| Bariatric Surgery.info Types of Malabsorptive Weight Loss Surgery |
Gastric bypass operations to limit calorie
and nutrient absorption |
Malabsorptive Bariatric Weight Loss SurgeryMalabsorption operations, also referred to as gastric bypass surgery, combine stomach-shrinking with a redirection of the digestive process. They are called "malabsorptive" because they cause poor absorption of nutrients and calories. Malabsorptive surgeries are typically more serious procedures that involve major and permanent lifestyle changes. In return, they offer more effective and longer-term weight loss, with less weight regain. Types of Malabsorptive SurgeryThere are several variants of gastric bypass, such as Roux-en-Y, Biliopancreatic Diversion, Fobi Pouch and Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch. However, all these procedures have the same bariatric aim - to redesign the anatomy of the normal digestive process in the stomach and intestines to reduce both food intake AND the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs. This typically leads to significant weight reduction, at a cost of lifetime nutritional supplementation. How Malabsorptive Surgery WorksGastric bypass surgery typically involves (1) Stapling the stomach to reduce its size (not unlike vertical banded gastroplasty) and then (2) Bypassing the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). This is typically achieved by either connecting the small stomach pouch to the lower part of the small intestine. Alternatively, bariatric surgeons permit the food to progress directly into the duodenum as normal and then divert it via a bypass to the final part of the duodenum. Other bypass methods divert the bile and pancreatic juices so they join the ingested food nearer the middle or the end of the small intestine. New surgical techniques to refine gastric bypass and reduce complications are constantly being tested and employed, to alleviate patient difficulties. See also: ------------------------------------------------ Gastric Bypass Bariatric Information |