WHICH WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY IS RIGHT FOR ME?
The four most frequently-performed metabolic and bariatric surgeries each take a different approach to surgical weight loss, and the correct one for you will be based on your unique anatomy and metabolism, medical history, and weight loss goals. Understanding the differences between the surgical options can be both difficult and frustrating if you do not have access to up-to-date, accurate information. Dr. Wiljon Beltre and his experienced team of weight loss experts at The Center for Metabolic and Obesity Surgery believe in the critical importance of enabling patients to make well-informed, educated decisions, and will work closely with you to help you decide which option is best suited to give you the self-confidence and strength to finally realize your ideal size, shape, and physique.
SUMMARY OF WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY OPTIONS:
Gastric bypass: One of most aggressive options, gastric bypass is both invasive and technically difficult, but enables very rapid weight loss and extraordinarily quick resolution of some obesity-related health concerns like type 2 diabetes. It requires a life-time commitment to strict dietary changes and altered eating habits, as well as regular vitamin supplements.
Sleeve Gastrectomy: Sleeve gastrectomy offers similar, but slightly less aggressive weight loss and health-related results as the more invasive gastric bypass but also entails less surgical risk. Long-term risk of vitamin and nutritional deficiencies and “dumping syndrome” are lower, and long-term dietary requirements are less strict.
Gastric Band: Gastric banding is the least invasive surgical procedure, but results in only moderate weight loss and does not appear to correct obesity-related health concerns except as related to weight loss. Vitamin and nutritional deficiencies are extremely uncommon, but long-term dietary requirements are strict and frequent, regular follow-up visits for band readjustment are required.
Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD) with Duodenum Switch (BPD/DS): BPD/DS is the most aggressive and technically demanding form of metabolic surgery, but results in the most significant, long-term weight loss and immediate resolution of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic health problems. Food intake is less limited than with other procedures, but strict adherence to dietary changes and vitamin supplements is required. Foul-smelling gas, bloating, and frequent, pasty bowel movements are life-long side effects, and the risk of ulcers and heartburn is higher than with other surgeries.
COMPARE METABOLIC AND BARIATIC SURGICAL OPTIONS:
GASTRIC BYPASS, SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY, GASTIC BAND, AND BPD/DS:
HOW THEY WORK
Gastric Bypass
- Restricts food intake
- Limits nutrient/energy absorption
Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Restricts food intake
- Controls appetite
Gastric Band
- Limits food intake
BPD/DS
- BPD: Limits nutrient/energy absorption
- BPD/DS: Limits food intake & nutrient/energy absorption
BENEFITS
Gastric Bypass
- Rapid, aggressive weight loss
- Rapid improvement of some health problems like type 2 diabetes
Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Aggressive weight loss
- Some moderation of health concerns
- Requires fewer lifestyle changes
Gastric Band
- Least invasive procedure
- Less risk of serious, long-term complications
- Reversible
BPD/DS
- Aggressive, long-term weight loss
- Rapid improvement of type 2 diabetes & health problems
- Less food limitations & intolerances
DRAWBACKS/RISK FACTORS
Gastric Bypass
- Significantly invasive
- Long-term vitamin deficiencies
- Risk of dumping syndrome
Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Risk of leakage at surgical site
- Non-reversible
Gastric Band
- Greatest risk for complications requiring reoperation
- Moderate weight loss
- Regular follow-up appointments
- Use of implanted foreign object
BPD/DS
- Significantly invasive
- Heartburn, gas, bloating, frequent bowel movements
- Long-term protein & vitamin deficiencies
- Dumping syndrome (less with DS)
- Ulcers (less with DS)
NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS/LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Gastric Bypass
- Strict dietary and eating habits required
- Life-long monitoring and vitamin supplements mandatory
Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Minor food intolerances
- Vitamin deficiencies possible, but not common. Monitoring is recommended.
Gastric Band
- Vitamin deficiency uncommon
- Strict dietary requirements
- Frequent follow-up visits for band readjustments
BPD/DS
- Strict diet required to avoid protein & vitamin deficiency
- Life-ling monitoring and vitamin supplements required
- Anti-ulcer medication may be required
CONTACT THE CENTER FOR METABOLIC AND OBESITY SURGERY
At The Center for Metabolic and Obesity Surgery, located in Altamonte Springs, Florida, we offer a proven, multifaceted approach to metabolic and bariatric surgery that will empower you to achieve your weight loss goals, improve your health and appearance, and rebuild your self-confidence. Led by esteemed, Board Certified surgeon Dr. Wiljon Beltre, one of the only fellowship-trained bariatric surgeons in Central Florida, we specialize in the latest cutting-edge procedures for safe, effective surgical weight loss coupled with a dedicated support team of caring, experienced specialists who will stand by your side to support you throughout your entire weight loss journey. Significant weight loss is not easy, but with the help of with our confidential consultation and education process, the surgical skill and experience of our medical team, and the advice and guidance of our ongoing support network, we can help you achieve the lasting weight loss success you have been dreaming about.
If you are tired of the endless rounds of fad dieting and fruitless exercise regimens and think you may be ready for significant weight loss with metabolic or bariatric surgery, or if you would like more information on all of the weight loss surgery options at The Center for Metabolic and Obesity Surgery, contact us today for a free, individual consultation. We look forward to helping you start your weight loss journey today! Call 407-634-4375 or Click Here to Schedule a Consultation.
DISCLAIMER: Metabolic surgery involves a lifetime commitment to significant lifestyle changes, and is not for everyone. Individual results differ depending on each patient’s medical history and willingness and ability to adhere to the weight loss program specified by Dr. Beltre. As with all surgical procedures, all forms of metabolic surgery carry the risk of complications and side effects; additional details about potential complications, side effects, and other risks will be provided to you by Dr. Beltre during your pre-surgical consultations.
