Overweight and Obesity are a problem for a large number of people in our society and, according to verified data, it does not stop growing. It is a progressive disease of multifactorial origin, with an important genetic component, although the main causes are sedentary lifestyle, poor eating habits, anxiety and depression.
Bariatric Surgery seeks to achieve weight loss by reducing the size or capacity of the stomach and considerably limiting food intake.
These types of treatments are normally recommended in patients with a Body Mass Index greater than 35, who have already tried other procedures such as diets or physical activity guidelines without any success. As in other Obesity Treatments, the best Bariatric Surgery Treatment for each patient will always be determined by the Specialist Physician. That is why it is essential to go to a first diagnostic appointment.
Gastric sleeve
The Gastric Sleeve is a Technique that is based on the reduction of the stomach in its greater curvature, reducing its capacity to 80-120cc. The intervention is performed laparoscopically.
This treatment is normally recommended in patients with a Body Mass Index of 35, but other patient factors such as eating behaviour must be taken into account.
The progressive loss of weight is usually between 60 and 70% of the excess weight accumulated in a course of 4 to 6 months, although the loss will continue until the year of the intervention.
This technique, unlike the others, is that it does not present malabsorptive sequelae or deficiency of minerals or vitamins.
Gastric bypass
The Gastric Bypass has 25 years of history and for that same reason, it is the most used technique and with the most contrasted results.
This Technique is based on reducing the stomach’s capacity, causing ingested food to not be adequately absorbed in the small intestine. The patient feels satisfied faster by eating much less food.
It is recommended in patients with a Body Mass Index greater than 40. As always, it must be determined by the Obesity Physician.
Patients can lose 70% of their body excess during the first months, to continue losing weight until it normalizes.
Duodenal switch
It is a Mixed Technique that combines two interventions: one with a restrictive purpose and the other with a malabsorptive purpose. In this way, both the intake and the amount of calories and nutrients that the body absorbs are restricted.
This surgery is performed laparoscopically, which allows a shorter post-operative period with fewer complications.
This Technique is usually chosen when the patient suffers from metabolic diseases such as; Diabetes.
The differences between the three Bariatric Surgery Treatments
The fundamental difference between the Gastric Sleeve and the Gastric Bypass and Duodenal Crank is the affectation on the stomach and its activity. The Gastric Tube reduces the capacity of the stomach, decreasing its capacity, and the Gastric Bypass and Duodenal Switch also cause food to not be properly absorbed.
Another difference is the Body Mass Index, the Gastric Tube is usually performed in patients with a BMI greater than 35, the other two treatments are from 40. In any case, it will be the Specialist Physician who will determine the best treatment for each patient, after conducting a small study and taking into account the characteristics and individual needs of each patient.
The importance of multidisciplinary monitoring
Experience has shown us that if a good follow-up is not carried out, there are no results since Obesity is a chronic disease, which is not cured, it is controlled, and this control must be for life.
Experience has also confirmed that if there is no follow-up, there are no results. Therefore, in most of Obesity Unit, the treatments last up to 3 years, during which a recognized Multidisciplinary Team follows the correct evolution of the patient to consolidate the change of habits and thus ensure future results.
The Multidisciplinary Team, responsible for monitoring the patients, is usually made up of medical and therapeutic services such as: Digestive Endoscopy, Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Clinical Psychology, Supportive Psychotherapy and Diet and Nutrition