What is the Easiest Bariatric Surgery to Get?

If you are tired of struggling with obesity, you may be considering weight loss surgery. But what is the easiest bariatric surgery to get? Which one is right for you? Here are some of the most common types of bariatric surgery.

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, is a class of surgical procedures that help people lose weight. There are special criteria that must be met to decide if a person qualifies for bariatric surgery.

Most of these procedures work by changing the digestive system, typically the stomach, but sometimes the small intestine as well. This restricts the calories you can consume and absorb. It also reduces hunger signals. Along with weight loss, these procedures can improve obesity related diseases like high blood pressure and sleep apnea.

Types of Weight Loss Procedures

There are many types of weight loss surgeries. These are some of the most common:

Gastric Sleeve

Also called sleeve gastrectomy, VSG is the most common bariatric surgery in the U.S. It is a simple procedure that comes with a very small risk of complications. The procedure removes about 80% of the stomach. This naturally reduces the amount of food you can eat, makes you feel full faster, and reduces hunger hormones. Overall, it stabilizes your metabolism, decreases appetite, and regulates your blood sugar.

Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass, or Roux-en-Y, is another option. This procedure divides the stomach into two parts. Then, the surgeon divides the small intestine and connects the new segment to the upper stomach pouch. So, now food will flow through the new, smaller stomach and lower segment of the small intestine. This bypasses the rest of the intestine and restricts how much your body absorbs.

Duodenal Switch

This procedure is similar to gastric bypass but more extreme. It bypasses about 75% of the small intestine. This significantly reduces hunger hormones and drastically restricts the nutrition your small intestine can absorb.

Recovering from Bariatric Surgery

When it comes to deciding which bariatric surgery is the easiest to get, you have to consider recovery. For most procedures, you will likely spend a day or two in the hospital recovering, and then a few days at home. You will also need several weeks of light activities, and it may take up to 12 weeks before you can resume a normal diet.