Obese men and women who have not had success with traditional weight loss methods may consider bariatric surgery to lose excess weight and improve their overall physical well-being. The term bariatric surgery is used to refer to different types of major gastrointestinal operations that reduce the amount of food a patient can eat and the amount of calories he or she can absorb. Two of the most common types of bariatric surgery are the gastric bypass via the Roux-en-Y and the LAP BAND System.

Gastric bypass surgery via Roux-en-Y is a very effective type of bariatric surgery. This procedure helps obese patients achieve their weight loss goals by reducing the functional portion of the stomach to a pouch that is less than one ounce in size. A stoma, a small opening between the stomach and intestine, delays stomach emptying so the patient will feel full longer. One of the main advantages of this type of bariatric surgery is that patients who have gastric bypass surgery via the Roux-en-Y are less susceptible to ulcers. However, vomiting can be a problem if a patient eats too quickly or does not take the time to chew food properly.

The LAP BAND System is also sometimes called Adjustable Gastric Banding. This procedure uses an inflatable ring to control the flow of food through the digestive tract. The main advantage of this type of bariatric surgery is that there is no cutting or stapling of the stomach. This operation is also fully reversible and requires only a short hospital stay. However, the LAP BAND System has a failure rate of approximately five percent.

A Commitment to a Healthy Lifestyle

Whether you choose to have the gastric bypass surgery via the Roux-en-Y or the LAP BAND System, bariatric surgery requires a serious commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You must be willing to change your eating habits and follow a regular exercise program. It is also very important to attend any necessary follow-up visits requested by your physician. Overall, the speed and effectiveness of bariatric surgery makes it an excellent option for those who are ready to lose their excess weight.