You may be among the many Americans who are considered obese. The good news is that you can do something to beat this disease. Obesity is not permanent. However, you may have already tried every diet and exercise available, and nothing has worked for you. It might just be time for you to try a weight loss procedure. Read this blog for the different weight loss procedure options, all of which we offer here at LapBand LA.
What are the different weight loss procedure options?
Lap Band Surgery
Lap band surgery is when the surgeon will place an inflatable silicone band into the abdomen. The band is fastened around your upper stomach, creating a new and smaller stomach pouch. A small outlet that slows the transferring process into the stomach and the intestines is also made. The result is that you will experience being fuller earlier, resulting in weight loss.
This procedure is minimally invasive and will take less than an hour. If for any reason that band needs to be removed, your stomach will go back to its original form.
The diameter of the band itself is adjustable based on the pace of your weight loss. The procedure can even be done for pregnant women. The band can be adjusted to accommodate the fetus.
The lap band is a long-term implant. Of course, it can happen that the band has to be removed. For example, you become extremely ill. The band may also require replacing or reoperation. If you regularly ingest anti-inflammatory agents, your band may erode faster.
Although minimally invasive, there are still risks, such as death and the usual surgical complications. But don’t worry: LapBand LA is led by arguably the best lap band doctor in Los Angeles, Dr. David Davtyan. He was the first surgeon who performed the procedure in California. He has imparted his knowledge and skills to our staff, so you can be sure you are in good hands.
Gastric Balloons
The use of gastric balloons is a non-surgical procedure. It involves the use of balloons that make your stomach feel full. The result is that you will lose weight because you eat less. There are two kinds of balloons used in this procedure: the Orbera balloon and the Obalon balloon.
If it’s Obrera balloon, a deflated balloon will be inserted endoscopically into your stomach. The balloon will then be inflated with saline. The balloon will be left in your stomach for six months, and then will be removed.
The Obalon gastric balloon uses a total of three small, gas-filled balloons placed over a period of several weeks. One balloon will be swallowed in a pill-sized capsule. An x-ray will then be used to confirm the positioning of the balloon. If it’s correct, the balloon will then be inflated. The procedure is repeated every two weeks until all the balloons are in place. Just like the Obrera balloon, the Obalon balloons are kept inside for six months.
While the procedure is relatively safe, during the first few days, you may experience nausea or gastric discomfort.
Gastric Sleeve
The gastric sleeve is a major surgical procedure that is a permanent weight loss solution. Around 80% of the stomach is removed, leaving only a portion that resembles a sleeve. Because the stomach volume is reduced, you will eat less and therefore lose weight. Evidence and studies have shown that gastric sleeve gets significant weight loss with few complications.
Gastric Plication
Gastric plication involves sewing the stomach onto itself. The result is that the stomach becomes smaller, around 75% of the original size. You will eat less and feel full faster.
As of the moment, this procedure is still being studied and has not been fully adopted. Theoretically, it looks like it can be reversed, which is convenient. You can lose up to 55% of your excess weight in as little as two years. The short-term results are very promising compared to established procedures like the lap band. However, those who have undergone this procedure considerably lost less weight than those who have undergone the established procedures.
The risks associated with this procedure include digestion issues, loose skin, and the possibility of regaining lost weight. The complication rate is still very low, and there have been no known deaths associated with the procedure.
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass is a common weight loss procedure. It is known as the gold standard of weight loss procedures. During this procedure, the stomach is divided with a special stapler. One part of the stomach, becoming a very small gastric pouch, is attached to the esophagus. The other part, which becomes a larger gastric pouch, is attached to the duodenum. A small bowel loop is then brought up to the smaller pouch and is connected. The food that arrives through the esophagus is restricted in terms of volume, thanks to the small pouch size. If you try to eat too many sweets or carbs, you will experience dumping syndrome. That will discourage you from going back to your previous eating habits.
Some benefits of this particular surgery include reducing and even reversing Type 2 diabetes completely. High blood pressure patients also have had to pleasantly reduce the amount of medication they take. Weight loss with this procedure is for the long haul.
Risks include death, staple line leaks, small bowel obstruction, and pulmonary embolism.
Gastric Pacemaker
The gastric pacemaker is a weight loss device. It uses electric pulses to control your appetite. The device is placed laparoscopically by the doctor. It is also fully reversible since it doesn’t surgically alter your stomach and intestines. The device’s settings can be set externally.
Possible side effects of the procedure include pain where the device was placed, vomiting, heartburn, belching, and chest pain
Accordion Procedure
The accordion procedure is another non-surgical weight loss option. In this procedure, the doctor endoscopically folds the stomach in on itself. It is then sutured closed to create a smaller stomach. Again, having a smaller stomach means you will eat less and therefore lose weight. Recent studies have shown the accordion procedure to be safe and effective.
Results may vary, but some of our patients have lost an average of 18% of their body weight. Compared to the gastric sleeve procedure, this process has a lower rate of complications. The accordion procedure will also not require you to stay at a hospital overnight.
How do you know which procedure is right for you?
The best weight loss surgery for you depends on your body type and how healthy you are. For example, if you are more obese than normal or have had surgery before, some procedures won’t be possible.
But at LapBand LA, we believe the best way to find out is to meet your doctor personally. That’s how to truly determine the best procedure you should undergo. Contact us today and get a complimentary consultation. You can also contact us at 877-9-BE-SLIM (877-923-7546). We’ll help you find the best procedure so you come out in better shape and feeling good about yourself. Take that first step today. We promise to be beside you in this journey to a healthier you.
