3 Factors When Choosing The Right Bariatric Procedure
With several bariatric procedures available, it can be difficult to choose the one that is right for your immediate and long-term goals. There are different factors that can affect which procedure is appropriate for you.
Amount Of Excess Weight
To qualify for a bariatric procedure, you must have a BMI of at least 40 or 35 with obesity-related diseases. Diseases that are frequently considered to be caused by obesity include hypertension, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and osteoarthritis. The amount of excess weight you have may dictate which procedure might be best. For people who need to lose a moderate amount of weight, such as 100 pounds, a less invasive procedure, such as Lap Band, can be effective. If you have several hundred pounds to lose, procedures that involve malabsorption, such as gastric bypass or duodenal switch can be more effective.
Your Size
Most procedures are done as either laparoscopic or open procedures, except for Lap Band, which is only done laparoscopically. People who are quite large may be limited to open procedures or need to lose weight before surgery to give them the option of laparoscopic. The major factor that will affect whether you can have a laparoscopic procedure is your size, not necessarily your weight. Some people may be several hundred pounds overweight, but disproportionately carry their weight in their lower body, which means it is still easier for surgeons to use laparoscopic instruments. Whenever possible, it is better to have a laparoscopic procedure, especially for people with diabetes who may have decreased healing capacity.
Reversibility And Revisions
Lap Band is the only bariatric procedure that is fully reversible, which can be appealing for people who are still on the fence about having a procedure for weight loss. If at some point in the future you want to have the device removed, a similar procedure can be done to remove the band from your body. All other bariatric procedures are not reversible. The possibility of needing a revision may also affect which procedure you choose. Although you should never have a procedure with the expectation of a revision later, it is a possibility with some procedures. People who have Lap Band or the gastric sleeve can have gastric bypass or duodenal switch later if they do not reach their goals.
Doing your research on each type of bariatric procedure will make it easier to make a good choice in the beginning. The procedure you choose now can affect what options remain if you do not reach your goal in the future. Companies like Davtyan Medical Weight Loss can help.
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