Different types of weight loss surgeries include gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding, and sleeve gastrectomy. Collectively, they are known as bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery works by changing a person’s digestion, usually by reducing the body’s ability to absorb nutrients or by limiting the amount of food that the stomach holds. It is recommended by doctors when diet and exercise are ineffective in losing weight, or if one is diagnosed with a serious health problem due to his or her weight.
Below are the different types of weight loss surgery in Singapore:
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding
This form of gastric banding is done laparoscopically, which means that the operation is performed through small incisions on the upper abdomen. Here, an adjustable band is placed around the top part of the stomach, which creates a small pouch. This pouch can make an individual feel full quicker, thus helping him or her lose weight. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is usually a day surgery.
Gastric Sleeve or Sleeve Gastrectomy
During a sleeve gastrectomy, the weight loss surgeon removes a large part of the stomach, making a smaller, banana-shaped stomach called a sleeve. This also has the result of making the patient feel full after eating small amounts of food. Additionally, this operation removes the part of the stomach that produces hormones responsible for boosting appetite. After surgery, the patient will need to stay in the hospital for one or two days.
Gastric Bypass or Roux-en-Y Surgery
Gastric bypass helps patients lose weight by changing how their stomach and small intestines digest food and absorb nutrients. The procedure involves cutting the top part of the stomach to create a walnut-sized pouch, which is then attached to the small intestine. This causes the food to bypass most of the stomach and enter directly into the intestine. A gastric bypass limits both the amount of food that the patient can eat, as well as the amount of nutrients that the body absorbs.
Who is Qualified for Weight Loss Surgery?
It must be noted that weight loss surgery is not a weight loss programme for those who are just mildly or moderately overweight – it is meant to treat those who are severely obese whose health are at great risk.
Weight loss surgeons in Singapore suggest that in general, a patient must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI between 35-40 and an obesity-related condition like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or severe sleep apnoea. Patients should also have had at least 6 months of supervised weight loss attempts prior.
Arden Jr Surgery offers a range of bariatric surgery methods, performed by an experienced surgeon, Dr Jaideep Raj Rao. Call 9635 7103 and 6592 0078 to schedule a consultation today.