Bariatric surgery is used to treat severe obesity. Learn about the pros and cons of the three main techniques: sleeve, bypass and gastric banding.
There are three types of bariatric surgery most commonly used: gastric bypass, gastric sleeve (or vertical gastrectomy) and gastric banding. Teresa Branco, a weight management physiologist and director of the Prof. Teresa Branco Institute, explains to Revista Prevenir what distinguishes them. She also tells us who they are suitable for and what their advantages and disadvantages are.
"The effectiveness of bariatric surgery is largely associated with a healthy lifestyle. Sporting activity should be regular "
"Bariatric surgery is indicated for severely obese patients with or without cardiovascular risk factors and for people who are not obese but are at risk. As it always involves some caution, it should only be recommended when all other methods indicated for weight loss have failed and people are at risk of compromising their health. In any case, the effectiveness of surgery is largely linked to a healthy lifestyle. As the weight loss is very pronounced, those who undergo this surgery should do regular physical activity so as not to lose muscle mass. Physical activity also improves cardiorespiratory capacity and reduces the likelihood of depression."
There are 3 types of bariatric surgery
Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve are malabsorption surgeries, i.e. there is no absorption of part of the nutrients, which leads to weight loss. The gastric band consists of a silicone prosthesis with an inflatable balloon that controls the emptying of food from the upper to the lower stomach. It is the least recommended bariatric surgery because, in the long term, it is less effective at losing weight and maintaining it."
Bariatric surgery: the pros and cons of each technique
Teresa Branco explains the advantages and disadvantages of each technique to Prevenir magazine.
Sleeve and gastric bypass
Advantages
- They promote great weight loss.
- They improve control of various diseases associated with obesity, such as diabetes and dyslipidemia.
Disadvantages
- Some of the weight lost after bariatric surgery is regained in the long term.
- Some studies report a higher rate of suicide and depression.
- They cause less absorption of healthier nutrients, so it is advisable to take vitamin and mineral support.
Gastric band
Advantages
- It's a less invasive technique.
- It causes great weight loss.
Disadvantages
- A large part of the weight lost with this bariatric surgery is regained in the long term.
