There are numerous studies over
the past few decades that reiterate
the positive points of Obesity and
Metabolic Surgery. It’s ability to
provide a relatively more sustainable
weight loss over a longer period of
time, improvement in quality of life
and weight-related comorbidities
namely Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus are
among a few to boast. However, as
with any invasive procedure, Obesity
and Metabolic Surgery is not free of
possible complication risks, the main
reason for which there has been a major
push for improvements in efficacy and
innovation for better and safer surgical
weight loss options. In the era of
“healthcare at your fingertips”, a simple
Google search will be able to enlighten
just anyone on the available options
making it possible for an individual
to “negotiate” or “bargain” with their
surgeon before making a final decision.
The four most well researched and
documented weight loss procedures
are Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
(LSG), Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y gastric
Bypass (LRYGB), Biliopancreatic
Diversion (BPD) and Laparoscopic
Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB)
(Buchwald et al. 2004). Look a little
closer and you will not be able to turn
away from being a tad bit curious about
a few “new kids on the block” such
as Laparoscopic Mini Gastric Bypass,
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy with
Proximal Jejunal Bypass, Laparoscopic
Banded Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass and
some of the less invasive endoluminal
procedures including a recent FDA
approved percutaneous aspiration
device called Aspire Assist that has
garnered much interest as well as
criticism at the same time (Lee et
al. 2014; Kumar 2016; Forssell &
Norén 2015). Surgeons from all over
the world, their institutions, and the
supporting industry laud the excitement
surrounding innovation in Obesity and
Metabolic Surgery. A sentiment shared
by consumers who perceive “new” as
synonymous with improved.