When you've tried every diet imaginable and still can't seem to control your weight, it's easy to feel like you're running out of choices. However, bariatric surgery is one of the most effective options. It can help you reach your weight loss goals when other treatments have failed. With bariatric surgery, patients can lose up to 90 percent of their excess body weight.Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is considered the best surgical treatment for people struggling with morbid obesity. Weight loss is achieved by limiting food intake and suppressing appetite. Gastric bypass surgery drastically reduces the functional portion of your stomach and creates a small opening between the stomach and large intestine. The procedure requires a hospital stay of approximately three days.
The LAP BAND procedure is one of the newest morbid obesity options. Approved by the FDA in 2001, the LAP BAND procedure uses an inflatable ring to control the flow of food through the digestive tract. The band is then adjusted to accommodate your individual weight loss goals. The LAP BAND procedure is a less invasive alternative to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and generally requires a hospital stay of about 24 hours.
When considering gastric bypass or the LAP BAND procedure, it's important to know that these morbid obesity options require a serious commitment to proper nutrition. In addition to limiting overall food intake, these morbid obesity options inhibit the absorption of vitamins and minerals. You must take care to choose meals that are high in vitamins and protein. In some cases, you may even need to take a dietary supplement.
