We Help You Choose the Right Surgery
The team at Tijuana Bariatric Center is proud to offer patients safe, state-of-the-art weight loss surgery. When a patient is referred by TBC, we carefully evaluate all available treatment options and how it will benefit their individual situation. By educating patients on the different types of bariatric surgery, we help them make the right choice for their health and wellness needs.
Right now, we'd like to consider different types of bariatric surgery and how we help patients make the right choice for their health and wellness needs.
Classifications of Bariatric Surgery Procedures
There are three general kinds of weight loss surgery procedures based on the mechanism for weight loss. They are as follows.
- Malabsorptive Weight Loss Surgeries, which limit the amount of calories the body can absorb during the digestion process
- Restrictive Weight Loss Surgeries, which limit the amount of food, and ultimately calories, consumed in a single sitting
- Mixed Malabsorptive/Restrictive Weight Loss Surgeries, which combine the principles of malabsorptive and restrictive bariatric procedures
Popular Weight Loss Surgery Options
In terms of surgeries themselves, three very bariatric procedures outpace other surgeries in terms of popularity. You may have heard of these in the news or read about them when doing research online. These are:
- Gastric Sleeve Surgery – During gastric sleeve surgery, also called vertical sleeve gastrectomy, the surgeon removes most of your stomach, leaving only a banana-shaped section. Like the gastric band procedure, this procedure is restrictive as it reduces that amount of food that can fit in your stomach.
- Gastric Bypass Surgery – Gastric bypass surgery involves a change in the size of the stomach as the surgeon stables your stomach to create a small pouch in the upper section. The surgeon also cuts your small intestine and attaches it to the lower part of the stomach pouch, which allows food to bypass some of the small intestine. This combined malabsorptive and restrictive procedure causes you to lose weight because you feel full sooner and eat less while also absorbing fewer nutrients.
- Revision Bariatric Surgery – Patients who have suffered significant side effects or complications from their first bariatric surgery might also require revisions. For example, medical complications such as infection or leaking can occasionally arise, as well. If you are concerned with the results of your procedure, Dr. Garcia will evaluate your medical needs and discuss your original goals with you in order to determine the most appropriate weight loss method.
There are other kinds of weight loss procedures available, though they are generally variations on the three surgeries noted above.
Considering Your BMI and Pressing Health Concerns
When deciding which bariatric procedure would be best for you and your needs, it's important to consider your body mass index and what your pressing health needs are. People who are morbidly obese and have a significant risk of certain obesity-related conditions may be better suited to certain surgeries than others. It's important that each surgery is tailored carefully to the patient to achieve the best results.
Considering Your Physiology and Medical History
In addition to noting current health needs, we will also fully evaluate your medical history and how each procedure may affect your digestive tract. Sometimes past events or medical conditions you currently experience may make some procedures a better option than others.
Going Over Surgery Options with You in Detail
As we narrow down the possible weight reduction surgeries to meet your needs, we will also outline the potential risks and benefits of each procedure. Generally, all bariatric surgery involves risks that can include bleeding, infection, anesthesia issues, acid reflux, inability to eat certain foods, chronic nausea and vomiting and more. We'll provide information on the nature of the surgery and what you can expect as you recover. These kinds of details are essential in helping you make the best choices given your needs and in providing realistic expectations about what a surgery can ultimately achieve.
Answering All Questions and Addressing All Concerns
Obviously, we encourage patients to ask questions and voice concerns because by doing so, we are able to help patients make an empowered choice on their own. This is your health and your future, and we want to make sure you're involved in all decisions throughout the treatment process.
Schedule a Consultation at Tijuana Bariatric Center
To learn more about the different types of bariatric surgery and which procedure may be ideal for you and your needs, be sure to contact our weight loss surgery center today. The team at Tijuana Bariatric Center will work with you to ensure you make the best choices about your future wellness.
