Losing weight falls into one of the categories that many want but few can achieve. When patients who have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30, have tried to lose weight on their own but have not achieved their planned goals, there are additional options to consider.
For some patients, exercise and diet alone can ultimately produce weight loss results. However, not all are in this category. There are some people for whom diet and exercise are not enough to achieve or maintain a healthy weight. When patients find themselves in a situation like the one just described, their doctor will likely discuss the possibility of bariatric surgery called a gastric bypass (or a similar procedure).
Today we will not only talk about this surgery but will also discuss non-surgical alternatives to lose weight and achieve the expected results.
Gastric bypass surgery, or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, is one of the most recognized weight loss surgeries in the world. This surgery forever changes the way the stomach and intestines are set up, so it is almost certain that the patient will lose weight.
However, this procedure has some possible complications. The possibility of serious side effects and the patient’s need to pay attention to their diet and nutrition for the rest of their lives may compromise how patients view the surgery.
What Is Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-en-Y)?
During this procedure, the surgeon will create a small pouch in the stomach and add only a section of the small intestine directly to the pouch. By creating a smaller stomach pouch, the gastric bypass will limit the amount of food the patient can eat at each meal, so they will feel full much sooner.
When food bypasses a part of the small intestine, the body can also absorb fewer calories. This procedure will also alter the levels of obesity-related hormones in the body. By consuming less food and absorbing fewer calories, the body will no longer store excess calories and will start using the fat supply for energy resulting in greater weight loss.
Who Is Gastric Bypass Surgery for?
Gastric bypass surgery is only performed if the patient has a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 and also has comorbidities like type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and other diseases that excess body weight can cause.
Although many candidates qualify for this gastric bypass surgery, some people may not qualify because, although they may be overweight, their BMI is too low, or they are not good candidates for surgery due to other reasons.
This is where alternative procedures to bariatric surgery like Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) or the ORBERA® Gastric Balloon come into consideration for those patients whose body mass index is lower than 40 or who cannot cover the high costs of bariatric surgery.
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Choosing a Gastric Bypass Alternative
Choosing a bariatric surgery or weight loss procedure is a bit of a complicated decision, this is because all procedures are not ideal for each patient, it is necessary that a professional medical team like Innova Weight Loss Solutions is responsible for designing a plan that fits the needs of each patient and that is adjusted in case of a history of pre-existing conditions.
A very important consideration when choosing a weight loss procedure is the relationship between the pounds lost, the downtime after the procedure, and the risks that each of them may present. For example, gastric bypass is one of the surgeries that has been shown to help patients lose weight the most, but it requires extra care and a long recovery due to the cuts and incisions that must be made during this procedure.
On the other hand, we now have non-surgical options to lose weight like the endoscopic gastric sleeve (ESG) and the Orbera gastric balloon. These procedures are non-surgical, reversible, and with minimal risks to the health of patients.
To make the best decision, patients must discuss with their medical team different factors that may influence the decision of which procedure is the best.
Key Factors in Determining Your Procedure for Weight Loss
- Body mass index (BMI);
- Patient’s commitment to diet and exercise (critical for any procedure);
- Pre-existing conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes;
- Ulcers and bowel problems;
- Other factors.
Another important factor in choosing a weight loss procedure is its affordable cost.
Can Gastric Bypass Results Be Obtained with Non-Surgical Procedures?
The answer to this question may depend on many factors like the ones we have discussed in this article. However, Innova Weight Loss Solutions patients are always accompanied by a qualified team prepared to assist you in all phases of your weight loss process.
- With endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, the stomach is reduced by up to 80% of its size making the patient feel full much faster and lose weight easily.
- A gastric balloon is a tool that will help patients lose up to 50 pounds in six months and will provide the necessary tools for the patient to adopt healthier habits as well as an exercise routine that will help them lose weight.
At Innova Weight Loss Solutions, we understand that gastric bypass may not be an option for many patients. We’re committed to providing quality, minimally invasive procedures that can give you the results you’re looking for without risking some of the serious side effects of the traditional bariatric surgery. To get started, you can request a consultation at our Puerto Rico or New York office and start transforming your life today.
