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Surgical Options

A Lifelong Commitment

Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix – to ensure long-term success, you must be committed to lifelong medical follow-up, daily vitamin supplementation and changes in your eating behaviors. To make this kind of a commitment, you need to be aware of all major risks and possible complications associated with bariatric surgery. Your surgeon will review these risks with you.

Bariatric Surgery Options

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery and adjustable gastric banding both promote long-term weight loss by closing off parts of your stomach to restrict the amount of food you can consume. Each bariatric surgery procedure requires you to follow specific diet restrictions; your appetite and ability to eat certain foods may change. Remember, you'll achieve optimal results by altering your eating habits.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: The surgeon uses staples to separate a small pouch at the top of the stomach from the rest of the organ. A hole is then cut in the pouch and the lower part of the small intestine is rerouted to it. The small pouch serves as the functioning stomach, limiting the amount of food that can be consumed. Food bypasses the lower stomach and upper part of the small intestine and is digested in the lower part of the small intestine. Gastric bypass surgery is a restrictive-malabsorptive procedure because it not only limits the volume of food the patient can eat, but it also leads to decreased absorption of fat and calories, thereby limiting daily caloric intake.

 

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap Band or REALIZE™ Band): This surgical option is a restrictive procedure because it controls the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. A hollow silicone band, placed around the top of the stomach, creates a small pouch and narrow passageway into the rest of the stomach, thereby limiting the amount of food that can pass through.  The band is then inflated with a saline solution. After food enters the pouch, it slowly empties into the rest of the stomach. Liquids pass through the narrow opening created by the band while denser foods are delayed from passing through.

Your surgeon will adjust your band as needed. Patients considering this procedure are carefully screened for dietary habits and preferences, as well as pre-existing gastroesophageal reflux disease.