Which Bariatric Surgery Is Less Invasive?

The gastric balloon is generally the least invasive bariatric procedure because it does not require abdominal cuts or permanent changes to the stomach. The balloon is inserted into the body via the mouth with the help of endoscopy.  The sleeve gastrectomy is more complicated than a balloon or gastric band. Nevertheless, it is easier than gastric bypass as it doesn’t reroute the intestines. Before making a bariatric surgery recommendation, Dr Naveed Azhar checked each patient at Enfield Royal Clinic Islamabad. The right option will depend on your BMI, health, weight loss goals, eating habits and previous weight loss efforts.

What is “Less Invasive” Bariatric Surgery?

A less invasive bariatric surgery typically would have a smaller or no incision. It can also mean less changes in the digestive tract and a quicker recovery. Less invasive, however, is not always better. When check the choices, keep in mind:

• Abdominal cuts will be required for the procedure or not.
• If stomach tissue is removed or not.
• If the gut rerouting is done or not
• The nature of the treatment ( permanent or temporary )
• Expected recovery time
• Possible complications
• Expected weight loss
• The need for future treatment.

Gastric Balloon | Cost: PKR 300,000 and 450,000: 

One of the most popular weight loss methods that is not a surgical procedure is a gastric balloon. A very thin endoscope is inserted through the mouth into the stomach and a soft balloon is inserted into the stomach. The balloon is then inflated to fill the space.

Due to the stomach’s limited capacity, patients might find that they are fuller after consuming smaller meals. No abdominal cuts and no stomach is taken out.

Advantages

• No surgical cuts
• There are no permanent changes to the stomach.
• Same-day treatment in many cases
• Shorter recovery
• Temporary and removable
• Lower initial cost than surgery

Adjustable Gastric Banding | Cost: PKR 500,000 to 800,000:

Gastric banding is one of the least invasive of the traditional bariatric procedures. The surgeon puts a band on the top part of the stomach. This forms a small pouch and will help the patient feel full earlier.

Stomach tissue does not need to be removed from the band. It can also be modified or eliminated. Today, however, gastric banding is not much used. Band movement, discomfort, swallowing difficulties and poor weight loss are common in some patients. 

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty | Cost: PKR 650,000 to 1,200,000:

Another weight loss surgery is the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG). The doctor inserts an endoscope through the mouth and shrinks the stomach by stitching it from within. No external incisions are made and no stomach tissue is taken out.  Recovery time is typically less for sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass.

ESG can be used in patients who do not wish to undergo surgery or permanent removal of stomach tissue. But it might not work for all patients. It also tends to result in less weight loss than a sleeve gastrectomy surgery.

Sleeve Gastrectomy | Cost: PKR 800,000:

A sleeve gastrectomy is a common form of weight loss surgery in Pakistan. During the operation, the surgeon removes a large part of the stomach. The other part of the stomach is called the narrow sleeve. Sleeve procedures are done in most cases laparoscopically. That is, rather than one large cut, the surgeon makes multiple small ones.

Benefits

• Weight loss that is substantial and long-lasting.
• A band or device that has not been placed in your body.
• No intestinal rerouting
• In many patients, decreased appetite
• Improved health, for some, due to losing weight.

Gastric Bypass | Cost: PKR 550,000 to 700,000:

Gastric bypass surgery is more complicated than gastric balloon treatment, gastric banding, ESG, or the sleeve gastrectomy. It transforms both the stomach and small intestine.

The surgeon makes a small stomach pouch and joins it to one section of the intestine that is lower in the abdomen. This restricts food consumption and alters the nutrients’ absorption process. Selected individuals who suffer from severe obesity, diabetes or any other health issues may be recommended for gastric bypass surgery in Pakistan.

Which Procedures Has the Fastest Recovery?

The recovery time for a gastric balloon is the shortest of all balloon procedures as there are no surgical incisions. A few days for some patients to resume their normal activities. The stomach may cramp, be uncomfortable or have nausea while adjusting.

Another benefit of ESG is that recovery time may be shorter than with the standard surgical procedure. Gastric band, sleeve and bypass surgery will need more recovery time.

What Are the Costs of Bariatric Surgery in Islamabad?

The estimated cost of bariatric surgery in Islamabad, on an average, is between PKR 400,000 and PKR 950,000. The final cost can vary widely depending on the kind of surgical treatment required, the level of complexity of your health issue and the hospital or aesthetic clinic you choose.

Factors That Affect The Overall Cost:

• The chosen procedure
• Surgeon Anesthesia fees
• Medical tests
• Clinic stay
• Medication
• Treatment complexity
• Nutrition support
• Follow-up appointments

Advantages Of Less Invasive Bariatric Procedures:

• They may require no abdominal cuts or only small incisions.
• The recovery period is usually less than what it would be after open surgery.
• Patients might not have as much discomfort after treatment.
• There are no visible surgical scars using an endoscopic approach.
• There might be less risk of complications with the wound.
• Certain procedures are temporary or reversible.
• Patients can return to work quicker.
• Patients might need fewer days in the clinic.
• Endoscopic procedures do not reroute the intestines.

How To Choose The Right Procedure?

• Your actual body mass index and ideal weight range.
• Consider health conditions (such as diabetes or high blood pressure)
• Acid reflux or digestive problems
• Previous abdominal surgery
• The amount of weight you need to lose
• You can choose a temporary or permanent one.
• The effectiveness of following a healthy long-term diet.
• Your willingness to take vitamin supplements.
• The anticipated healing time period
• The potential dangers and advantages of each procedure.

Make an Informed Treatment Decision Near F7!

The gastric balloon is generally the least invasive option because it does not involve cuts or permanent changes. Other endoscopic procedures include ESG, and the least invasive of the traditional surgeries is gastric banding. Sleeve gastrectomy is more invasive, but does not reroute the intestines. Gastric bypass is more complicated and might be recommended if there is a greater metabolic or weight loss benefit. Take a day at Enfield Royal Clinic Islamabad and find out what type of bariatric surgery in Islamabad, Pakistan might be right for you.