Infographics: Weight Loss Surgery Comparison*

Weight Loss Surgery: Which One to Go For?

Often a patient gets puzzled over the variety of weight loss surgeries available, therefore it is good to know what are the differences and similarities of surgeries in order to get a broader picture. The main surgeries performed worldwide are Gastric Bypass Roux-en-Y (GBR)Gastric Band and Gastric Sleeve.

Surgery time and hospitalization

Firstly, there is a difference in time. It takes approximately 1.30 hour to perform Gastric Bypass, while 40 minutes for Gastric Band and 2 hours for Gastric Sleeve. Hospitalization also differs slightly. Usually a patient is advised to stay for 2 days after Gastric Bypass, 1 day after Gastric Band and 3 days after Gastric Sleeve. However, bear in mind that the surgery time and hospital stay may vary due to a number of reasons such as hospital policy or surgeon approach.

Advantages and possible disadvantages

Who qualify for gastric surgery?

Usually, a person whose BMI ranges from 35 is a suitable candidate for gastric surgery. However, if a person has diabetes II then from 30 BMI.  In general weight loss surgery is performed to a  person ho has obesity related disorders negatively impacting his health, is in good psychological state and did not manage to lose weight in any other ways.

So how much weight do you loose?

After gastric bypass, in 6 months a person loses approximately around 54%, in 1 year – 72%, after 2 years – 75 % and after 3 years – 72%. After gastric band accordingly, 35%, 45%, 56% and 58%. After gastric sleeve – 46%, 56%, 68% and 75%.

Obesity is a growing concern worldwide. For instance, in UK 23 % of population was obese in 2009 and 34% in US. In UK 1 weight loss surgery per 10,000 residents is performed, while in US 7 surgeries.  NHS statistics show that the most popular gastric surgery performed in UK in 2010, was Gastric Bypass, making 58% percent of all surgeries, while gastric band stood at 19% and other 23%.

Of course, before deciding which gastric surgery to have you should consult your doctor and make a decision only after a through research.