If you find yourself in a situation where weight loss surgery is your only option to lose weight and regain your health, you may have to choose between gastric bypass and gastric band surgery. These are two of the primary bariatric surgeries that are used when patients need to slim down fast. Weight loss surgery is typically reserved for people who are morbidly obese, have tried conventional weight loss methods without success or have health issues as a result of their weight. These may include diabetes, sleep apnea or high blood pressure. Sometimes, your doctor will tell you which surgery will work best for your situation, and other times you may get to choose. If you’re able to make the choice, it’s good to know the difference between the most common types.

Gastric bypass is one of the main types of weight loss surgery. With this surgery, part of your stomach is stapled, making a small pouch about the size of a walnut. Then a section of your intestine is fashioned into a ‘Y’ shape, and that is attached to the new stomach portion. After the surgery is done and you’re back to normal, all of the food you ingest will bypass the main part of your stomach, and areas of your small intestine that deal with absorbing nutrients. Once you get a gastric bypass, it is not reversible.

Gastric band surgery is the other main kind of weight loss surgery that is performed. When you have gastric band surgery, the surgeon positions a flexible band around the upper part of your stomach. Then, the band is tightened up so the stomach is divided into two main sections. The top portion of the stomach is smaller than the bottom, and there is only a very narrow opening between the two. The gastric band slows the amount of food that can enter the stomach and slows down the digestion process. This type of surgery is adjustable, as the band can be tightened or loosened if necessary.

The two surgeries are quite different in how they are actually performed and configured, but the end result is basically the same. Your food intake and caloric intake will be drastically reduced, and you will lose weight much faster than you ever thought you could. With each surgery, you will only be able to eat very small portions of food at a time or you will vomit.

Whatever type of weight loss surgery you are prescribed or choose, make sure to follow your surgeon’s advice to the letter. Both gastric bypass and gastric band surgery are effective at helping you lose weight, but you must follow the doctor’s guidelines if you want success. Take the time to prepare yourself mentally, and clear your schedule after the fact so you have ample time to heal. Bariatric surgery is serious business and it will only be successful for you if you take it seriously, and take care of your body before and after the procedure.

Get the information you need on gastric bypass, and start your journey towards a new body and a new life.

Get the information you need on gastric bypass, and start your journey towards a new body and a new life.

Author Bio: Get the information you need on gastric bypass, and start your journey towards a new body and a new life.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: gastric bypass, type 2 Diabetes weight loss, type 2 Diabetes treatment, bariatric surgery