What is the difference between a Restrictive Surgical Procedure for Weight Loss and a Malabsorptive Surgical Procedure, and Is There A Procedure that Combines both Methods?
Restrictive procedures only restrict food intake. This restriction takes place through the creation of a small stomach pouch (usually about thumb size). More and more surgeons these days are accomplishing the creation of the pouch via the Lap-Band (click here to read all about the Lap-Band), which requires no opening or stapling of the stomach. Malabsorptive procedures, such as the Biliopancreatic Diversion, involve the removal of about 2/3 of the stomach, and rearrangement of the intestinal tract so that the digestive enzymes are diverted away from the food stream until very late in its passage through the intestine. The effect is to selectively reduce the absorption of fats and starches, while allowing almost-normal absorption of protein and sugars. Although such procedures are quite powerful, patients are subjected to the increased risk of nutrient deficiency in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Vitamin supplements must be taken, intake of fat must be extremely limited, and dietary i
