Surgery to lose weight is commonly known as “bariatric surgery”. It involves altering your gastrointestinal tract to manage obesity. Bariatric surgery is a life-changing and often life-saving procedure for people who are struggling to reduce weight.
However, as with any surgery, there are risks involved, but the benefits outweigh them. So, here we’ll explain the most common bariatric surgeries and see what is the safest form of weight loss surgery in 2023!
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy is the newest and safest bariatric surgery that is highly effective and involves the least risks. To understand why it is rated as the safest weight loss surgery, let’s deeply look at different types of bariatric surgeries and discuss their benefits and risks.
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Types Of Bariatric Surgery
There are several different types of bariatric surgery, and each has its own risks and benefits. The most common types of bariatric surgery are:
- Gastric bypass
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
- Duodenal switch surgery
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass is considered the gold standard of weight loss surgery. It is the most effective surgery to reduce weight, with patients typically losing 60-80% of their excess body weight. Gastric bypass is also one of the safest types of weight loss surgery, with a very low risk of complications.
Gastric bypass surgery helps people lose weight by changing the way their stomach and small intestine handle food. It is done by creating a small pouch in the stomach, which is then connected to the small intestine. This allows food to bypass a large portion of the stomach and small intestine, which reduces the number of calories and nutrients that are absorbed.
The surgery can lead to significant weight loss, and can also help to improve or resolve certain health conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure.
However, it can cause complications such as infection, bleeding, and hernias. It also requires a lifelong commitment to healthy eating and exercise. For these reasons, gastric bypass surgery should only be considered for people who are severely overweight and have been unable to lose weight through other means.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Also known as “Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy” or “Gastric Sleeve Surgery”, it is a weight-loss surgery that results in a loss of 60-80% of excess body weight. The sleeve gastrectomy is considered the safest and most effective weight-loss surgery with a low complication rate. And it is the fastest-growing bariatric surgery in the United States with the most successful results.
The surgery involves removing a large portion of the stomach to restrict food intake and create a smaller stomach pouch. It is usually performed laparoscopically, which requires small incisions in the abdomen. This type of surgery is irreversible.
One of the main advantages of this surgery is that it does not require any foreign objects, such as implants or gastric bands, to be placed in the body. Additionally, the procedure is not as invasive as other weight-loss surgeries, such as gastric bypass surgery.
However, there may be some risks associated with sleeve gastrectomy surgery, including infection, bleeding, and leakage from the staple line.
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is the least invasive type of weight loss surgery, and it is also one of the safest. Patients typically lose 40-50% of their excess body weight with this type of surgery. It has a very low risk of complications, and it can be reversed if necessary.
Adjustable gastric banding (AGB) involves fitting a band around the stomach to create a small pouch. This pouch can only hold a small amount of food, which means the person feels full after eating just a small amount and also slows down the digestive process. The band is adjustable, so it can be tightened or loosened as needed.
The surgery is typically performed laparoscopically, which means that small incisions are made in the abdomen and the surgery is done using a camera and long instruments. The camera is used to guide the surgeon as they place the band around the stomach.
ABG can be an effective weight loss tool, but there are some risks associated with the surgery. These include infection, leakage from the incisions, bleeding, and exposure of the stomach lining (gastrointestinal perforation).
In addition, the band may need to be adjusted or removed over time.
AGB is usually only recommended for people who are morbidly obese (with a BMI of 40 or more) or who have failed to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
What Is The Safest Form Of Weight Loss Surgery?
So, what is the safest weight loss surgery? All types of bariatric surgery have risks, but sleeve gastrectomy is the safest and most effective procedure with a very low risk of complications.
How is the Sleeve Gastrectomy Performed
The Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is a weight-loss surgery that involves removing a large portion of the stomach. This surgery removes about 85% of your stomach. That leaves a small tube-shaped stomach, about the size and shape of a banana.
The smaller stomach can hold less food. So, you feel full sooner and eat less overall. You will still need to follow a healthy diet and exercise to lose weight and keep it off after surgery.
This surgery is usually performed laparoscopically, which means that the surgeon will make a few small incisions in the abdominal area and then insert a small camera and surgical instruments through these incisions.
The surgery usually takes 1 to 3 hours to complete, and patients typically stay in the hospital for one or two days after the procedure.
Recovery time at home is about 2 weeks. You won’t be able to eat solid foods right away after surgery. At first, you’ll drink liquids or eat soft foods, such as pureed soups or mashed fruits and vegetables. After about 2 weeks, you can slowly start adding other foods back into your diet.
