As obesity rates continue to climb in the United States, more individuals are turning to weight loss surgery as a significant measure to combat serious health risks associated with severe obesity. Particularly in places like Denver, hospitals are seeing a notable rise in patients opting for bariatric surgery. With weight loss surgery in Denver continuing to increase year over year, we decided to create a short guide for some of the most common surgeries and how they work.
Understanding Your Options for Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery encompasses several procedures designed to help severely obese individuals achieve substantial weight loss by modifying the digestive system’s structure. Each type of surgery has specific mechanisms and benefits, aiming to not only help lose weight but also to improve metabolic functions that affect overall health.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Often called a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, this is one of the most common forms of bariatric surgery. In this surgery, a small pouch is created at the top of the stomach connecting it to the small intestine (bypassing a large portion of the stomach and the first segment of the small intestine). This design dramatically reduces the volume of food the stomach can hold and decreases the absorption of nutrients, which helps with weight loss.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Also called vertical sleeve gastrectomy, this procedure has grown in popularity and is now the most commonly performed weight loss surgery in the United States. It involves removing approximately 80% of the stomach, leaving behind a tube or “sleeve” that can hold much less food. A friend who underwent this surgery described feeling full much quicker than before, which significantly helped reduce their food intake.
Adjustable Gastric Band
For this procedure, an inflatable band is placed around the top portion of the stomach to create a small stomach pouch above the band with a narrow opening to the rest of the stomach. The band’s tightness can be adjusted by injecting the band with saline. While this option is reversible and adjustable, it has decreased in popularity due to the lower overall weight loss compared to other surgeries.
Duodenal Switch
A more complex procedure, the duodenal switch (or Stomach Intestinal Pylorus Sparing Surgery – SIPSS), starts with a sleeve gastrectomy and adds a rearrangement of the small intestine to limit calorie absorption. It’s particularly effective for those with a very high body mass index (BMI) and can lead to superior long-term weight loss.
Key Statistics and Trends
According to the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), the number of bariatric surgeries has been steadily increasing, with gastric sleeve and gastric bypass being the most prevalent. Research shows that bariatric surgery can lead to an average weight loss of 60% of excess body weight within the first year.
States with larger populations like Texas and Florida have a higher number of surgery providers, but on a per capita basis, states like North Dakota lead the way in accessibility to these life-changing procedures. Each year, more Americans are considering these surgeries as the success stories and visibility of their benefits grow.
Conclusion
Weight loss surgery offers a new beginning for many who have struggled with obesity-related health issues. It’s not just about losing weight—it’s about gaining quality of life, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and in many cases, completely transforming one’s lifestyle. Whether it’s gaining the ability to play with grandchildren, walk without pain, or simply enjoy a healthier daily life, the impact of these surgeries extends far beyond physical appearance. As more individuals and healthcare providers recognize the benefits and potential of weight loss surgery, it continues to become a crucial option for those looking for significant, life-altering change.
