Our Summary

This study was conducted to compare the benefits of two types of weight loss surgeries: banded sleeve gastrectomy (BSG) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). The researchers studied 236 patients who were, on average, 45.4 years old with a BMI of 47.9. The surgeries took about 96.8 minutes on average, and the patients typically stayed in the hospital for about 5.25 days. After one year, on average, patients had lost about 77.4% of their excess weight. About 11.8% of patients experienced complications from surgery, 5.5% needed another operation, and 0.85% of patients died. However, there’s not a lot of information available about BSG, so it’s hard to fully evaluate its long-term benefits and risks. More studies that follow patients for longer periods of time after surgery are needed to better understand this procedure.

FAQs

  1. What types of weight loss surgeries were compared in this study?
  2. What was the average weight loss for patients one year after their surgery?
  3. What percentage of patients experienced complications from the weight loss surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about obesity surgery is to make sure to follow a healthy diet and exercise plan after surgery to maintain weight loss and overall health. It’s important to work closely with a healthcare team, including a dietitian and psychologist, to ensure long-term success. Regular follow-up appointments and support groups can also be beneficial to help stay on track and address any concerns that may arise. It’s important to remember that surgery is just one tool in the weight loss journey, and making lifestyle changes is essential for long-term success.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for obesity surgery include those who have a BMI greater than 40, or a BMI greater than 35 with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, or heart disease. Patients who have tried other weight loss methods such as diet and exercise without success may also be considered for obesity surgery. Additionally, patients who are motivated and committed to making lifestyle changes post-surgery are good candidates for this type of intervention.

Timeline

Before obesity surgery:

  1. Consultation with a healthcare provider to discuss weight loss surgery options.
  2. Evaluation of medical history, current health status, and potential risks and benefits of surgery.
  3. Pre-operative testing and preparation, such as blood tests, imaging studies, and dietary counseling.
  4. Education on post-operative care, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications.
  5. Psychological evaluation to assess readiness for surgery and potential challenges during recovery.

After obesity surgery:

  1. Hospital stay for the surgery, typically ranging from a few days to a week.
  2. Post-operative recovery period, including pain management, monitoring for complications, and dietary restrictions.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider to monitor weight loss progress, address any concerns, and adjust treatment plans as needed.
  4. Gradual reintroduction of solid foods and regular physical activity to support long-term weight loss success.
  5. Ongoing support from a multidisciplinary healthcare team, including nutritionists, physical therapists, and mental health professionals, to help patients maintain their weight loss and overall health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with obesity surgery?

  2. How long will it take for me to recover from surgery and return to normal activities?

  3. Will I need to make significant changes to my diet and lifestyle after surgery?

  4. What kind of support and follow-up care will I receive after the surgery?

  5. How much weight can I expect to lose and how quickly after the surgery?

  6. Are there any long-term side effects or complications associated with obesity surgery?

  7. How will the surgery impact any existing health conditions I may have?

  8. Are there any alternative treatments or weight loss options I should consider before opting for surgery?

  9. What is the success rate of this type of surgery in terms of long-term weight loss maintenance?

  10. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery and what is your success rate with previous patients?

Reference

Authors: Parmar CD, Efeotor O, Ali A, Sufi P, Mahawar KK. Journal: Obes Surg. 2019 Feb;29(2):698-704. doi: 10.1007/s11695-018-03626-1. PMID: 30552547