extra pounds is to make changes within your diet and exercise routines. Often, however, the changes we make are not enough, and it is then that we can be considered for a bariatric procedure.
Though the thought of a weight loss procedure is tempting, it’s important to remember that it should only been seen as a last resort in your weight loss journey. Not only that, but you’re eating and exercising habits will need to change for the rest of your life as you follow a carefully controlled diet.
There are multiple weight loss procedures available, including those that require surgery and those that don’t. It’s important you research each one before you make a decision on what it is you want from your procedure, and asking yourself these following questions may help you to decide.
1. Do you want to remove the feeling of hunger?
2. What is your ultimate weight loss goal, and how fast do you want to lose it?
3. How much are you willing to stick to maintaining a lifestyle subsequent to the procedure?
Gastric Balloon
A popular weight loss procedure, a gastric balloon is a soft, silicone balloon that is inserted into the stomach via the mouth. The gastric balloon lasts a maximum of six months before the balloon deflates and needs to be removed. During the six months, you are likely to lose around 2-3 stone following a specific diet given by your surgeon. After the balloon is removed, you will need to stick to a diet in order to keep the weight off, as your stomach will return to normal almost immediately.
Gastric Band
A gastric band is a weight loss surgery, where a band is placed around the top portion of the stomach in order to create a small channel for food to pass through. This small channel makes you feel fuller on a smaller portion of food. Therefore, as you eat less but still feel satisfyingly full, you begin to lose weight. The tighter the band, the less food is able to pass through into the stomach. This is something that is determined with your surgeon and is primarily based on your lifestyle and goals. A gastric band procedure can be replaced, repositioned, tightened or removed if needed.
Gastric Sleeve
A gastric sleeve is a surgical weight loss procedure. This procedure includes reducing the stomach by around 75% in order for the patient to eat smaller portions and therefore lose weight. It’s important you consider whether you are ready for a procedure that is irreversible and if you are prepared to follow a low fat, low sugar meal plan for the rest of your life. On average, those who have gone through gastric sleeve surgery will lose around 60% of their excess weight, making it a great surgery for those wanting to lose a substantial amount.
Gastric Bypass
One of the most popular bariatric surgeries available, this surgery requires bypassing the first section of the small intestine, then reattaching the rest of the intestine to a new pouch. Essentially, the stomach is stapled in order to make it smaller, which in turn helps you to lose weight as the stomach is able to hold less food. A gastric bypass can also reduce your appetite due to hormonal changes, making it a perfect procedure for those who are always feeling hunger pangs. Most people who have had a gastric bypass procedure will lose around 70-75% of their excess weight.
Deciding which bariatric procedure is right for you is something you’ll need to determine upon research and with your surgeon. It’s important you take all aspects of the procedure into account, ensuring whatever you choose is 100% right for you. Each procedure has fantastic advantages and all can help you to lose a substantial amount of weight. If you’d like to find out more information about any form of bariatric surgery, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of the team by visiting our contact page or by giving us a call on 0808 1280 022.
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Disclaimer: Please note that weight loss surgery results and benefits are unique to each individual and in such The Bariatric Group cannot guarantee specific weight loss goals as results for each surgery can vary. If you have any questions or would like to know more about weight loss surgery please contact our expert team.
