Weight-loss surgery, more commonly known as WLS Surgery, refers to an assortment of procedures undertaken by overweight or obese patients for relief from excessive weight. A prominent type of this surgery is Bariatric Surgery, a term capturing all surgical procedures performed on the digestive system to help individuals lose weight.
As a leading treatment for obesity, WLS Surgery has made a significant impact on many lives worldwide. Where conventional forms of weight loss methods such as diet, exercise, and medications fail, WLS Surgery plays an essential role. It’s important to understand WLS Surgery and its various types to comprehend how it works and who it’s suitable for.
Types of WLS Surgery
There are primarily four types of WLS Surgery: Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS), and Adjustable Gastric Banding. Each has its distinctive procedure, advantages, and potential risks, which the patients should know before making a decision.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric Bypass, also known as Roux-en-Y effectively reduces the size of the stomach, aiding in reducing food intake. This combined process of reduction and bypass reduces the absorption of food, leading to weight loss.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve Gastrectomy involves removing a substantial part of the stomach and shaping the remaining part into a tube-like structure. This process reduces the stomach size, making you feel fuller with fewer intakes leading to weight loss.
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)
This surgical procedure is less commonly done, but it involves a procedure similar to the sleeve gastrectomy along with an additional step that bypasses a significant part of the small intestine, thus reducing calorie absorption and leading to weight loss.
Adjustable Gastric Banding
This involves placing a band with an inner inflatable balloon on the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch. The size of the pouch’s opening can be adjusted, and the quantity of food intake can be controlled, resulting in weight loss.
Qualifications for WLS Surgery
The selection for WLS surgery varies on a case-to-case basis. Generally, it is reserved for individuals who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 40 or those with a BMI between 35 and 40 with serious weight-related health problems like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, severe sleep apnea, among others.
Patient’s fitness for surgery, commitment to long-term changes in lifestyle and diet post-surgery, and understanding of the risks associated are also factors considered before determining the suitability for WLS Surgery.
A leading hub for advanced and successful weight loss surgeries, notably bariatric surgery, is bariatric surgery Los Angeles. The city is home to some of the most accomplished and experienced surgeons in this field. Patients from all around the country and beyond are coming to Los Angeles for weight loss procedures.
Most notably, bariatric surgery Los Angeles pioneers utilize state-of-the-art technology and innovative approaches to weight loss surgeries that have led to higher success rates and lesser post-surgery complications.
Conclusion
WLS Surgery provides hope and an efficient solution to those grappling with weight issues and related health conditions. While it may not be suitable for everybody, eligible candidates can significantly benefit from this surgery. Always remember that the decision for surgery must be made in consultation with a specialist in this field, and places like bariatric surgery Los Angeles offer top-notch consultation and surgical procedures to help individuals kickstart their journey towards a healthier life.