Minimally Invasive Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery

Minimally Invasive Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery represents a category of surgical procedures intended to assist individuals with obesity or metabolic disorders in achieving weight loss and enhancing their related health conditions while keeping the surgery minimally invasive.

Surgeons commonly conduct these procedures using laparoscopic techniques, also known as minimally invasive surgery. This technique entails creating small incisions and employing specialized instruments and cameras for the operation. The objective is to minimize surgical trauma, scarring, pain, and recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.

At Jet Medical Tourism in Tijuana, Mexico, our bariatric surgeons specialize in performing laparoscopic weight loss and metabolic surgery to help facilitate weight reduction and improve health conditions.

What are two types of laparoscopic weight loss and metabolic surgery?

Two of the more popular minimally invasive bariatric surgery procedures that effectively promote weight loss and improve health are gastric sleeve and gastric bypass.

Surgeons commonly perform both of these procedures as minimally invasive bariatric surgeries that have demonstrated their effectiveness in helping individuals achieve significant weight loss and improve or resolve obesity-related health conditions. Learn more below!

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG)

Surgeons use Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy to treat obesity and facilitate weight loss. It is also widely recognized as “sleeve gastrectomy” or “gastric sleeve surgery.” LSG consists of removing a significant portion of the stomach, creating a smaller, narrow, tube-shaped stomach that resembles a “sleeve” or “banana.”

Here’s an overview of the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) procedure:

Minimally invasive approach

Surgeons typically perform LSG using laparoscopic techniques, making it minimally invasive. They create several small incisions in the abdomen and employ specialized instruments, including a camera, to conduct the surgery. This approach minimizes surgical trauma, scarring, and recovery time when compared to open surgery.

Stomach reshaping

During the procedure, the surgeon removes approximately 75-80% of the stomach, leaving behind a much smaller stomach pouch. This reduction in stomach size restricts the amount of food a person can eat, resulting in earlier satiety and reduced calorie intake.

Hormonal changes

LSG reduces the stomach’s capacity and also removes a part of the stomach that produces the hunger-stimulating hormone ghrelin. This hormonal change can effectively control appetite and diminish hunger sensations.

Restrictive procedure

LSG achieves its primary effect through restriction, which means it limits the amount of food an individual can consume at one time. Unlike procedures like gastric bypass, it does not involve rerouting or bypassing the digestive tract.

Benefits

LSG is renowned for effectively promoting significant weight loss and enhancing obesity-related health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. Many patients achieve substantial and sustained weight loss following this surgery.

Irreversible

Unlike some other bariatric procedures, like gastric banding (which allows for adjustments or removal), LSG lacks reversibility, and the removed portion of the stomach remains unattached.

It’s crucial to understand that, while Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is generally regarded as safe and effective, it does not offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Eligibility for the surgery and the decision to proceed should come after careful consideration, medical evaluation, and consultation with a qualified bariatric surgeon. After surgery, patients must make substantial lifestyle and dietary changes and receive ongoing medical supervision to ensure the best possible results.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)

Surgeons commonly perform Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, often simply called gastric bypass surgery, to treat obesity and facilitate weight loss. It ranks as one of the most frequently conducted bariatric surgeries. RYGB accomplishes weight loss through both restrictive and malabsorptive mechanisms.

Here’s an overview of the Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) procedure:

Minimally invasive approach

Surgeons typically perform RYGB laparoscopically by making several small incisions in the abdomen and employing specialized instruments, including a camera, to conduct the surgery. This minimally invasive approach minimizes surgical trauma, scarring, and recovery time compared to open surgery.

Stomach restriction

In RYGB, a small pouch is created at the top of the stomach, effectively reducing the stomach’s capacity to hold food. This restriction leads to early satiety and limits the amount of food a person can eat at one time.

Intestinal rerouting

The small intestine is divided, and the lower part is attached to the small stomach pouch. The upper part of the divided small intestine is reconnected further down the digestive tract. This rerouting bypasses a portion of the stomach and the initial segment of the small intestine, reducing the absorption of calories and nutrients.

Weight loss mechanisms

RYGB achieves weight loss through two main mechanisms: restriction (smaller stomach pouch) and malabsorption (reduced absorption of calories and nutrients). This dual mechanism often results in significant weight loss.

Hormonal changes

The procedure can also lead to hormonal changes that impact appetite and metabolism, contributing to weight loss and improvement in obesity-related health conditions.

Effectiveness

RYGB is known for its effectiveness in promoting substantial and sustained weight loss. Many patients experience significant improvements or remission in conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea following the surgery.

Reversible

Unlike sleeve gastrectomy and some other bariatric procedures, Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) lacks reversibility due to the significant rerouting of the digestive tract.

As with any surgical procedure, Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass carries potential risks and complications, making it unsuitable for everyone. Eligibility for the surgery relies on a comprehensive medical evaluation, and patients must commit to substantial lifestyle and dietary changes post-surgery. It’s crucial to consult with a qualified bariatric surgeon to assess whether RYGB aligns with an individual’s medical history, weight loss goals, and overall health.

Is laparoscopic weight loss and metabolic surgery right for me?

Many patients and surgeons prefer minimally invasive bariatric and metabolic surgery because it offers advantages such as shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, reduced post-operative pain, and smaller scars. However, these procedures come with risks and potential complications, and their suitability depends on individual factors like a patient’s health status, weight loss goals, and medical history.

• Patients considering minimally invasive bariatric and metabolic surgery should consult with a qualified bariatric surgeon.
• The surgeon can assess their specific needs and recommend the most appropriate procedure based on their unique circumstances.
• Additionally, a multidisciplinary approach, including nutrition counseling and ongoing medical support, often plays a crucial role in achieving successful outcomes in bariatric and metabolic surgery.