Advantages of Malabsorptive Procedures

Patient satisfaction with these operations is high as they are able to eat larger meals and these surgeries also produce the greatest excess weight loss due to the high levels of malabsorption. Also, long-term maintenance of weight loss has been proven to be successful in these procedures if the patient is committed to the required dietary, exercise and behavioral plan.

Risks Involved with Malabsorptive Procedures

The most common risk involved with these operations are that of frequent and liquid bowel movements. This condition is likely to lessen over time, though in some cases there might be a lifelong occurrence. Abdominal bloating is also likely to occur. Permanent changes to the intestinal structure can also occur and increase the risk of gallstone formation.

Combined Restrictive and Malabsorptive Procedure

With advances in technology and better understanding of the procedures, combining of restrictive and malabsorptive procedures have become an increasingly popular and effective choice of WLS for patients. By combining malabsorption to restrictive surgery, food is not only delayed in mixing with bile and pancreatic juices, the patient also experiences a sense of fullness and satisfaction, which lowers the longing to eat.

However, risks associated with the procedure are that gastric perforation or access port leakage may require additional operation, symptom of nausea may continue for quite some time.

Facts to Consider

Bariatric surgery is generally performed on individuals who weigh 100 pounds or more (who have a Body Mass Index of 40 or higher).

Do not consider WLS until you and your surgeon/doctor have evaluated all other options.

Success of surgical weight loss treatment depends on how well you follow the strict dietary and behavioral regimen specified by the doctor after the surgery.

Effectiveness of WLS

The amount of weight a patient will lose after WLS depends on factors such as:

• Weight before surgery
• Overall health condition of the patient
• Patient's age
• Surgical procedure used
• Ability to exercise
• Commitment to maintaining dietary guidelines

According to statistics, it has been established that weight loss surgery may help a patient lose about 50% of their excess body weight, and maintain that level for at least five years. However, again, results vary from patient to patient, doctor to doctor, and from procedure to procedure.

WLS has been found to be effective in controlling several obesity-related health conditions, such as diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, etc. While there are many benefits and disadvantages of weight loss surgery, it is important for patients considering this option to realize that WLS is not a magic solution to their excess weight problems. The surgery may help, but in the end, it has to be the patient's motivation and commitment to reduce weight which will go the long way!