After my friend Nikki got weight loss surgery, I found out that there are a bunch of different surgeries.
Below is an illustration of a natural stomach. Scroll down for illustrations of three common and six less-common bariatric (weight loss) surgeries.
The Most Common Weight Loss Surgeries |
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In a Gastric Bypass operation, all but the very top section of the stomach is bypassed. A portion of small intestines is used to re-route the food. |
A Gastric Sleeve is the removal of a large portion of the stomach, leaving a banana-shaped stomach. |
An inflatable silicone device is placed around the top portion of the stomach. The patient feels full when the top portion of her stomach is filled. |
Less Common Weight Loss Surgeries |
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Gastric Carpool surgery adds a special new tunnel, which allows high-calorie food a quick trip past the nutritional-absorption points in the stomach wall. |
Gastric Bowtie surgery uses a crisp knot in the duodenum to restrict the flow of unneeded food. |
The Gastric Button surgery uses an oversized coat button to divide and restrict the volume of the stomach. If necessary, a second button can be affixed to the patient's mouth. |
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The Gastric Escher procedure creates a gastrointestinal illusion, tricking the patient into thinking he is continuously eating. |
The Gastric Labyrinth creates a maze of twisty little passages, all alike. Only a small portion of food ever exits the stomach. |
An extreme, though temporary measure involves removal of any large meal, such as one from Chipotle, through a long opening with a surgical-grade Ziplock seal. |
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