What to Know About the Different Types of Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery

Bariatric surgery can sound complicated, but at its core, it’s just a way to help your body lose weight when diet and exercise haven’t worked well enough. There are several options, and each one works a little differently. The good news is that all of them are designed to help you effectively lose weight and improve your health. 

How Bariatric Surgery Helps With Weight Loss

Before we get into the types of bariatric surgery, it’s helpful to understand how bariatric surgery actually works. In short, it helps your body eat less, absorb fewer calories, or both. That means your stomach is smaller, your appetite changes, and your digestive system adjusts so that your body starts using stored fat for energy more efficiently. 

It’s important to understand that bariatric surgery isn’t a quick fix or magic solution; it’s a tool that, when combined with healthy eating and lifestyle changes, can lead to lasting weight loss. After bariatric surgery, you’ll need to eat differently, make healthier choices, and stay active, but many people find that the surgery helps make those changes easier because they feel full faster and their cravings decrease. 

The Different Types of Bariatric Surgeries

When it comes to the types of bariatric weight loss surgery, there are a few main options. Each one works differently, and a doctor can help decide which is the best fit based on your health and weight loss goals. 

• Gastric bypass: This surgery makes your stomach smaller and reroutes part of your digestive system. That means you eat less and absorb fewer calories, which leads to weight loss. Gastric bypass has been around for decades and has helped many people lose a significant amount of weight while also improving conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. 
• Sleeve gastrectomy: Sometimes called a “gastric sleeve,” this procedure entails removing a large part of your stomach which results with a smaller, tube-shaped stomach. This smaller stomach makes you feel full faster and naturally eat less. Many people like this option because it’s simpler than gastric bypass but still very effective for weight loss.
• Adjustable gastric banding: Often called a “lap band,” this surgery places a band around the top part of your stomach to create a small pouch. The band can be tightened or loosened over time to control how much food you can eat. It’s less invasive than some other surgeries, but it usually leads to slower weight loss and sometimes requires more follow-up care.
• Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS): This is a more complex procedure that combines elements of the sleeve and bypass surgeries. It reduces the size of your stomach and changes how your body absorbs calories. It’s very effective for weight loss but is usually recommended only for people with very high obesity levels because it’s more complicated and carries more risks. 
• Orbera Intragastric Balloon: This is a non-surgical, temporary device designed to physically limit your stomach’s capacity. A doctor uses an endoscope to pass a thin, deflated silicone balloon through your mouth and into your stomach, where it is filled with a sterile saline solution until it is about the size of a grapefruit. Because the balloon occupies space in your stomach and slows down digestion, it helps you feel full much faster. After around six months, the balloon is deflated and removed.
• Bariatric Arterial Embolization (BAE): At Obesity Institute, we use this innovative method to reduce your appetite and kickstart your weight loss goals. This minimally-invasive procedure uses tiny image-guided techniques to partially block the blood supply to the part of your stomach that produces hunger hormones. BAE often has less risk and downtime than traditional bariatric surgery techniques. You leave our office the same day of the procedure with only a band-aid! 

Choosing the Right Bariatric Surgery

If you’re wondering which bariatric surgery is right for you, the answer depends on several factors. Such factors include your current health, your weight loss goals, and your lifestyle. Your doctor will take a close look at your medical history, eating habits, and any preexisting conditions like diabetes or sleep apnea before recommending a specific surgery. 

It’s also important to remember that no matter which type of bariatric surgery you choose, it works best when combined with healthy habits. Surgery is a tool to help you eat less and feel full faster, but it’s not a replacement for good nutrition or physical activity. Make sure to follow your doctor’s guidelines and make lifestyle changes so you can set yourself up for long-term success.

Life After Bariatric Surgery

After surgery, your life will change in some ways, but most changes are positive. Many people notice they have more energy, can move more easily, and feel more confident in daily life. You’ll eat smaller meals, focus on nutrient-rich foods, and stay hydrated. Advice from a doctor, dietitian, or support group can be very helpful during this adjustment period. 

If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional bariatric surgery options, reach out to us at Obesity Institute and see if BAE is right for you! 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified bariatric surgeon and doctor to discuss your personal health situation and to determine if a certain procedure is right for you.