TYPES OF BARIATRIC SURGERY

TYPES OF BARIATRIC SURGERY

Which Weight Loss Surgery is Right for You?

Let’s talk about the most popular bariatric surgery options – their differences, benefits, and why some have become less common over time.

 

🧩 Why Gastric Band Surgery Has Lost Popularity

Gastric banding was once the go-to option for weight loss surgery worldwide. This procedure involves placing an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch. It limits how much you can eat and helps you feel full sooner. The band is adjusted regularly via a port placed under the skin, using saline.

Over time, gastric banding has shown lower long-term success compared to other bariatric surgery options. Here’s why:

  • High risk of complications like band slippage, deflation, or infection
  • The band often needs to be removed after a few years
  • Many patients regain the lost weight after the band removal

Because of this, gastric banding has declined in popularity, especially when compared to more effective options like gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery.

At Sigulda Hospital, our bariatric surgeons no longer perform gastric band surgeries due to these concerns. However, about 50% of patients still report satisfaction with their results for many years.

🧩 Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy) – The Most Physiological of All Types of Bariatric Surgery

The gastric sleeve – or vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) – behind gastric bypass is currently one of the most popular types of bariatric surgery worldwide.

During this procedure, 75–85% of the stomach is permanently removed, leaving a narrow, sleeve-shaped stomach. Unlike gastric banding, there’s no foreign object placed inside your body. And unlike gastric bypass, there’s no malabsorption – your body still absorbs nutrients normally.

✅ Effective weight loss
✅ Lower risk of complications
✅ No implants or foreign material
✅ No intestinal rerouting

Still, not every patient is best suited for a sleeve. Your surgeon will advise you based on your unique health profile.

👉 Read more about gastric sleeve surgery here.

🧩 Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y) – The Gold Standard In Bariatric Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery (RNY) is often called the gold standard of bariatric surgery – and for good reason.

In this procedure, a small stomach pouch is created and connected directly to the middle portion of small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper part of small bowel (Duodenum). This reduces food intake (restriction) and the absorption of calories (malabsorption).

✅ Fast and sustained weight loss
✅  Helps improve or even resolve type 2 diabetes
✅  Highly effective for GERD and other health conditions
✅  Recommended especially for patients with BMI over 40, or lower with serious co-morbidities like Type 2 Diabetes

👉 Read more about gastric bypass surgery here.

🧩 Other Bariatric Surgery Options

There are also several other options available depending on your specific needs and health conditions:

Each of these has its own indications, benefits, and potential risks. Bariatric surgery is a powerful tool – but it works best when chosen carefully and combined with long-term lifestyle changes.

 Which Surgery Is Best for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best weight loss surgery for you depends on many factors – your health history, lifestyle, eating habits, and existing medical conditions.

With Weight Loss Latvia, your surgeon Dr Olegs Kozlovskis will guide you through the options and recommend the most effective and safe solution based on your personal health profile.

Please feel free to contact us for questions and consultation!