There are multiple types of bariatric surgeries available. It can be hard to know where to start! Bariatric surgery – also called metabolic surgery- is an irreversible treatment. It provides a new lease of life to overweight individuals by altering their stomach composition and appetite. For many adults struggling with obesity, choosing the right weight loss procedure is a transformative step toward better health.
However, the number of options for obesity surgery can be overwhelming. The best type of weight loss surgery for you can depend on multiple factors: BMI, associated side-effects and comorbid health conditions.
Spatz3 is here to take you through the four types of bariatric surgery: gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, BPD-DS and SIPS. We’ll also discuss non-surgical approaches, such as gastric balloons.
What types of bariatric surgery exist?
There are several types of bariatric surgery available. The most common ones are gastric sleeves, gastric bypasses, BPD-DS, and SIPS. A gastric balloon is a non-invasive, endoscopic procedure yet is another popular weight-loss option in adults.
1. Gastric Sleeve
The gastric sleeve, or sleeve gastrectomy, involves removing about 80% of the stomach.
This transforms the stomach into a smaller, sleeve-like pouch.
How it Works
The new tube will hold less food and liquid. It restricts food intake, helping patients feel full faster and consume fewer calories. In addition, the part of the stomach that produces the appetite-regulating grehlin is removed. This can curb the urge to over-consume and impact the metabolism.
Benefits
- Effective for long-term weight loss
- Fewer risks of nutrient deficiency than in stomach surgery types
- Minimal impact on the digestive tract
Risks
- An irreversible procedure
- Risk of acid reflux and heartburn
- Risk of hiatal hernia
2. Gastric balloon
A gastric balloon can be considered more of a weight-loss device. It is a non-invasive and reversible weight-loss option, unlike the gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. A silicone balloon is implanted endoscopically, all within 15 minutes.
How it Works
A gastric balloon is a medical-grade, saline-filled balloon. Once inserted, it is inflated to occupy space in the stomach. This reduces hunger cravings and means that the stomach will empty at a slower rate.
Traditionally, gastric balloons could not be adjusted after insertion, which in some cases led to the body refusing the treatment. The Spatz3, the world’s first and only adjustable gastric balloon, solved this issue by allowing doctors to adjust the volume of the balloon to the current state of the stomach of the patient. By increasing or reducing the volume of the balloon, doctors can adjust the device to the needs of the patient, thus granting higher success rates than traditional weight loss balloons.
The balloons are in place for 6 – 12 months. They are designed to support your weight-loss journey and help you put in place healthier patterns. Patients can expect to lose up to 30% of their original weight with this non-surgical and non-invasive approach.
Benefits
- Non-surgical and reversible
- Adjustable size for ultimate comfort and effectiveness (only the Spatz3)
- Quick procedure and recovery time
- Champions long-term weight loss and healthy patterns
Risks
- Possible discomfort or nausea for some days post-procedure
- Requires lifestyle commitment for long-term success
3. Gastric bypass
Gastric bypass surgery (or Roux-en-Y) involves dividing the stomach into two sections: a small upper pouch and a large lower pouch. A part of the small intestine is rerouted to connect to the new, smaller pouch to allow the passage of food.
How it Works
Any food will now bypass the larger pouch and first section of the small intestine. Instead, it will enter the smaller pouch that has less capacity. This method allows for an increased intake of food and a dip in appetite. While it means a restriction in capacity, it also leads to a restriction in the absorption of vitamins and minerals.
Benefits
- Significant weight loss potential
- Improved blood sugar control
- Long-lasting results
- Significant improvement in obesity-related diseases
Risks
- Risk of “dumping syndrome,” which causes discomfort after eating certain foods
- Possible long-term nutrient deficiencies
- A more complex procedure compared to different gastric surgeries
- Risk of small bowel issues and obstruction
4. Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD-DS)
The BPD- DS is a two-part process: First, a large portion of the stomach is removed, similar to the gastric sleeve, and then a significant section of the small intestine is bypassed to limit calorie and nutrient absorption.
How it Works
The BPD-DS is a more intense version of the gastric bypass. It bypasses up to 75% of the small intestine to significantly reduce the production of hunger hormones. The intense restriction increases feelings of satiety but also strongly impacts the absorption of nutrients. This type of bariatric surgery has been known to improve blood sugar control, making it an incredibly effective treatment for Type 2 Diabetes.
Benefits
- Higher success rate in weight loss than bypass or sleeve
- Effective for individuals with severe obesity
- Impact on bowel hormones curbs cravings and increases satiety
Risks
- High risk of malabsorption and vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Complex and extreme weight loss surgery
- Risk of heartburn or reflux developing
5. Stomach Intestinal Pylorus Sparing Surgery (SIPS) / (SADI-S)
SIPS is a modified variation of the BPD-DS. It is also known as Single Anastomosis Duodenal- Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SADI-S) or Loop Duodenal Switch. It was devised to reduce the risks and complications posed by the BPD-DS. Though it is still relatively new, it appears to be a promising alternative.
How it Works
Similar to the BPD-DS, the SIPS procedure involves two steps. This operation also begins with a sleeve gastrectomy, creating a tube-shaped sleeve. The first part of the small intestine is divided after the stomach (called the duodenum). The second step is where things differ, combining an intestinal bypass. The lower part of the small intestine is joined to the top portion in a loop format.
The result is two separate pathways. One channels food from the stomach to the bowel and the other directs bile from the liver into the small intestine.
Benefits
- Effective weight loss with reduced side effects
- Lower risk of nutrient deficiency than traditional BPD-DS
- Quicker and less complex
Risks
- Long-term effectiveness and risks still being studied
- Possible digestive side effects
- Risk of poor absorption of vitamins and minerals
Choosing a Type of Weight Loss Surgery: Which Is The Safest Option?
Choosing the most suitable type of bariatric surgery is an important decision. It involves taking into account bariatric surgery requirements such as BMI or underlying health issues. Weighing up the pros and cons is essential – research the risks and benefits associated with each type. Malasorbption and vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common after the gastric sleeve and gastric bypass.
Non-surgical options such as Spatz3 Gastric Balloon involve lower risk with high success rates. They’re designed to help you kickstart your weight-loss journey and empower you with the tools to do so. Check out our resources to learn more about each surgery type and how a gastric balloon can help you achieve your goals:
- Gastric Balloon vs Bariatric Surgery
- Gastric Balloon vs Gastric Band
- Gastric Balloon vs Lap Band
- Gastric Balloon vs Gastric Sleeve
Find out more about the pros and cons of gastric balloons to help you make your decision.