Although Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is a relatively new surgery, it has been shown to be very effective in helping patients lose weight and keep it off long-term. In addition, this surgery has fewer side effects and complications than other weight-loss surgeries.
Most people who have this surgery lose about 60% to 80% of their excess weight within 2 years. And they keep the weight off long-term if they stick to healthy eating habits and exercise regularly. But it’s important to know that, like any other weight-loss strategy, there’s no guarantee that you will not regain some or all of the weight if you stop following a healthy lifestyle.
Is The Gastric Sleeve Safe?
The gastric sleeve involves the removal of a large portion of the stomach. The surgery is irreversible and can lead to some serious complications, such as dumping syndrome, ulcers, and malnutrition.
It’s important to discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery with your doctor before deciding whether or not it’s right for you.
While the gastric sleeve can be an effective way to lose weight, it’s not for everyone and there are other options available.
Most Effective Weight Loss Surgery
When it comes to weight loss surgery, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The most effective type of surgery will vary depending on the individual’s unique circumstances.
For example, someone who is obese and has Type 2 diabetes may benefit from gastric bypass surgery. While someone who is only mildly overweight and has stored fat around the belly, hips, and thighs, may be better suited for liposuction (surgery to lose fat).
Ultimately, the best way to determine which type of weight loss surgery is right for you is to consult with a qualified doctor or surgeon. They will be able to assess your individual case and make a recommendation based on your specific needs.
However, after consulting with a few doctors and patients who have undergone bariatric surgeries, we concluded that sleeve gastrectomy is the most effective weight loss surgery.
Easiest Weight Loss Surgery
If you are morbidly obese, have failed to lose weight through diet and exercise, and have serious health problems related to your weight, then you may be a candidate for gastric bypass surgery. This is a major operation that involves rerouting the digestive system, so it is not suitable for everyone.
If you are less severely obese and have been unable to lose weight through other methods, then you may be a candidate for gastric sleeve surgery. This procedure involves removing part of the stomach, which helps to reduce hunger and promote weight loss. It is less invasive than gastric bypass surgery and has a shorter recovery time.
Ultimately, the best way to determine which type of weight loss surgery is right for you is to speak with a qualified surgeon. They will be able to assess your individual situation and provide guidance on the best course of action.
Risks Involved In Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery is a major operation that carries a number of risks. The most common complications are:
- Infection
- Sepsis
- Internal bleeding
- Blood clots
- Organ damage
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Dehydration
Non-Surgical Weight Loss Option
Obtaining the ideal weight is the most common goal for almost every person on the planet. Perhaps they are trying to improve their health, or they may want to improve their appearance. Whatever the reason, there are a variety of different methods that people can use to achieve their weight loss goals.
For those looking to lose weight without undergoing surgery, there are several non-surgical options available.
The best non-surgical weight loss options would be making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. These changes can help people to lose weight gradually and safely. In some cases, people may also need to take medication or use other treatments in order to achieve their desired results.
The most popular non-surgical weight loss option is a gastric balloon. This involves placing a deflated silicon balloon (Orbera Balloon) in the stomach. The balloon is then filled with saline solution, which takes up space in the stomach and helps patients feel fuller sooner and eat less at each meal.
The gastric balloon is typically left in place for six months, after which it is removed and the stomach returns to its normal size. One clinical study showed that people who underwent the procedure lost an average of 6-8% of their body weight over six months.
While the gastric balloon is not a permanent solution to obesity, it can help patients lose a significant amount of weight in a relatively short period of time. For many people, this can be the jump-start they need to make lasting changes to their diet and lifestyle.
If you are considering the gastric balloon as a way to lose weight, be sure to speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Final Thoughts
If bariatric surgery is the last option left for you to cut some pounds, we recommend sleeve gastrectomy, it is the safest weight loss surgery. However, as with any surgical process, this also involves some risks that you should discuss with your doctor before stepping into the surgery room.
We still recommend following a healthy diet plan along with regular exercise to reduce weight – it is definitely the safest and healthiest way.
Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs)
What is the safest and least invasive weight loss surgery?
Sleeves gastrectomy is the safest and least invasive weight loss surgery.
What is the best option for weight loss surgery?
Bariatric surgery should be the last resort to lose weight after trying all the organic methods such as diet and intense workout routine. However, if that’s the only option left, we suggest sleeve gastrectomy – it is the best option for weight loss surgery.
Which is safer gastric sleeve or bypass?
A gastric sleeve is safer than a bypass. However, it may involve some risks such as internal bleeding and infection.
Which weight loss surgery is better long term?
Several studies have shown that people who have gone under gastric bypass could maintain a healthy weight for a long term, and they did not experience any potential risk for long.
